This weekend marks my 20th high school reunion—a milestone I mention to others for simplicity’s sake. However, calling it just high school doesn’t quite capture the essence of our experience; my class of 100 spent an entire 12 years together.
When you share that much time with people, it’s more than just high school; it’s a shared childhood. You remember walking down the long hallways on the first day of first grade, trying to mask your nerves. You lose teeth, get chased on the playground, and yes, even experience the joys of lice. You learn to curse, endure braces, and sometimes feel the sting of exclusion.
You navigate your first crush, weather awkward hairstyles, and embrace every fashion trend—remember that phase when girls wore ties? Thankfully, my mother preserved a photo to remind me! You celebrate the removal of braces, get your ears pierced, and deal with acne and glasses, all while falling in love again.
The power of words becomes apparent as you gossip and discover the heartache of being the subject of conversation. You pass notes, only to cringe when a teacher reads them aloud. You craft collages, create mixtapes, and fill each other’s yearbooks with memories.
Together, you learn bravery and take risks, whether it’s auditioning for a play, defending your beliefs, or simply asking for help. You indulge in forbidden music and experience your first taste of alcohol, feeling older than you truly are.
You uncover truths you weren’t ready for—Santa isn’t real, you’re not invincible, and your parents don’t have all the answers. Friends, too, are fallible, leading to moments of rejection and heartbreak from loved ones, coaches, and even college admissions.
You also discover the sweet taste of success—getting an A, scoring the game-winning goal, or being elected to a position. Graduation arrives with promises of eternal friendship, some of which hold true.
Two decades later, as you gather with familiar faces—some seen regularly, others not for years—you recall these shared experiences. You see not only who they have become but also who you were: the child, the adolescent, the teenager who grew up alongside them.
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In summary, the bonds forged during those formative years linger long after graduation, marking a journey of growth, discovery, and nostalgia.