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18 inspiring back-to-school quotes to live by

The start of the school year can conjure up a lot of emotions — so, sometimes a mini pep-talk is a must. Whether your kids are heading back to school or you’re a teacher starting a fresh school year, here are 18 back-to-school quotes that will brighten your day and whet your education appetite.

1. “One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai

Everyone has that one teacher — or, if they’re lucky, a few teachers — who helped unlock their potential and changed the way they see the world. Magical!

2. “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.” — Oprah Winfrey

No matter where you come from or what your situation is, education — in any form — can completely change your world and broaden your horizons.

3. “You have to go to college. You have to get your degree. Because that̵7;s the one thing people can̵7;t take away from you is your education. And it is worth the investment.” — Michelle Obama

Have a child who isn’t jazzed about the first day of school? (Or the many school days that follow?) Try to remind them that, as “boring” as it may seem to them now, it will be worth it in the end. It’s something they’ll have forever.

4. “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” ― Margaret Mead

The very best teachers strive to teach kids how to figure out the answers, not just how to memorize them.

5. “This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.̶1; — Taylor Swift

There’s always a chance to start over — especially at the beginning of the school year.

6. “I’m not going to school just for the academics. I wanted to share ideas, to be around people who are passionate about learning.” — Emma Watson

Even for kids who don’t love the “learning” part of school, it’s important to remember that school is about so much more than homework, tests and teachers. It’s also about the people they interact with and the relationships they form.

7. “Work hard, nap hard.” — Demi Lovato

As far as funny quotes about school go, this one from Demi Lovato is pretty hard to top. Whether she was taking a break from schoolwork or song-writing, one thing is hard to argue with: A well-rested student is a happier student.

8. “When we empower girls hungry for education, we cultivate women who are emboldened to effect change within their communities and globally.” — Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex

When a young girl is thirsty for knowledge, embrace it. She’ll go on to do great things for the world.

9. “All I have learned, I learned from books.” ― Abraham Lincoln

When we teach kids a love of books and reading, we give them a great gift.

10. “I loved school so much that most of my classmates considered me a dork.” — Natalie Portman

Never let anyone else’s opinion about school affect your opinion of school. Liking school is cool!

Take it from super successful, Harvard-educated Natalie Portman.

11. “Don̵7;t try so hard to fit in, and certainly don̵7;t try so hard to be different … just try hard to be you.” — Zendaya

Here’s the perfect back to school reminder to help kids deal with peer pressure: Trying to be something you’re not is never easy — or fun. And it makes school so much more exhausting!

12. “At school, nobody thought I was smart, and I became smart. Nobody wanted to be my friend, and then I had lots of friends.” — Rebel Wilson

If things are ever rough at school, keep in mind that things can — and often do — change on a dime. One day you may not enjoy a subject or a classmate, and the next, poof! You do!

13. “Be curious, not cool.” — Ken Burns

When documentary filmmaker Ken Burns gave the commencement speech to the 2016 graduating class of Stanford, it was those four words that resonated most. If you’re more worried about trying to appear a certain way to people, you’ll be exhausted. If you ask questions — in and out of the classroom — you’ll be smarter.

14. “A good education is a foundation for a better future.” — Elizabeth Warren

Even though it can be hard when you’re in it, a good education is never a waste of time.

15. “In a global economy, where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity, it is a prerequisite.” — Barack Obama

If you’re not a huge fan of school right now, it’s OK. But you have to stick with it, ultimately find something you like and pursue it. Because the lessons you learn at school — in and out of the classroom — will pave the way like no other.

16. “What was previously perceived as nerdy is now viewed as original. What I like about nerdiness, geekiness, is it doesn̵7;t really matter what you̵7;re into. It just means you̵7;re not a follower.”  — Kristen Bell

Sometimes, it can be hard not to desperately want to fit in at school. But ultimately, the coolest — and truest — thing you can do for yourself is to foster your own likes and interests. Because, as we all know, school is finite.

17. “If you think your teacher is tough, wait ‘til you get a boss.” — Bill Gates

Sure, teachers can be hard, but guess what? So are bosses!

18. “Belonging starts with self-acceptance … Believing that you̵7;re enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect.” — Brene Brown

Again, wanting to fit in at school and with friends is only natural, but in order to truly belong — which is different than just “fitting in” — you have to love and be true to yourself.