What are these simple, unpolished photos?
This was my road to school. In fact, the last photo is of my school itself.
It is in my village of – at its peak, back in the day – 500 people.
I’d take this road for eight years.
I’d cross a small park, walk across this wooden bridge over a tiny stream, quickly cross a cemetery (a scary concept for some, but not for children who use it as the quickest way to school each morning), and then my school would appear.
The first of September is always the start of the new school year in Lithuania.
As a nerdy child, I’d love it: the excitement of getting new books from the library, the smell of that crispy air in the morning, even the dilemmas of “Which notebook should I choose for which subject?”
And every September, no matter what country I’m in, I think about it.
The excitement, the joy of learning, and the constant fueling of one’s curiosity are not just for schoolchildren, nor are they only for September.
But what I’m thinking about today is this:
I hope you actively seek and keep this element in your life.
I hope you support educators and children’s well-being. I hope you put conscious effort into creating systems that keep children safe. I hope you speak out against oppressive systems and regimes that harm children.
I hope your inner children are proud of the adult you are choosing to be ❤️
Happy First of September,
Justina
PS. If you find value in my work, I invite you to support it by inviting me to a virtual coffee or becoming a monthly supporter ☕
I always want to invite you to a community call on September 17, 2026.
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