Picture Day? If you’re like me, those words might make you jump out of your skin. Since we all experienced the occasion this week, I thought it would be good to reflect on the jitters of having that one picture taken that lasts the whole year. This can be a very scary experience for students of all ages.

Many think, oh it’s only one picture! You don’t have to worry about it. But really, that one picture is a big deal. That picture is hung up in your kitchen for the next year until you take another one. That picture is handed out to all of your relatives. That picture is put in your scrapbook to last as a memory forever. That  picture is what you see every time you log on to school tool. That picture is put in the yearbook and will haunt you every time you turn the corner to walk down the hallway. So really, that picture is a big deal. So every year, you practice by looking in the mirror to try and see what your best smile will be. For me, smiling hasn’t been something that came easy. My front teeth made me look like a beaver for all of my elementary pictures. Then, I got braces and they didn’t really help my cause of picture taking, because I just looked like a nerd. So, I would try not to open my mouth and give a big smile, because I was too embarrassed. But the photographer always finds a way to make you show those pearly whites. Usually It’s the, “say cheese,” trick that gets me every time. Then my plan of keeping my mouth closed is completely foiled. But, this year I had my braces off. I still have to wear a retainer all the time until February, but that is removable. I thought to myself that maybe this is finally the year that I master that perfect smile that comes so easily to certain kids. So, I fixed my hair, took out my retainer, and walked up to the green screen where the photographer took my picture. I tried to smile the best I could and make sure I didn’t look like I was biting my tongue. I didn’t get to see the picture yet, but I think that it came out pretty good. But, based on my past history of picture taking, my chances of having a good school picture are pretty slim.

Now that picture day is over the stress is over, but many await that picture to show up during home room. But wait is all we can do, for the picture that may haunt us for years to come.