When I think back to high school, my first instinct is to cringe.
I cringe at some of my old AIM screen names like KJdawg28. I cringe at my first rap album, “Clean Sheets” by New Linen. I also cringe at my stylish swishy sweatpants and Senior Year ‘Fro that were later deemed “super-beat.” My lazy approach to schoolwork, the failed and flawed pursuit of relationships, the things I said in class, the meaningless drama, the way we acted on Friday nights, and the things that we thought were funny, cool, and important at the time were all pretty cringe-worthy as well.
But then, after cringing a little, I find myself smiling about the memories. I smile while reminiscing on the late nights with my boys in somebody’s basement playing Madden or “Ping Pong.” I smile when I hear a song from Kanye’s Graduation album and think about the times driving around in Doc’s Volkswagen Rabbit or Ort’s Hyundai Santa Fe. I smile about the fact that we were willing to pay a 200% markup and risk it all for a case of Natty Light. I smile thinking about the ridiculous group project presentations like when Steph and I sang about Rwanda or when Mout and I turned Eli Whitney and the Cotton Gin into a world class Ted Talk or when Amodei Productions almost got us expelled because of our R-Rated Gatsby remake in Mr. Bonds’ class. I smile about the shenanigans in class and in the hallways and in the cafeteria. I smile at the special moments on the soccer field or basketball and tennis courts (or their respective benches). I smile thinking about the dances, the pep rallies, and the student sections. I smile about the times at the beach or on the boardwalk or by the pool. Most of all, I smile thinking about the people that I got to experience it all with along the way.
And now, as I reflect back on my 10 year reunion last night, I feel grateful. Regardless of who we were and how we acted 10+ years ago, high school blessed me great memories, valuable lessons, and best friends. Those memories, lessons, and friends brought on new memories, lessons, and friends through the next 10 years. And those same memories, lessons, and friends have continued to make me more humble, more driven, more understanding, more fulfilled, and more grateful than I was 10 years ago.
Last night’s reunion served as a really fun reminder that whether I see these people weekly or yearly or almost never, it’s always nice to reminisce on where we’ve been, be proud of where we are, and be excited about where we’re all going. It was great to reconnect with people that have been part of my journey in some shape or form along the way. And I was grateful that we did far more smiling than cringing last night.
Big thanks to Katie for setting it up. Can’t wait for the next one. Happy Thanksgiving!
(sorry in advance for the pictures below)
The Janiec Reflection 