Should I Attend My High School Reunion?
74It all depends on how you felt about high school. I have heard some people refer to high school as one of the best times in their life. I, on the other hand, had a few good memories, but my reveries were certaintly not about the majority of my classmates. Although by the time I was in high school I was teased much less than during elementary and middle school, but for the most part I was always treated as a social outcast. I had a small group of friends that I still talk to and see today, which means life is continous high school reunion. So how did I feel about going to my ten year high school reunion? I did not see the point. However, if you loved high school and feel it would be worth paying good money to see people from your past then by all means cary on. However, I feel there are more economical and practical ways to stay in contact with high school friends.
 | Amazon Price: $3.99 List Price: $14.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $59.99 List Price: $14.98 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $8.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.99 |
Go To The Homecoming Games Instead
Some schools actually have their high school reunions after the homecoming games. I liked how one small town had a small get together in the gym for the high school reunion as opposed to charging a hundred dollar admission to a party at a hotel bar. I am not a big drinker and could not see paying a hundred dollars of my hard earned money to watch my former classmates get drunk. However, part of me did not see the point of going to high school reunion because I had stayed in contact with my true friends after high school. There was a short amount of time when we lost contact, but a chance meeting years later reopened the lines of communication. To me, forcing a reunion has never seemed natural since I am an extreme introvert. I did not go to high school dances or even the prom, so why would I pay money to reunite with people I never hanged out with in the first place?
The homecoming football games are a great way to reconnect with former classmates for a much cheaper price. My university has an alumni association that actually hosts bonfires and get togethers for after the the homecoming game, which is a great option for those who are into sporting events. Once again this is not something I would be interesting since I am not a sport's enthusiast, but this might be a great route for those who want to save money on going to an expensive high school reunion party.
|
ROMY AND MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION New Sealed DVD
Current Bid: $6.52
|
|
ROMY AND MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION - NEW DVD
Current Bid: $7.15
|
|
High School Reunion (Cheek), Kimberly Dean, New Book
Current Bid: $1.58
|
|
, Romy And Michele's High School Reunion: Original Soundtrack Audio CD
Current Bid: $4.99
|
Using Social Networking Sites To Reconnect With Old Friends, Or To Make New Ones
Being around some of the people in high school was like a water torture chamber, so why would I want to reunite with that? As I said before I have been lucky enough to get back in contact with my old high school friends, which to me is much more important than paying to go to some fakey fake party. Once again this is all about perception, but I am not much of a party person and could never enjoy myself at one. I rarely even go to Christmas parties for work, so I cannot imagine going to my twenty year high school reunion when it does come up.
So have you lost contact with your friend? Try reconnecting with your friends on one of the many social networking websites, such as: classmates, facebook, myspace, linkedin, beebo, flickr, Yahoo 360, twitter, and maybe even HubPages. Surprisingly the other day a person who went to my high school emailed me via HubPages to say hello. We have about a twenty year difference in age, but it was really fun talking to this person because he had grown up in the same place and was familar with many of the same experiences I had had on the mountain. So you never know who you may run into on a social networking site. Social networking sites are a practical alternative for those who want to reconnect with old friends without going to the reunion party.
Are high school reunions a waste of money and/or time?
See results without votingvote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (1)
- Beautiful (1)
- Interesting
CommentsLoading...
I have never been to high school reunion. But I heard aftewards that they had a 40 year reunion a couple of years ago. It might have been interesting. Although I have kept up with quite a few of my former school friends.
Very interesting hub!
VioletSun,
The same thing happened to my mom. She did not want to go, but at the time of her twenty year high school reunion her dad still lived in town, so it was odd they did not get in contact with her.
I received an invitation to my ten year high school reunion in 2006 and decided not to go. First off I had nothing in common with those people then, so why would I want to reconnect with them now? Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
Sixtyorso,
If you were close to the people I can see how a forty year high school reunion would be interesting. I was never close to my classmates, and ironically I have kept a closer connection to the mountain than many of them. Most of my family still lives up there, so I visit at least a few times a year.
Many of the other people I really did not associate with in high school have moved off the mountain. Recently a girl who I had forgotten about came up to me and said hello, but I had no clue who she was. She remembered me, but I had forgotten her. She was nice enough, but I do remember a couple of times her and her friend put me down. I suppose people who approach us later in life might not remember those things, but that was part of the reason I was never keen on going to my high school reunion. Thanks for stopping by.
