Old school advice for new school days from Summerset Seniors in Lincoln

It’s back-to-school time in Lincoln, and and while kids are busy picking backpacks and figuring out if Crocs are still cool (jury’s out), our residents at Summerset Senior Living are throwing it way back to their own school days.

No tablets. No TikTok. Just pencils, paper and the occasional bologna sandwich.

We asked them to share what they remember, what they’d bring back and what they think today’s students need to hear. Buckle up. The class of “way back when” has opinions:

Real talk from the hallways of yesteryear

Least favorite subject?

“Math.” – Orlene

“Reading. I had no patience.” – Yvonne

What got you sent to the principal?

“Kissing. Yep” – Yvonne

“Talking back to the teacher.” – George

“I played it safe.” – Richard

What do students today have way too much of?

“Soda.” – George

“Cell phones. Put them down and look up!” – Orlene

“Free time and screen time.” – Richard

Silliest rule back then?

“No gum. Big deal.” – George

“Strict dress codes. Let the kids be.” – Richard

“No kissing. We found ways around it.” – Yvonne

School lunch memories?

“Mac and cheese. It was awful.” – Yvonne

“Mom packed sandwiches. Every time.” – Richard

Advice you didn’t ask for—but probably need

Wish someone told you this on Day One:

“Listen to your teachers.” – George

“Behave.” – Yvonne

“Just show up and try.” – Orlene

To the nervous kid starting school:

“You’ll be fine. Fake it till you make it.”– Yvonne

“Power through. Then go home and nap.” – Orlene

What should schools still be teaching?

“Home Ec. Learn to cook something besides toast.” – George

“Computer skills.” – Richard

“Life stuff. Like how to iron.” – Yvonne

To the kid struggling to fit in:

“Do what the teacher says. You’ll survive.” – Richard

“Being different makes you interesting.” – Yvonne

Still using what you learned?

“Math skills … come in handy during Uno.” – Richard

“Math. Way more useful than I thought.” – George

How they handled failure:

“Move on. No time to sulk.” – Orlene

“Laugh at it. It’s just school.” – Yvonne