The Academy

I went to high school in a small farming community in CT. On a beautiful June day in 1996, I along with about 150 other classmates graduated. That afternoon my parents and I moved an hour away. I've only been back 2 or 3 times since, and though I went to college with 4 others from high school, it wasn't long until I lost all contact with those 150 people. And I'm ashamed.

I realize now, just entering my 30's just how big an impact those 4 years had on me. I've been slowly reconnecting with some of those folks from high school through facebook, and I'm so glad to see that we've grown up.

I can remember almost all of them.
I remember the jocks, and how I so wanted to be one of them...if not for smoking a pack-a-day.
I remember girls that I had crushes on, but was too awkward to know how to ask them out.
I remember the stoners, but they probably don't remember much of me...
I remember the kids I was mean to, though I was not a bully.
I remember the ones who are already gone into the next life...
I remember the bright stars who faded, along with the late bloomers who blossomed after I knew them.
I can remember most of them, and I miss them.

I was not a popular person. I was always drawing attention to myself, trying to fit in, but mostly being loud and annoying. But I, along with most people, wish I could have been the person I am now 15 years ago. Then I remember something so simple, yet so profound. Each of those classmates and our shared experience have had a hand in making me who I am today.