Sweetiepie, I am with you on the high school reunion, I skipped out for the reason I thought most people were phonies in high school and I couldn't imagine what I would talk to them about now. Every once in awhile I run into someone and find them to be just as boring and empty. I was fairly popular in school but I'm not the same guy eerrrr, party animal that I was and I don't feel comfortable with people refering back to that character and putting it on me to plan the afterparty. I have kept in touch with my friends from that period and I am quite happy with that. Now if they decide to have a reunion in Vegas, that might be something I consider....
We sure do change a lot since high school. I am basically the same person, but back then I was sure I wanted to be a history teacher. I taught for several years, even subbed at my old school, and along the way I learned teaching was not for me. Now I love writing and working at the library, but basically I am the same person. I still love my introverted moments where I hang out with friends occasionally, but I do not see a high school reunion in my future.
SweetiePie, I was thinking about this subject a couple of days ago! I actually reconnected with a few people from high school through Facebook, and quickly discovered that we have nothing to say to each other. I had contemplated attending my 10-year reunion a few times over the years, but when it finally came around (in 2006 for me also), costs were prohibitive (I would need to fly back to NJ and stay in a hotel), and I couldn't think of one good reason to go, so I decided against it. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who felt that way, because they ended up cancelling it due to lack of interest. :)
If it is something you are truly interested in...gooooo...I never attended any of mine...and doesn't seem it is good or bad for me. We all change and the friends I did keep up with for years...I haven't heard from in years...I have heard some were so much fun...and then some were a waste of time...so it seems it is totally what YOU want to do...If you go...go with an open mind...smile and have a good time...No judgmental attitude...just fun to see old friends....If you choose not to go...don't worry about it...Life goes on my dear...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Hi SweetiePie,
I did not have any interest in going to any of my class reunions and so chose not to. I did attend a class reunion from the year behind me. I had a sister in that class and we had lots of friends in my neighborhood of the same age. So when I was asked to go I did not have to think twice about going. It was well worth it and I had a blast!
I went to a couple of high school class reunions years ago, SweetiePie. They were OK, but nothing special. One was a three-day affair that included a boatride (the only day I attended.) I remember telling everybody that I graduated with a lot of young people, and all the people at the reunion were old fogies. I never even considered going to any reuniions at NYU.
SweetiePie,
This is great. I skipped our 35 yr. reunion this summer but had a mini reunion in our basement when we had our new furnace installed after the flood. The two men who installed the furnace were both from my graduating class and then it turns out that a neighbor two doors down and across the street who was also flooded as bad as we were was in my graduating class too! It was great to meet these guys as grown men with families. The flooding created a bond that was enhanced by the fact that we all got our high school education at the same time and place. This hub is one that most people should enjoy. Great job. C.S.
I like this tradition of high school reunion, may be, because it is new for me. Before I moved to America, I didn't hear about things like this. In Soviet Union, where I was born and lived till I was 32, people were organizing school reunions, but it was mostly by someone’s initiative, not as an established tradition. We met like this with my schoolmates in 5 years after graduation and it was awesome. We celebrated reunion in a restaurant and the next day we went to one guy's house, where his parents made a big feast for us. I would go now too if it were not for the huge distance.... I also remember my mother's college 15 year reunion. She took me with her and many of her college mates brought their kids too. We had a world of our own and at the same time we had a blast watching our parents who became students again. They were so young, humorous, and inventive! We saw them with different eyes.
I agree, it all depends on your former high school experience. If you didn't have a bond way back then, it won't be so much fun to reunite. But sometimes a miracle can happen and you might find out something new in your former buds. Last year I registered in a Russian web site for schoolmates (it's called "odnoklassniki.ru") and I found some long lost people there, including my pre-school buddy, my paternal half-sister, and of course, my schoolmates. We started to talk and I discovered treasures in some of them that I missed when we were studying together. I discovered unique personalities in those, whom I used to ignore through all years of schooling. I would LOVE to meet them and dive into young times again. Alas, it's hard to put into life technically.
Thank you for waking these memories, SweetiePie.
