30-Year High School Reunion
As I write this, I’m coming down from a weekend that included attendance at my 30-year high school reunion. I’ve gone to all my reunions so far, but this is the one that felt different. Is 30 years too far removed? Is this really how I wanted to spend my Friday night?
Deciding Factors
There were a couple of deciding factors…
- I go to ‘networking’ events frequently with total randos, and I always seem to meet someone interesting. These events are typically based on a thing we hold in common. The truth is that no matter how much time goes by, I will always hold something in common with these people: the place where we grew up.
- There also seemed to be some outcry from our class president that if the minimum tickets weren’t sold, they’d have to cancel. Having experienced cancelling workshops and events for the same reason, my heartstrings were tugged.
- My husband (who I went to high school with, and no, we were not high school sweethearts) didn’t want to go. I checked in with my besties from high school and got…
- I can’t
- Another I can’t, but it sounded like a good idea when we were 5 beers in
- That’s happening?
- I’ll go if you go – SOLD.
So we bought our tickets as each other’s dates. As time progressed, our husbands decided to join us. So if nothing else, it would be a fun double date at a cool venue in our hometown that, 30 years ago, was an abandoned factory.
Four Friends
One thing that felt very different was the process of getting ready. No fancy dress. I had washed my hair the previous day, so it was good enough. Jeans and a sweater with minimal makeup would do. It’s a relief to be a card-carrying member of the we do not care club.
My friend, who is way more put together than I could ever hope to be, took the same approach – good.
As we walked in, we were challenged to find our nametags, which were cutouts of our yearbook photos – cute. The first hour felt awkward. I sort of recognized people. Some looked exactly the same, others I could not place. I found myself strangely nervous – what do I possibly have to say to any of these people?
Liquid Encouragement
The four of us stuck together and hid at our table for a bit while we enjoyed our drinks and pizza. So this would be a fun double date.
But if there is one cure for awkwardness that we did not have at high school dances, we have it now – ALCOHOL.
Many people talk about their inner child. You are more likely to find me talking about my inner shit show. Just when I think I have that part of me under control, she reminds me of how much more fun I will be if I let the alcohol take over. On this particular night, I won’t say that I let her win. But it did feel like we worked together in a powerful partnership.
Three drinks in, and it felt like things were opening up. It became ok to admit who you didn’t remember. It became okay to talk about the most random memories from 8th-grade math class. Hugs started to be given. People had strange and powerful affiliations with their elementary school. In the 80s, there were 9 in the town where I grew up. Today, there are fewer. Mine is still standing and was particularly small. So it was somewhat touching to see the middle-aged faces of those whom I’ve literally known since the Reagan administration.
That Night…
There were a few moments throughout the night where I felt somewhat proud and, if nothing else, validated. A handful of people approached me to say how much they enjoyed my silly social media videos.
My videos?! People actually watch this shit?
I had no idea the impact I’ve had, and perhaps I needed to hear this to keep going. I’ve written before about the challenges of my digital presence as a business owner. I was always ok with social media when it was fun. Dog pics. Vacation pics. The occasional annoying food pics. But living by the rules of algorithms and engagement takes the fun out of it for me. These moments made me realize it’s the impact that matters.
It’s a reminder that, as young GenXers, we didn’t have any of this stuff until our early 30s, and it will always feel somewhat unnatural. We may hesitate to engage in the digital world, but if given the chance, we will engage in the real world, and that feels better than anything.
My Senior Quote
“The unique are light in a dull world.”
So 90s EMO.
Let your light shine, 95.
You matter.
And you’ve helped me to realize that I do too.
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