Can you believe it’s been a quarter of a century since my biggest concerns revolved around whether my physics lab partner was more prepared for finals than I was, or if I had enough Aqua Net in my locker for post-dance team practice touch-ups? This summer, I’ll be attending my 25-year high school reunion, ready to reconnect with my fellow classmates from the ’80s, who I suspect inspired characters in John Hughes’ classic films. Those years from 1986 to 1990 at my large suburban high school felt like they could have been a blueprint for Glenbrook North High School in Shermer, Illinois, complete with Saturday detentions and all.
Our high school experience was filled with cliques and stereotypes. In my graduating class of 1990, we had the jock, the brain, the beauty, the misfit, and the rebel. There were the cool kids at lunch, the sports-car-driving quarterback, and the convertible-driving cheerleader. And let’s not forget the band geeks who, surprisingly, ended up having the best time at college football games. As we prepare to gather at a beach resort to reminisce about sneaking out of our bedroom windows, binge-drinking, and lip-syncing to Taylor Dayne, all those teenage facades will have faded away.
Life has been quite the rollercoaster since then, and we’ve all shed our youthful masks. In our early 40s, we’ve experienced the magic of life that has leveled us all out. Back when we were 17, we had our little social hierarchies. Now, however, life shows no favoritism—it has thrown us all into the air, landing us on equal ground. And that, my friends, is totally tubular.
After 25 years of adulting, the class of 1990 has certainly seen its fair share of ups and downs. We’ve lost loved ones and jobs, gained new friends and experiences, and navigated the complexities of adulthood. We’ve longed for do-overs and yearned for things to stay the same. We may have even wished for it all to end. But soon, we’ll gather once more to share the plates that life has served us—both the joys and the sorrows, the highs and the lows.
Since we last tossed our caps in the air, it’s safe to say we’ve collectively faced losses: jobs, friends, family members, pets, and even our own youthful appearances. We’ve experienced heartbreak, disappointment, and the weight of responsibilities that felt nearly crushing. Many of us have battled personal demons, and yes, some of those battles left us feeling defeated. It’s likely that a good number of us have felt like we lost our way at some point.
However, it’s essential to recognize what we have gained over the years. We’ve acquired wisdom, insight, and the kind of grace that comes only from navigating life’s challenges. We may have gained pounds, kids, and in-laws, but we’ve also discovered new passions, careers, and friendships that add richness to our lives. We’ve matured, finding patience and gratitude in the process. We’ve met life’s toughest days with strength we never knew we had. Some of us have fought through cancer and despair to emerge victorious. Yes, we’ve reclaimed our courage, joy, and even our sanity. And now? Watch out, world—our 40s are all about getting our groove back.
Twenty-five years ago, we graduated as individuals—the recluse, the brain, the beauty, the rebel, the jock. We were intertwined with memories of our youth, with a bright future ahead of us. Now, as we prepare to reunite, we’ve transformed into the homemakers, academics, CEOs, travelers, and therapists of our lives. Though we’ve taken different paths, we’re still the same at our core: mothers, fathers, partners, caregivers, and friends. As we leave together to continue our journeys, there will be new memories to create and new paths to forge until we meet again for our 50th reunion.
And until then, hey, don’t you forget about me.
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Summary
Reflecting on the past 25 years since high school, the author delves into the transformations that come with adulthood. The reunion serves as a reminder of the changes we’ve all experienced—losses and gains alike. While we navigate life’s ups and downs, we ultimately emerge stronger and more connected than ever, ready to make new memories.
Keyphrase: 25th high school reunion
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