Actually I really wanted to go to our reunion, but already had plans. I was on vacation, and the reunion was the day before I was to arrrive back home. Not to say I didn't love the vacation, because I sure did. we went to Disney World and the Bahamas. But I still wished I could have gone. I went to my hubbies back in 03 and had a nice time, hubby went to the same school, and many of his friends were in our wedding(our wedding was 3 years before his reunion. For how shy Sean was, he had loads of friends. If we have a 20 year reunion, I would gladly go. I was pretty shy as well in HS as well, but had a few good friends, some I still talk to, some I haven't seen in 11 years. But I would love to connect with them. and I have tried on the internet, but to no avail. Although I did find an old classmate with his kids at our local playground. Our oldest children are in the same grade, and his daughter came to Faiths birthday party back in October. Plus his older brothers were friends with Sean, so Thats cool. Hey Sweetie pie, I was glad to reconnect with you. Ecpect a Christmas card sometime this or next week. Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.
Gulp...I'm on the committee of the old girls association of my school and we are constantly urging people to come to our reunions. One evening a year shouldn't be such a hardship to endure! :P
Melissa G,
I just did not want to go to my high school reunion because I was an extreme introvert in high school. Many of those kids were not nice to me then, so I would definitely not want to connect with them now. To me quality is more important over quantity. I know all the people I want to know from high school, and I still have a couple of friends from college, but no desire to pay a hundred dollars to go to the reunion. I think we save money this way :). Thanks for commenting.
G-Ma Johnson,
I can understand people wanting to go, but I really did not see the point personally. This hub was answering a request about going to a high school reunion, so I thought it would be fun to answer. Usually I am not big on the judgement department either, but when you were treated so horribly by a group of kids growing up, I think it is okay to have a little judgement. My better judgement told me I would not want to spend time with these people. Nothing against them and I am sure they are all great people in their adult lives, I just did not see the point of reconnecting with people I never connected with in the first place. Thanks for commenting.
Dottie1,
I am glad you got to go to a party you enjoyed and had fun. I guess what it comes down to is if you really want to go or not go. I personally never like a large crowd or parties. Well I do not mind crowds at places like Disneyland, but that is just if I am going with my family and friends. If it is an organized party where people are hanging out, listening to music, then I just am the anti-social butterfly I suppose. I went to a few dances in middle school and I literally had a horrible time. I had kids throw food at me and kick me, the teasing used to get that bad, so after sixth grade I stopped going to dances.
However, I hanged out with my friends and I used to go to youth group with one of my friend in high school, which I thought was more fun than going to a school dance. I like the quiet get togethers and doing things where I feel my personality do not have to strain itself. I suppose this is the introverts take on high school reunions. Thanks for commenting.
I understand what you mean by this. It seems we all were part of a circle of friends which did not include everyone at our school. Very few of my classmates left anyway. Good hub with good advice on alternatives to going to a reunion.
William Tropey,
A boatride reunion sounds fun, that might be something I could actually get into. However, a dance/party type reunion at a hotel bar just did not seem that fun to me. It seemed like a more adult version of a high school dance, which is something I just did not feel like going to. Once I dated a guy who just wanted a date to take to his upcoming high school reunion in New York City, which I thought was interesting since he did not graduate from there. I guess different years classes decide to have their reunions in other cities. Thanks for sharing.
C.S. Alexis,
Sounds great that you had a mini reunion this summer, but I am sorry to hear it was not under the most fun of circumstances. I actually see quite a few people I went to school with, but I usually do not remember their names or who they are. I only had about three or four true and sincere friends in high school. I felt like I was in a water torture chamber there and the day I graduated in 1996 I felt so free! I left graduation that night with a great deal of happiness and never looked back.
College was during the years that I came alive and made a few more good friends. Today I only talk to four or five people I knew from school, but that is really all I want in my life. I am an extreme introvert, which I think is different than being shy, and I prefer quality over quantity. I enjoy talking to people I meet online that are nice people, and for some reason the Internet is one place where I can be more social. In real life I do talk and I am a little shy, but mostly I think I am just introverted.
ReuVera,
I can appreciate your attitude towards reunions. In reading the comments here I feel maybe many people do want to go to their high school reunion, and that is a good thing for those who enjoy it. One of my close friend from college is an introvert like me and we agree on this reunion thing. We really are not much up for it because all of the friends we know we know in real life. I feel some how the people I was meant to know in my life will always be there and the others have left it for a reason. It would be almost impossible for me to go to a high school reunion and pretend to be buddy, buddy with people when I am an introvert. I am excited about going to Disneyland with my family next week. I guess the things I look forward to are different than most people. I really enjoyed your comment though, I think that your experiences about Russian high school reunions would make an interesting hub.
