Back to School

Jeff V — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:29:41 +0000

So, it was back to school for my 20^th High School Reunion in Minot, ND. I was not able to make my 10 year due to the birth of our first child, so this was the first time back to the old stomping ground. I’m not going to lie, I had a lot of reservations about going. It’s been a long time, I have not stayed in touch with hardly anyone. I had all kinds of excuses. Here are some myths I had:

I won’t remember anyone’s name: False. I only had to look at a nametag once. It all just came flooding back in and I remembered everyone.

You have to sit through long boring stories of where people are at. Most of the people you see, you give each other a quick 5 minute bio. Where you live, married, what you do, kids. End with “good to see you” and keep moving.

My ‘group” won’t be there or the people I hung out with won’t be there. At your 20 year, there are no more groups, clicks, clubs or anything else. You are all just veterans of the class.

It’s just a one up type show where everyone is trying to impress everyone. I didn’t get this at all. (Although, if you do find yourself with one of these types of people, here is a great way to cool them off. Tell them that their shirt is the same color as your Mercedes. )

It was so long ago, it doesn’t really matter anymore. It was a long time ago, but those are crucial years in a persons life and the people you go through them with are a big part of your makeup.

My anxieties were totally undeserving (as is the case with most anxieties) I had a great time getting to see old friends and catch up on where everyone is at now. If you get the chance to go to yours, take my advice and go.

The class of “89” is doing fine.

Jeff Vanlaningham » 1989

Back to School