I know 1989 was 20 years ago, but from the constant hugs, huge smiles, and squeals of delight at seeing each other, you’d have never known it. My 20th high school reunion was last night, and what a fun time it was.
Last year, when I first thought about going to my 20th reunion, I was quite anxious. I hadn’t gone to any of the previous reunions, mostly because I didn’t think enough had happened in my life to warrant it. I mean, at 5 years I was still in my credential program, so how much had changed? At 10 years I was too busy working at Yahoo, and feeling a bit down about life because I didn’t have a boyfriend/husband to bring. But I knew that I had to go to my 20th, because it would be so great to see everyone, despite feeling like I wasn’t looking my best.
Sure, it would’ve been amazing to have lost 140 pounds and look skinny. But that wasn’t the case, and I didn’t want to let my weight stop me from attending what was sure to be a great night. So, I joined the reunion planning committee, dealt with the “mean girl” syndrome that seems to have followed a few people into their adult lives, and made sure that we were going to have the best reunion possible.
As much as I had hoped to lose at least 20 pounds and feel even better about myself, it didn’t happen. But none of that mattered as soon as I started getting ready. I had a great dress that looked nice and was comfortable. A fabulous necklace that added a funky flair, and shoes that put that much-needed splash of color into the outfit. I’d gone to have my hair colored earlier in the afternoon, so my wild curls were blown out into a nicely coiffed ‘do.
As soon as I arrived, I knew it was going to be a wonderful time. Everyone greeted me so warmly, gave huge hugs, and thanked me for helping to plan it. The compliments flowed about everything – my makeup, my hair, my necklace, my dress – these girls had me feeling like I was a superstar. I felt so confident and so happy, which was so nice. It was really as if the 20 years hadn’t gone by and we were all back in high school just hanging out on a Saturday night.
Most of the girls (I went to an all-girls school) left their husbands and boyfriends at home, which made it feel even more like a night back in high school. The few husbands that were there seemed to enjoy the hilarity of it all. The old personalities soon emerged, and I’m sure it was wildly entertaining to see their wives the way they looked back in high school.
The best part of the evening was the slideshow of old photos from when were were in high school. Other than a few inches in the waistline and a few cans of hairspray holding together our ‘dos, most people looked the same. I was shocked to see that throughout my senior year as I was growing out a short 80s haircut, I seemed to be sporting a ‘fro. Well, that’s what happens with curly hair, I guess. Seeing all of us in our old plaid uniforms and penny loafers definitely brought back so many memories.
Outside on the pool deck as we sipped cocktails and enjoyed old stories, you could truly see that our sense of community hadn’t changed at all. One of the husbands commented about how confident each of us looked back in high school, something that he never found in the girls who went to his co-ed school. And it’s true; going to an all-girls school did instill in each of us a sense that we could do anything, be anyone, and accomplish whatever we wanted. Nothing was off limits or too far out of reach. And it showed in the great things that each of us has done with our lives. We’re all still hugely confident women today, and we can thank our old alma mater for that.
The night passed by in a blur. I think all greatly-anticipated evenings do, though, don’t they? I wish I would’ve been able to talk to more people, caught up on more lives, and made my way through more of the groupings, but there just wasn’t time. It was a fantastic reunion, and I’m so glad I went.
Here are a few photos from the night. I wish I would’ve taken more, but I was enjoying myself too much. Still, it’ll give you an idea.
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| My 20th High School Reunion |
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