Graduation Was HOW Long Ago?

The other night I popped in my CD of the "Fame" soundtrack (the original film from 1980, not the--gasp--remake). I could feel the wave of nostalgia wash over me, even though I don't recall any big spontaneous dance numbers taking place in our school cafeteria. (I'm sorry....it was actually called the "commons.")

It also stirs up extra memories this week because we're closing in on our 30-year class reunion. Really? It's been that long? Guess that means we're grown-ups, huh? As they say, where does the time go?

I've pulled out my senior yearbook to try to brush up on some names and faces, though we all look at least a little different than we did in 1982. That got me thinking: Will I be surprised at the reunion by how much everyone (in general) has changed? Or by how much everyone (overall) has not? Surely after 30 years we can find things in common besides simply high school, right?

So let me take a look at myself and see what might make me recognizable as a member of the class of '82.

Naturally there's platinum in my hair that wasn't there before. But I think I look essentially like an older version of that girl in the yearbook. I still don't spend a lot of money on clothes, or a lot of time on hair or makeup. And I rarely use any hairspray.

I no longer play in a band or orchestra. Every now and then I'll get out my clarinet and see if I've still "got it." (Not bad, but my embouchure gives out after about 15 minutes.) I get my "fix" by living vicariously through my violin-playing son.

My other primary extracurricular activities were debate and forensics. I enjoyed both, but they certainly didn't make me eager to speak in front of a group. I think, however, they helped expand my love of the English language. I remember Mr. Grinsel telling us to say during a debate that we have a "quotation" to read, not a "quote." I try to follow that rule to this day.

I'm still not a jock. Sports and such never really interested me (perhaps due, in part, to my overall lack of coordination). I was, however a "soccer mom" for a while. And I am watching bits and pieces of the Olympics!

Never was a real social butterfly, and probably never will be. I was a bit of a nerd in the '80s. I think  I still am, to some extent, though these days "geek" can be "cool." ("Doctor Who," anyone?)

I would still get a kick out of watching "E.T.," "Tootsie,"  and "Star Trek II." I still enjoy listening to Men at Work, Human League, and even Air Supply. (I hate, though, that I have to listen to an oldies station.)

We may have tots or teens...or not. We may have grandchildren! (Not part of my world yet, and I don't expect any for several years, at least.) We may have lived in exotic places. Or our address may still be in Wausau. There have been weddings and divorces, births and funerals, more school and jobs--and unemployment. We might still be in touch with some of those same close friends. Or we might just send an annual Christmas card. For all its faults, Facebook does allow me to once again have some contact with former classmates. It's not the same as regular letters or phone calls or dinners out, but it's a connection all the same.

We no longer fit into the tidy "Breakfast Club" categories. We've all matured enough to form our own opinions based on our own experiences. We're the same people we were, and we're at the same time different people. However we might describe ourselves today, we're still Warriors.

 ♫ ♫ Onward, Wausau West to reach, the victory that is ours...  ♫ ♫ And onward to our reunion!