Lessons From a High-School Reunion

I wasn't sure I wanted to go to my high school reunion. As my angst-filled journals can attest, high school was not a high point in my life—as it wouldn't be for any overly sensitive girl who hadn't yet embraced her inner geek, who tried desperately but never felt like she fit in. So why would I revisit it? I found myself asking that very same question as I pulled into the parking lot, hands shaking, with an overwhelming urge to turn the car around.

But in the end, I'm glad that I didn't run screaming. Because now that I've survived both high school and the 20-year reunion, I've lived to tell you what I learned.

1. You will second guess your decision to drink like a college student at a high school reunion. I figured a gin and tonic was the perfect way to calm my nerves—but quickly found myself testing my tolerance in ways I haven't since I won a drinking contest in an Aruban nightclub. Better advice? A (doctor-prescribed) valium—especially if you have a long car ride with small children ahead of you the following day.

2. You won't need to fret about the 20 pounds you gained in the 20 years since high school. There were a few people who somehow managed to keep the sleek physiques they had in high school, but the majority of my former classmates (myself included) would have a hard time fitting into their prom dresses or acid-washed jeans.

3. You may find closure. If you have unresolved issues with particular high school classmates, you may discover that seeing them in person makes those issues suddenly melt away.

4. Someone will definitely surprise you. It may be that the kid you thought wouldn't amount to anything is suddenly super successful with a fabulous life. It may be that the person who ruled the school became a loser after graduation. Or you may have a great conversation with someone who didn't give you the time of day in high school, but could become your best friend down the line. But you won't know if you don't go. 

5. You'll be amazed how many people found their mates at high school. Or at least, I was amazed how many, given the size of my school.

6. You'll discover that, for the most part, everyone turned out okay in the end. Granted, the nonattendees could all be homeless and/or living in their parents' basements. But the people who came were all doing well: We had teachers, an architect, an author, a college administrator, a doctor and a seemingly unending supply of nurses in attendance—and a lot of people with happy marriages and happy kids. (Or at least, that's what they were telling us!) 

Happy 20 year, class of 1990—I'm glad I went.

Comments

[rc helicopter reviews]

Impressive blog! -Arron

[Heather (Metzger) Kennedy]

A very interesting read, Lisa, especially as an equally angst-filled graduate from the class of 1992 from CH. I don't even know if we'll be having a 20-year-reunion... I'm not sure WHO would organize it... And if we do, I'll keep your words in mind when deciding whether or not I'll attend.

[Julie]

I went to mine too and I couldn't have said it better myself. My surprise - that the girls who thought they were too good to talk to me then, still thought that way! Even after 20 years, some people never grow up.

[Kara]

This is great, Lisa. I -- who as you know also was/is overly sensitive and a geek -- will be attempting this high school reunion thing in August. Wish me luck.

[KJ]

Very nice :-)