Annabel: first day of school in 2018 and eight years later
In 2018, an ERR photographer captured an emotional photo of first-grader Annabel at the Tallinn Old Town Educational College. Eight years later, as she starts her final year of basic school, a new photo has been taken.
On September 1, 2018, Aurelia Mineva, then a photographer for the ERR portal, took a vivid photograph at the Old Town Educational College (VHK) of first-grader Annabel Ellost. The image, which sincerely captured the child's joy, became one of the outlet's best shots.
With the consent of Annabel and her parents, ERR photographer Siim Lõvi took a new photo eight years later, as Annabel entered her final year of basic school.
Memories of the first school day
Annabel said that at the moment the first photo was taken, she felt great excitement about meeting new friends. Little about the school itself frightened her, except that having to concentrate was initially unfamiliar. Still, she said she managed to handle it well.
She recalled being very curious about what new company awaited her, and happy about the chance to make new friends and have a teacher.
Eight years on
Now Annabel says she truly found friends over the years. She described her class as very close-knit and said she likes having studied only in a class of girls the whole time. She explained that studying alongside boys might have made her feel judged or thought of poorly, whereas with girls she feels a sense of equality and safety in her class.
After finishing ninth grade, Annabel hopes to continue her education at VHK, adding that education is important and one cannot do without it.