Cherish,
I am so glad I know you again. I am glad we got to go to Jose's for dinner last year, and that is the type of reunion I actually like. A small one with friends and no pressure to be social. I respect that you enjoy high school reunions, most people I talk to from our class seem psyched to go. I go up to Lake Arrowhead to see my family a few times a year and they come down several times a month, so I feel no need to go to a high school reunion. Maybe you can write a hub about high school reunions too.
Feline Prophet,
Your probably landed on the hub of one of the most introverted people at hubpages, which explains my attitude to high school reunions. I have many good memories of high school, but these did not include my former classmates. I was even a substitute teacher at my former high school a few years ago, and it gave me the chance to see some of my old teachers. I was actually more excited about seeing my old teachers than some of my classmates. I just cannot see paying money to go to a party when I am not a party girl. I hope you enjoy your high school reunion. Maybe you can write a hub on organizing one.
Sirdent,
Yes I like to think of the alternatives to going to a high school reunions since I will not be going to one. When I see some of my former high school classmates they are even condescending to me now, which is a good indication things have not changed much. I am sure they are great people in their adult lives, but when people hurt you that much when you were younger it makes you not want to see them again, ever. Of course I will see some of them from time to time, and I forgave them and moved on. However, this does not necessarily mean I would like to pay money to see them at a party. I know two of the nicest people from high school anyway and I talk with them online and write letters with them, which is so much better than high school reunions.
I forgot to add this. I love your new avatar.
Thanks for the comment on my new avatar. I took it up in the mountains this weekend.
Most of the people I knew were snobs so I don't go. I am contemplating going next year but I really have to think long and hard.
H.S. was the worst time of my life. Worse than military service in a time of war, which oddly enough I consider amongst the best time of my life. The first two were being present for the birth of my two children, I guess life and death are powerful images for me.
Cheers!
Chef Jeff T.
P.S. I LOVED the Romy and Michelle movie!
I can see how you would have bonded more with your military mates than high school classmates. In the military everyone has to rely in each other, but in high school people have their own little cliques and groups. Yes life and death are both very powerful. Romy and Michelle is also one of the funniest movies I have seen.
reunion opens many doors
You know, as a matter of fact, I was an introvert at school too... I felt more comfortable with myself and my dreams than with a big crowd of kids. I was never really popular at school, though as it turned out now, many people did respect me then. I was always goodheatred to others and never picked on anyone, though I didn't talk too often with kids around more that it was needed. And you are right, even on that reunion I was talking just with those I really had a bond with.
Enjoy your time with your Family in Disneyland!!!!!
I am glad you enjoyed your reunion and were able to reconnect with people you knew in your circle of friends. I will definitely have fun at Disneyland next week, especially since I have not been in two years. I love to walk around and look at the shops.
Well..there are many motivations to go..revenge...tackle inner demons.etc..bottom line is go if it suits you! People like "carrie" probably shouldn't attend! Nice insight!
I have no desire for revenge from those people. Mostly I just do not care what they think anymore, so I would not want to be around them. I know this sounds detached, but I am on classmates.com and other websites, and they can get in touch with me if they really want to talk. A few people have, but no one from high school has come to me and stated they want a life long friendship with me. I want quality and depth of life long friendships, and I just did not feel that with the majority of people in high school. The people who are in my life are there for a reason, they are true friends.
Pat (one of the 2patricias) went to high school in the USA, but left 1 year before graduation. Strangely I was invited to the 10 year reunion (in 1979) and was in the area so did attend. It was a very strange experience. When I was in high school I was generally treated like a freak - I think because I did well in my studies, and enjoyed things like reading and writing. Oh, and was hopeless at all sports. Anyway, I never got invited to any more reunions! However, I am still in touch with the few girls that were friends with me, and that makes me very happy.
Hey Sweetie, I understand where you are coming from. there were a few people who were pretty rude in school. Funny story. One day while taking a walk around the neighborhood. I ran into an old classmate who at first glance I didn't recognize, but upon calling out my name, he reminded me who he was. He asked me if I remembered him, which I did after him telling me. In Elementary school, he had been very mean, and along with some of his friends had made fun of me. Anyhow. He apoligized to me that day for being such a jerk. I forgave him, because well, everyone makes mistakes, and he has grown into a nice guy. I haven't seen him since though.
