Lessons From My High School Reunion: Memories Are Golden

Last December 29, 2017, we celebrated our 20th Year High School reunion. It was a long time coming and most of us haven't seen each other for so many years.

For one night we were able to connect and mingle with old friends. We were able to share food and drinks, dance to 90s music, ate good food and enjoyed winning raffle prizes brought by classmates who sponsored it.

It was a nerve-wracking experience before the event for most of us not knowing what to expect for 20 long years. When I learned that the whole high school batch was going to have a reunion, a lot of things came into my mind:

Are my classmates still the same?

Do we look and act the same? Flashbacks of our moments together both inside and outside the classroom hounded my mind. Memories of bonding and squabbles gave me a nostalgic feeling of youth.

Are we the similar wacky, weird and carefree beings we used to be?

Do people care about statuses? Are we more interested about what each has achieved in life?

Of course career insecurities came up as well. Although I did take up 2 courses and have a stable career, a teeny bit of part of me have doubted with the notion that what I have gained so far may not be at par with my peers. At 37, I should have accomplished more, succeeded in life more.

Our high school prom night

Plus, I should have been married by now , haha...(** chuckle!**)

Are the so-called "bullies" and "mean teen-agers" 20 years ago still wreak havoc or affect those who were "victims"?

It's not a secret that every class has a bully/bullies. But it was interesting to know how the these people would interact again with each other. Some still carry the wounds of the past. Most "bullies" were unaware that they had a great impact on their "victim's" life. Although I was never bullied, I know some of my friends still hold grudges on people who have hurt them in high school. I was curious how it would turn out during the reunion.

After the reunion, will we go back to our present lives and leave behind a night to remember and move on with our lives?

They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. We may just drift off after the show and continue with what we have been doing for the past years: away and unable to reconnect again until a certain big event that would bring us together once more.

Our class section picture

DAY OF THE REUNION

When the day came, and upon registration, hugs, high-fives and smiles surrounded the whole registration booth. People were all smiles, some even teary-eyed for the lost and found friendships that were built.

Anxiety suddenly was replaced with excitement and awe. People recalling past events and getting to know each other again. And all the questions forgotten just disappeared.

We were overwhelmed but happy. The venue was adorned with the colors of the alma mater and a slideshow video of what has been: pictures of our high school selves, a reminder of who we once were. Band and dance presentations were a sight to behold as they played and presented songs we were jamming to when we were younger. Food and drinks were overflowing, the liquor of course, was highly anticipated by old chums and drinking buddies.

Waving the Germany flag, our high school batch was divided into 15 different sections, named after countries around the world. Proud to say I belong to section: Germany.

Even better was our beloved teachers graced the event. They were happy enough to attend and were given tokens of appreciation for their dedication and support as educators.

Our class adviser, Mrs. Ma. Luisa Absin, whom we saw again 20 years later.

Door prizes galore gave the night a more enjoyable event. I was lucky to have won a coffee maker. I am always elated to win something useful and practical.

All smiles for winning the coffee maker, teehee!!!

But the highlight of the night was the people talking and taking pictures eagerly together. It was all that mattered. Capturing the event and it's memory after 20 long years was a delight for it was a symbol and remnant of camaraderie and togetherness as a class. What once have been may not repeat again, but the connection still stayed.

There were no questions about our accomplishments, everyone in our eyes were the same. Statuses didn't matter, looks although some have changed physically, were still a non-issue. What we saw from each other was our old high school selves. We were there as people and good friends enjoying our time again together.

I think most people in the batch now carry the live and let live mantra when it comes to hurts and pains experienced during high school. Some "bullies" we know changed for the better and the ones they have affected seem to have great success in life. But for what its worth, what happened in the reunion assured that it was okay, that the past is past. Somehow people understood that we all have and have had challenges in life; and that we are all equals that time.

Out of more than 500 students, 50% attended the gathering. Nevertheless, those who weren't able to make it sent their regards and promised to attend this year's planned reunion. Most of us reconnected once again and stayed even more in touch after that memorable night. I could see a lot of facebook friend requests and a ton of page group interactions already in my timeline.

I realized even more that each memory and moment with friends are more valuable: something money can't buy or replace. It is undeniably a treasure to value the connection and friendship, the gift of past youth, indeed those times are precious, like gold.

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some images courtesy of:
LDCU Batch '97
Ms. Rowena Jamorol-Lacquio Bautista
Ms. Melanie Buque
Ms. Jennifer Manuta-Clapano
Mylene Encabo
Marianne Carvero-Braun