Most Likely To… Reflections on Life After High School

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“Stay sweet,” “Don’t ever change,” “Most likely to succeed,” and “You made our school proud”—these are just a few of the messages I recently flipped through in my high school yearbook. Now, 26 years later, I can’t help but wonder: Did I meet the expectations of my peers and teachers? Did I fall short, both for myself and them? Did I grow into the person everyone envisioned?

Back in high school, I was the quintessential overachiever. I juggled being a straight-A student with a packed schedule of extracurriculars. From swimming at a competitive level to participating in the marching band, jazz band, choir, student government, and even homecoming court, my calendar was always full. Honestly, I’m still amazed I managed it all without ever straying into trouble or substance use.

Given my background, it’s no surprise people expected great things from me after graduation. And for a while, I delivered. I attended Middlebury College, traveled around the U.S. and Europe working for a travel agency, and then went on to Seton Hall Law School, where I excelled and met my future husband. I eventually got married, started a family, and built a successful career. It seemed like everything was aligning with those yearbook predictions.

However, the story didn’t end there. The “perfect” high school sweetheart I once was faced a dark battle with alcohol and prescription pills. I managed to hide it for years, but eventually, it took everything from me. I went through a divorce, left my legal career, and checked into rehab—not exactly the life my hometown had pictured for me.

Hitting rock bottom and losing everything I had worked for was excruciating. I felt like I had disappointed everyone who cared about me. Lying in bed during those early days of rehab, I questioned how I would survive the weight of my shame. I was trapped in a dark, scary place and wasn’t sure I could ever find my way out.

But I did! Through hard work and determination, I rediscovered myself, filling that empty shell with renewed hope. Now, I’m sober, focused on being the best mom I can be, and embracing a healthier, simpler life. While I may not be where I thought I would be at this point, I’m starting to see that my current life might even be better than I ever imagined.

Looking back at my yearbook, I reflect on those words written for me: “Stay sweet.” I may not be as sweet, but I’m definitely more authentic! “Don’t ever change.” Oh, I’ve changed a lot—I’m not the perfectionist I once was. Now, I embrace my flaws and recognize that they’ve made me stronger. Though I’ve shifted, my hardworking spirit remains—it’s what helped me rise from the depths of my struggles.

As for the label “most likely to succeed,” I’ve had my successes on paper, but the biggest triumph has been overcoming addiction and rebuilding my life from scratch. I hope that counts for something. And about making my school proud? For a while, I didn’t feel proud of myself, but since opening up about my journey to friends from my past, I’ve been met with an outpouring of love and support. They remember me as that high school girl, but they didn’t judge me for my struggles; instead, they reminded me of my strengths.

In many ways, I’m a different person from the girl captured in that yearbook photo, but I’ve also reconnected with that driven spirit deep down. It feels like I’ve been reborn from my younger self. One dear friend wrote in my yearbook, “Stay true to yourself.” Perhaps he understood me better than I knew myself. Regardless, it’s a sentiment I carry with me today.

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In summary, while my life has taken unexpected turns, I’ve learned that true success comes from resilience and authenticity. Embracing my flaws has led me to a more genuine and fulfilling life, and I believe that’s worth celebrating.