Hey sweetie, we need to try and get together again. maybe next month. We can go to Joses' chineese, or whatever.
Wow, what a busy topic. I really opened up a can of worms. lol. Thanks for writing in response to my question. I really appreciate it.
My 20 year reunion isnt coming up until 2010, but I get an anxiety when I think about it. I dont know why. Maybe, its because I didn't stay in contact with anyone after high school. Now, I think Im ready to show up and see what everyone is doing.
Hi Cherish,
We should definitely meet up for Jose's, Chinese, or whatever you like. There are so many restaurants around here, so let me know. I would love to see you again!
2patricias,
I am glad to hear at least you still talk to some of your friends. I think that is the most important thing.
Jaramillo,
This was a fun topic and I enjoy everyone's experiences regarding the issue. I hope you have a good time at your upcoming high school reunion, but you look too young to be going to your 20 year reunion :).
SweetiePie,
I have never gone to a H.S.Reunion and probably never will. I am with you on spending the money to drink with people who were not that nice in school. I was not treated so bad as you but I was not in the middle of the groupies either. I use the same reason as you stated that I do not want to spend my hard earned money to watch people I was not friends with get drunk. Good job and good for you. C.S.
C.S. Alexis,
Yes it is amusing what people will spend their money on. I could do something really fun and meaningful with my hundred dollars instead. I am glad you can see where I am coming from.
I've been thinking about this a lot over the past couple of weeks because my 30 year reunion is coming up sometime this year. A couple of people had seen my mother recently and started in about planning meetings; did I have e-mail so they could get in touch with me; would I please call them about being involved with the planning.
While I did take part in some school activities (even one year as a junior varsity cheerleader), I too was treated as a social outcast. I was a shy, quiet girl who loved reading, music, dancing, and performing.
My time wasn't spent in front of a mirror primping to make sure that my hair and makeup were "just so". I didn't go out every weekend drinking, doping, and screwing myself silly all so people would think I was cool.
People made fun of me and treated me badly. For instance, during my junior year, someone--I have no idea who--nominated me for the homecoming court. When they read the names over the intercom during homeroom and mine was said, I was honest to God shocked. But any "wow, that's cool" was taken away when some people sitting nearby burst into laughter. I never got any farther than the first round in the voting.
Then, there was another girl who was in band with me. She was a senior when I was a junior. One time my name came up in a conversation. The person who told me this later said that this girl got a look of sheer hatred on her face and said "I just absolutely hate and detest (insert real name). I simply cannot stand her." This is someone who would be nice to my face & talk about how I was a dedicated band member, then trash me to others.
Like you, I had a few friends from those days that I've stayed in touch with. Most of them came from other high schools. I met them through band and choral activities. They were simply nice, kind people who liked and accepted me for me. The friends I did have at my school itself were either in the class before or after me.
My life really started in college, when I was working on my music degree and started performing. The people who matter the most to me are the ones I've encountered in the 30 years since graduation.
My mother did give my e-mail to someone who passed it on to the organizers and after about three messages, I sent a simple reply. It basically said please remove my name and contact info from your list. I will not be attending. No more, no less.
Thought the reply was interesting. "I'm sorry you feel that way, if you change your mind, we would love to have you."
I'd much rather spend my time with the people who are in my life now, because they're the ones who mean the most to me. And I'd much rather spend my money on something fun like a trip or, as you said, doing something meaningful with it. (Lord knows there's plenty of worthy causes out there!)
So count me in the never gone to a reunion and never will column. Sorry this is long and probably more than you wanted to read! But I certainly enjoyed what you had to say on the subject.
Divakind,
I thoroughly enjoyed your story and I would suggest you start writing hubs too. You have a great writer's voice, and I would definitely be interested in reading some of your hubs. I concur with you about not wanting to go to high school reunions, and it seems a little petty that the people on the organizing committee said "Sorry you feel that way, but if you change your mind". Part of me thinks that is just their ploy to guilt trip people into coming to the high school reunion, which means they will get more people paying the ticket entrance and recoup more of their costs. Sorry to sound so cynical, but that is what it strikes me as. However, I am on the introverted side and as you can see from my story I did not have the best high school experience, and the friends I did have from high school I am still in contact with today. I am glad to hear your music career has gone so far and kudos to you!
