Jayceon's First Day of First Grade

    By Arlando Bess

    Jayceon's First Day of First Grade cover image

    25 Aug, 2024

    a boy in a school uniform is standing in a room with other boys in the background and a backpack on his shoulder, american scene painting, concept art, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Jayceon was both excited and nervous about his first day of first grade. He held his new lunchbox tightly, waiting for the school bus.

    a black woman hugging a child in a room with a window and a desk in the background, with a picture of a boy on the wall, harlem renaissance, concept art, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    His mom gave him a big hug, 'You'll have a great day, sweetheart', she said, kissing his forehead.

    a cartoon girl standing in front of a school bus with her arms crossed and smiling at the camera, with a group of children in the background, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Alexis Simon Belle, official art

    As Jayceon climbed onto the school bus, he found a seat next to a friendly-looking girl with a ponytail.

    two young girls standing in front of a school bus talking to each other in front of a bus full of people, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, disney, official art

    The girl introduced herself as Lily, and they quickly became friends, chatting about their favorite toys and cartoons.

    a couple of kids standing next to each other in a hallway of a school building with a few children, paris school, a stock photo, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, official art

    Once at school, Jayceon and Lily stuck together, helping each other find their classroom amidst the chaos.

    a cartoon of a girl in a classroom with her arms crossed and smiling at the camera with other children, quito school, concept art, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    Their teacher, Miss Johnson, welcomed them warmly, her smile easing Jayceon's nerves a bit.

    a cartoon of a girl in a classroom with other children in the background and a teacher in the foreground, northwest school, a character portrait, Constance Gordon-Cumming, official art

    Jayceon took his seat in the front row, next to Lily. Miss Johnson started the lesson, and he listened carefully.

    a cartoon of a boy in a classroom with other children in the background and a chalkboard with a drawing of a man on it, afrofuturism, concept art, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    Throughout the day, Jayceon participated in various activities. He colored, learned new words, and even played a fun math game.

    a couple of kids sitting on top of a bench next to each other on a park bench in front of a school, harlem renaissance, a storybook illustration, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, official art

    At lunchtime, Jayceon and Lily sat together, sharing their sandwiches and talking about their morning experiences.

    a cartoon of a boy in a school uniform playing in a playground with other children in the background and a playground with a play structure, paris school, a storybook illustration, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    After lunch, they played on the swings, their laughter filling the air. Jayceon was starting to enjoy his first day.

    a group of children sitting in a classroom with a teacher in the background reading a book and a third child standing in the front of the room, harlem renaissance, a storybook illustration, Ella Guru, official art

    In the afternoon, Miss Johnson read them a story about a brave knight. Jayceon listened, completely captivated by the tale.

    a cartoon of a boy sitting at a desk in a classroom with other children in the background and a teacher in the foreground, quito school, concept art, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    When the story ended, Jayceon decided he wanted to be brave like the knight. He no longer felt scared.

    a painting of two girls standing in front of a bus with school children on the side of the bus, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, official art

    At the end of the day, Jayceon and Lily climbed onto the bus, talking about their favorite parts of the day.

    a group of children standing on a train next to each other with their arms crossed and looking at the camera, afrofuturism, concept art, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, official art

    As Jayceon looked out of the bus window, he realized he was looking forward to coming back to school the next day.

    a cartoon of a mother and son in a room with a window and a desk with a flower arrangement, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    When Jayceon got home, his mom hugged him tightly. 'How was your day?' she asked, her eyes full of curiosity.

    a couple of people that are sitting in a room together with a desk and a chair in front of them, sots art, concept art, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    Jayceon shared all about his day, his new friend Lily, and how he wanted to be brave like the knight in the story.

    a cartoon of a young black girl sitting on a bed in a bedroom with a flowered comforter, american scene painting, a character portrait, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    After dinner, Jayceon's mom tucked him into bed. 'I'm proud of you, Jayceon,' she said, kissing his forehead.

    a cartoon boy in a blue shirt is sitting on a bed and writing in a book with a pen, sots art, concept art, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    Jayceon, with a smile on his face, closed his eyes. His first day of first grade had been a success.

    a cartoon boy with a backpack standing in a bedroom with a bed and a dresser with pictures on the wall, american scene painting, a character portrait, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    The next morning, Jayceon woke up excited. He put on his school uniform, ready to face another day.

    a couple of people standing next to each other on a street near a bus stop and a bus parked, afrofuturism, concept art, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

    As he waited for the school bus, his mom gave him a big hug. 'Have a great day, sweetheart,' she said, just like the day before.

    a boy and girl are standing in front of a school bus on the street, with a boy in a blue shirt and tie, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    With a wave and a smile, Jayceon climbed onto the bus. He was ready for his second day of first grade.

    a boy with a backpack standing in front of a school bus on a street with a boy standing next to him, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Everett Warner, official art

    As the bus drove away, Jayceon knew he had many more exciting days ahead. He was ready to make the most of them.

    Jayceon's First Day of First Grade