Updated: Aug. 14, 2023
Originally Published: May 27, 2023
Can you believe it? A full 25 years have passed since my biggest concerns were whether my chemistry lab partner had studied enough for finals, and if I had sufficient hairspray to survive dance team practice. This summer, I’ll be attending my 25th high school reunion, reconnecting with a group of friends from the ’80s, who could have easily inspired characters in a John Hughes film. Those years from 1988 to 1992 at my large, suburban high school could very well be a blueprint for Shermer, Illinois, with all its Saturday detention antics.
We had our share of groups and stereotypes—my class of 1992 included the jock, the nerd, the beauty, the introvert, and the rebel. There were the popular kids at their lunch table, the quarterback zooming around in his flashy car, the cheerleader with her convertible, and yes, the band nerds who, as it turns out, ended up being the life of the party at college football games. We were a mix of geniuses, artists, athletes, and dreamers. Now, nearly three decades later, as we gather at a beach resort to reminisce about sneaking out of our homes, downing beers, and lip-syncing to Whitney Houston, those teenage facades will have faded.
Life has undoubtedly transformed us all. The masks we wore in high school have been peeled away, revealing the raw humanity underneath. Marriage, children, and the rollercoaster of life have challenged each of us. It’s a beautiful reminder of how time acts as a great equalizer. Back then, at 17, we had our social hierarchies, but now, in our 40s, life has tossed us all into the same pot, and we’ve emerged on equal ground. And that, my friends, is utterly remarkable.
After 25 years of navigating adulthood, the Class of 1992 has learned a thing or two. We’ve faced unexpected losses, found new paths, and experienced the full spectrum of life’s ups and downs. We’ve sought do-overs and wished things could remain unchanged. Some may have even longed for an end, yet here we are, poised to share our life stories among old friends. Every joy, every sorrow, every high and every low—those are the themes we’ll explore together.
Since we tossed our caps in the air at graduation, it’s safe to say we’ve collectively faced losses of jobs, friendships, loved ones, and even pets. We’ve shed pounds and fears, lost hair and pretenses, and endured significant disappointments. We’ve battled through illness, despair, and have felt utterly drained by the weight of responsibilities. Many of us have grappled with losing our spirit and joy along the way.
Yet, beyond our losses lies a wealth of what we’ve gained. We’ve acquired wisdom, insight, and a deeper understanding of life. We’ve welcomed children, stepchildren, and in-laws into our lives. We’ve discovered new careers, new homes, and friendships that we didn’t know we needed. With patience and gratitude, we’ve tackled life’s hardest days with strength we never knew we had. We’ve encountered our own battles and emerged victorious, finding our courage, hope, and joy anew.
Now? Watch out, world! Our 40s are all about reclaiming our spark. We walked out of our graduation ceremony as distinct individuals—the introvert, the brain, the beauty, the rebel, and the athlete. This time, we’ll reunite as the homemaker, the academic, the CEO, the globetrotter, and the therapist. Although we’ve all taken different paths, we’re still connected at our core. Behind our roles, we are parents, partners, caregivers, and cheerleaders. As we leave, intertwined once more, we’ll set out on life’s journey, this time towards new adventures.
And until our 50th reunion, don’t forget about me!
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Summary:
The reflections on a 25-year high school reunion highlight the transformation of friendships and identities over the years. As participants gather, they will share their journeys of loss and gain, celebrating the wisdom and experiences that have shaped them. Despite their different paths, the bonds formed in youth remain strong as they embark on new adventures together.