I guess I'm in the minority here. I attended all my early HS reunions -- but it was pretty easy as I still lived on the east coast and it wasn't that far. I have found that the farther away I get from HS, both timewise and physically (now living in CA) the less I have in common with my classmates. Like you, SP, I keep in touch with a few people. But the rest of them -- I would not choose to socialize with them and definitely don't want to pay $100 to watch people get drunk either! MM
Hi Mighty Mom,
I think half of people want to go to the reunions and the other half either do not have the time, money, or interest to go. I have worked with some people who love high school reunions and my friend Cherish really seems to like them too. I just really never got into these myself, but I am sure for those who are looking for a bit of nostalgia a high school reunion would be fun. If I had hundred dollars I would rather save for Hawaii :). I think it is all just personal preference.
Sweetie Pie,
Thanks for your very kind words! I've always enjoyed writing. In fact, I've been a freelance writer and have contributed material to a book about musical theatre that just had its second printing a couple of years ago.
I actually was invited to join Hub Pages late last year by a fellow singer I'd done an opera with a couple of years ago. So you could say it was a reunion of sorts. *LOL*
The reason I found the remark interesting is that I didn't say why I wouldn't attend. While the person I sent the message to wasn't one of those people who was openly cruel or hostile toward me during those three years, she didn't really go out of her way to be friendly, either. Perhaps there's a realization of "hey, this is someone I wasn't very nice to in those days".
Or maybe not. I could drive myself nuts trying to read between the one line.
Since two people from my class own the place where my mother gets her hair done every week, I'm sure I haven't heard the last of this. Hey, who knows, it might be the genesis of some good hubs. ;)
From the few messages I received, it sounds like a picnic/cookout type event is being planned. They want to do a "memory board" for the deceased members and are looking for photos. There was also a mention of seed money, fundraising, and asking for donations.
When they had the 20th reunion, they did a "memory book" as a fundraiser. I remember getting the letter about that. "Hey, tell us about yourself then pay X amount of dollars to read it." That one went smack in the trash can.
Let them have their get together, for the sake of those who want to participate. I'm sure I won't be the only no-show.
i think its great and very nice idea for get together. well i wish i could do this as i had really good friends and great days.if we reunion again then can get more fun again and all..
Divakind,
Yes I agree with throwing those request for donationa away because that is probably the best location is the trash can. I look forward to any future hubs you may write.
Hope you enjoy your next reunion britney. I know all of the friends from high school that I want to at this point, so I never really feel the need to go to the bigger reunions.
I went to my tenth; and although it was a nice enough night, it was kind of "nothing". For the tenth reunion, a lot of us are still in touch with the people we were friends with in high school, and we don't care a whole lot about meeting up with those we barely knew anyway.
My class was a small, suburban, class of about 250 people. They had everyone who was married stand up. Someone said it was about one-third who stood. My girlfriend seemed surprised that so few were married. Out of that group they asked people with no children to sit, and even fewer were left. Then they went from "one child" on up to whatever number. Out of the third that were married several had one child, but then there were very few people left standing after the one-child people sat down.
Then, too, in ten years people don't change much looks-wise (for the most part), so everyone pretty much looked the same (except for one unfortunate guy who was completely bald and made up for it with a giant beard).
My point is nothing much big goes on in that first decade after high school; and after that point people do start to have families and get in more deeply in their jobs/careers - and people tend to really grow way past the high school years. I didn't attend my 25th reunion for that reason.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. For me life has been more about a few close friends that I identified with and not feeling high school was the best time of my life. I just had no interest in my reunion and I ended up not going. It was for the best.
Personally, High School was hell.
But you make a point..some people utilized it for all the wrong reasons, and came away with a lot of meaningful relationships. Romy and Michelle rocks, too.
But...what good is a high school reunion? Know of anyone you work with from high school? Anyone that you can benefit, or vice versa? I don't, in particular...but again, just me.
Peace!
G|M
I have two friends from high school, but that is all I want to do with it. I do not feel sad about not having attending some overinflated eighty dollar cocktail party at the Hilton.
Haha, such a good way of describing it. =)
Thanks.
