The world consists of two types of individuals – those who love high school reunions and those who hate them. I’m in the former category.
Chances are if you’re an empty nester like me, you’ve been invited to at least a few of these. I attended my 5, 10, and 20-year reunions. I couldn’t go to my 25 or 30-year ones. So, when I saw people talking about getting together on the Mishawaka High School Class of 1988 Reunion Facebook Page for a 35-year reunion, I was excited.
Reunion Gurus Drew, Polly, and Drew’s wife led the planning efforts. Jennifer, Tim, Roxanne, and Tim’s wife helped with set up for the big event last Saturday. Since I’m 2 and ½ hours away here in Noblesville, I volunteered to be a worker bee that evening to take cash at the door and help with clean up. Michelle and her husband Brad handled the slide show and an amazing photo booth for the evening.
Our columnist enjoyed catching up with her friend Michelle and other classmates at her recent high school reunion. (Photo provided)
If you’re like me and love reunions, or not like me and you hate them (but someone is making you go … ahem …) I thought I’d share my top six tips for how to truly enjoy your high school reunion:
- Volunteer to help in any way you can. I loved greeting people at the door – it gave me a chance to learn who they were thanks to some conversation and name tags. After 35 years, things happen … a little more weight and wrinkles, a little less hair … all realities of life that made each of us look different from the yearbook photos. And cleanup was a breeze thanks to about 12 of us working together. This was a relief, because the thought of going to bed late at this age is no longer appealing to most of us!
- Dress comfortably. We had an 80s theme, naturally, with a Best 80s Attire contest. I decided to let someone else win and stuck with black leggings, a long sleeveless white blouse, and black booties. It was nice to be comfy and not worry about anything riding up or down, or sore feet from heels.
- Bring earplugs. I’m a highly sensitive person, so I always have earplugs in my purse. It was fun to listen to some great 80s tunes last Saturday, but I had to eventually use the earplugs to talk to people. Which leads me to …
- Don’t be afraid to take a break or two. I started to feel tired after three hours Saturday, so I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. Our reunion was just a block away from my sister’s old house, where I spent half of my childhood and teen years. I told Polly I’d be sure to be back for clean up, then went on my way. It was fun to see what had changed and what didn’t.
- Speaking of, if you’re like me and you don’t live in your hometown, take some time before and after the reunion for trips down memory lane. I indulged in a root beer from my all-time favorite BK root beer stand (still going strong in Mishawaka!) It was fun to bask in the nostalgia.
- Finally … be yourself. At this stage of life, you should completely relax and have fun. Heck, network a little! I gave out one of my business cards for my new book to my friend Rob.
A GREAT BIG thank you to everyone who helped make our reunion such a success. If I didn’t recall some names, please forgive me. It doesn’t mean I appreciate you any less.