Some people leave high school and never look back. For some, it was the high point of their lives — playing sports, taking part in homecoming, participating in social clubs and activities, making life-long friends, etc. For others, they never want to think about high school again. It’s clear that high school reunions create mixed feelings and emotions for people and so many opt not to attend theirs — whether it’s facing the old you, opening old wounds, or just not having any interest in seeing people from that time in your life.
I fall into the group of wanting to attend. I was part of the “cool kids club.” I played softball and was on the homecoming court. I loved my time in high school and have very fond memories from some of the best days of my life. But I know that’s not everyone’s experience. I’ve attended all three of my milestone anniversaries: 10, 20, and most recently 30 — and each time is a remarkable event.
Thirty years ago feels like eons ago and just yesterday at the same time. This one hit differently. Thirty years! I hate to admit I am that far removed from high school, but I am.
I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. My brother and I went to the three schools we were zoned for, all within a few miles of our house. Many of the kids started in kindergarten together and graduated as seniors together, so we spent the majority of our lives around the same circle. We spent nights together, weekends, and sometimes weeks over the summer. We got to know each other’s parents, siblings, pets, and neighbors.
I’m still very close with a handful of friends from elementary, middle, and high school. I stayed with my best friend from middle school for the reunion weekend which was a trip down memory lane. I see her a few times a year, but this time was different. We laughed about old times, looked through old photos, and panic-shopped for outfits before the big event.
Part of the allure was knowing in advance who was planning to attend. Our hosts did a great job of posting the guest list in advance, so we knew who we had the potential to run into. It helped with a little of the nervous jitters, to be honest. There were several people I really wanted to see. And others, I could do without. That’s the beauty of it; you can talk to whoever you want at these things. We are at the age when you don’t have to fake it like we may have done back then. You can just be cordial and move on.
Our event was a weekend affair and was open to graduating classes 1990–1995 which was a bonus because I had close friends in other classes. Friday afternoon was a tour of our high school (I didn’t do this) followed by drinks on the beach, with beach festivities for friends and families on Saturday, and then a more formal, evening sit-down dinner, with a dance floor, of course, and hits from the 1990s. We were only planning to attend the Friday night casual gathering but after having such a fun night reconnecting with our former classmates and running into a few we weren’t expecting to see who were planning to go Saturday night, we decided to attend both nights. I’m glad we did because it was a different crowd and vibe the second night — I got emotional for a minute seeing a few people who held such a special place in my heart back then. Man, how had 30 years passed?!
Thanks to social media, it wasn’t the first time seeing many of these people again. It made it less awkward knowing a little about them to make small talk easier. For others, they have been off the radar, and it was fun to see an old face that you used to know so well and be able to catch up with. It was fun to hear what people are doing in their careers, where they live, what they’ve been up to over the years, how their families are, etc. And it was fun to share my story with them.
I admit, my high school reunion was a great weekend. I reconnected with a few people who I hope to stay in touch with. I got to spend a few days in my hometown, which always makes me happy. And anytime I can be with my BFF of 40+ years is always a good time.
If you’re contemplating attending your high school reunion, I strongly recommend going. You can always leave if it’s not for you, and you’ll probably know right away. But you can’t go back in time the moment has passed.
Looking forward to our 40th!