Should I attend my high school reunion?
I also agree that it all depends on one's personal feelings. For me, my high school memories were not the best. I was the so-called "different one". Other than some people in my 'hood ( and some of them, including a cousin of mine didn't want to own up to me), people didn't want to be around me.
I attended two high schools in my lifetime . I struggled with both of them and that was because I dealt with some serious personal issues that made me unitentionally antisocial.It seemed that people didn't want to take the time to know the real me. They only wanted to be around the popular crowd or around people who wasn't social outcasts.
Both my former high schools nowhas social networks. Even though I wasn't one of the better known personalities in my schools, I decided to get on the there just to be nosy( hee-hee). Initially, it did hurt me a little to see people getting those FRIENDS icons put by their names. (Two of my siblings have their fair share of them.) I've looked on that network. There have been siblings of former students who have attended that school. They have even asked for those people to get on the network, but nobody has asked my brother and sister to add me on it.
In 1999, I was sent a then invitation to my high school reunion from my second high school. At first, I procrastinated about it. I wasn't popular, so what was the use in me going I thought, but something in my guts said to go. It wasn't about anger, revenge or to be showy about anything( God! When I look a those networks and look at what people are doing in their lives, it's like they want the world to know that they are success--if it's the truth .). I don't know why a non-popular person like myself would go, but I decided to go.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I got there, but it turned to be better than I thought. At least with the people there, they had grown up( or appeared to be that way). I was no longer treated as a social outcast. I said that I was going to be at my reunion for an hour and a half, but I end up staying for a long time. That was with my second high school. I look at their social network and there is a slew of events taking place with the school. I thought about going to some of them. So far, they are club affiliated. I'm not a clubber. I wanted to attend my 20 years class reunion, but my last class prevents me from doing such.
I didn't stay in my first school that long to be established as an a member of that school, but they have barbeques, parties, reunions and cruises for alumni. As I said, my siblings graduated from that school, but I could be invited as a guest. My siblings plan on going to a class picnic. I would feel funny going to that one. Nobody asked for me to get on the network and/or my sibs about coming to the picnic as some others have.In general, I would attend some my high school reunion events---at least with my second high school.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with high school reunions.
SweetiePie, I enjoyed this hub very much. I think I was somewhat like you in high school, not really picked on but not the social icon either--I had good friendships which I maintain to this day. I've also used social media to keep up with folks I knew back then, and that aspect of it has been a blast.
I didn't go to my first high school reunion, but I've gone to all of them since and I surprised myself by really having a good time. I connected with people I lost track of but didn't want to, and I also deepened some casual friendships from back then.
High school reunions are hardly for everyone, but I believed I would hate mine and was pleasantly surprised (and somewhat shocked) to find I enjoyed it.
Nice topic, and I appreciated your answers very much.
Mike,
I appreciate how you decided you enjoyed the reunions, but I just do not see that happening for me. I am on Facebook, and if anyone from high school really wants to talk to me they can add me there. Honestly with 2.0 social media I feel like any day of the week can be a high school or college reunion, and I really do not feel the need to go to an actual one that costs money. Basically I am pretty cheap and do not like to party :).
It really feels great meeting your high school classmates, after many years. I am sure you really miss everyone, a lot of time to go chatting and eating and not to forget having fun together.
Jeanie,
I am glad you had a good time. I really do not have anything against anyone I went to school with or anything, but I only talk to a few of them on Facebook. Personally I was never very social in high school, so paying to go to an event to see people I really did not hang out with then is not my cup of tea. For those who have fond memories of high school and social times I am sure the reunion is a fun event.
Hi SweetiePie, I'm digging into your hubs after my long absence!
I think there is a small part of me that would like to see the gals and guys. However, I transferred from a big school to a tiny one in the middle of my senior year, and well, it was a tuff time. I was all eager to like them, and they devoured me in a not so nice but monsterous way. The girls hated me, so I dated all their boyfriends just to get even. They had not seen a new girl in school for 15 years, basically their entire school history, soooo I was the center of attention, and it wasn't all positive.
But, I survived, and 15 years later, they insisted I come to the re-union and I did...where all the girls apologized, now that they were all grown up. It set things to rights, and I'd just as soon leave it to memory.
I see a few now and then, but, at least I don't have to wonder if they're saying "Gee, she looks like heck!!" LOL
I loved school...and would like to do it all over again, knowing what I know now.
