PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked young people how they felt about going back to school?

Jerod Talley, 12, of Cape Girardeau, "I don't feel real happy about it. It's been a real short summer. I feel pretty happy because I'm going to a new school, Schultz. I've been in my last school since kindergarten. I had alot of friends in sixth grade, so I'm not worried about making new friends."

Amy Schroeder, 19, of Cape Girardeau, "I'm looking forward to it. I'm a veterinarian student at Southeast. I want to get my career moving. I'm taking prepartory science courses. I like that. The professors have been pretty good, so far."

Jodi Miller, 10, of Cape Girardeau, "Well, I kind of want to go back to school. I want to meet my teacher, do some work, and see my friends. It's going to be a little harder than last year."

Heather Brown, 4, of Cape Girardeau, "I'm going to a new school with Danielle, she's my friend. It's Bell City Head Start. We learn our letters and, yeah, meet new friends. We'll play."

Mayakka Ray, 8, of Cape Girardeau, "I'm not too excited. Yeah, a little scared. I'm going to the same school, Washington. I'm going to have a new teacher and the work is going to kind of harder."

Jennifer Bracken, 10, of Cape Girardeau, "It's my birthday. I'm excited about going back. I'm going to have to do work with a stricter teacher this year. The work will be harder with a new teacher."