Good question, it made me think.
I am so glad you commented on my hub Marisue, and miss talking to you. Would love to connect on Facebook if you are there!
Will do, I know I have a page, but I'm not mastered it! Perhaps you can help me fix it?
All I really use Facebook is for promoting my writing, and for that it is good!
Unfortunately, reunions at our school are really rare. Besides, people seem to ignore invitations even if someone tries to organize such an even. That's sad... We spent so many years together... It would be interesting to find out what they've been up to...
With Facebook reunions are becoming more and more unnecessary. What some people consider sad about not getting together means very little to the people who might not want to attend. That may see callous, but for some people who were not on friendly terms with the people they went to school with this is the reality. I loved the academics of high school, but I do not always have fond memories of how I was treated by certain people in those days. People can always get in contact with people they got along with and have their own mini-reunions and such.
My high school class' 10-year reunion is coming up in about six months, and I have some major doubts about attending.
Just thinking about my high school days makes me borderline sick. From an academic standpoint, I was in the top 20 in a class of over 300 people; however, I felt like I was often picked on and made fun of, and I never had a girlfriend in high school (or even a single date, for that matter). I would even go so far as to say I didn't really have anyone I would consider FRIENDS back then. Sure, I talked to some people, but I never really hung out with them outside of school.
Also...there's the matter of my financial status. I'm still living with my parents in the same small city where I went to high school because I don't even make five figures a year with my current job. How do you think that'll come across in a room full of people who all make a lot more money than what I make? And I'm sure I'll feel insulted when I find out the cost of a ticket to attend.
Plus, from what I've read, these reunions often have their attendees wear "nice" attire -- however, I have never been, nor will I ever be, a suit-and-tie type of guy.
I know I still have six months to think about it, but quite frankly, I just don't see the point in going. If I had any good times in high school, I don't remember any of them, and although many of my former classmates would probably like me to be there, I've always marched to the beat of my own drum.
Hi Greg,
I would suggest not going if I were you. I heard that my high school reunion was at a hotel bar, and people really did not dress up that much though. By the way with the economy tanking I highly doubt everyone will be making lots of money if you do go, many people are still lucky to have a job. If these people were not really that great to you back then, I would not go. I talk to friends from High School on Facebook, and that is enough for me. I have no interest in seeing everyone that I used to go to school with. I am open to talking to people on Facebook, but it took awhile for me to get over some of the hurt of the high school experience. Be happy you have a job because that is more than a lot of people have right now.
I had not one good memory during high school which was mostly my fault and girls were mean to me. After high school I didnt go to the reunions. However, now due to facebook I am talking to some of the girls that hurt me and gues what I have secretly forgiven them. Life is short. God is love. Love your enemies and bless those that curse you. I am free.
Gina,
That is a good approach, but it is also okay if someone does not want to go to their high school reunion.
SweetiePie...after debating about going for a while, I've come to the conclusion that it probably won't be worth my time and energy to attend my 10-year reunion. If any of my former classmates want to know what I've been up to the last ten years...well, that's what Facebook is for, I guess.
Greg,
Sounds like you made the right decision! I know I do not regret not going to my high school reunion.
My 25th is a week from today and I'm still on the fence about attending. Memories of those HS years are all good, but I haven't kept in touch with anyone from my grad class and the thought of walking into a room of friendly, but casual acquaintances would feel really awkward to me.
Actually revisiting my old HS though and getting a tour would be worth the price of admission, but that's not in the cards. The event is just a meet and greet at the local lion's club w/ loud DJ music and a cash bar.
Obviously it depends on your time in high school. If it wasn't a good time why would you want to relive it with the people you didn't enjoy then? Making it an extravaganza that puts the cost out of reach of some people isn't right or practical. I like your homecoming suggestion...oh, and I am a reunion person for the most part.
Hi Tillsontitan,
There are some smaller towns where the high school reunion is at home coming. I am not sure about anyone else in this economy, but even if high school was the best time in my life, I still would not pay eighty dollars to go to the reunion.
VioletSun Level 5 Commenter 3 years ago
Sweetiepie: Its odd, but I never received an invitation to my High School reunions, maybe because my family moved many times and they do not have my current address. In any event, I am not sure if I would want to meet with former students that were not a part of my life after I graduated.