All around my area, kids are graduating high school. I don't know if they realize what a major event it will it really will be in the story of their lives. And I don't mean the accomplishment of passing their classes and earning a diploma (although as a teacher I'm obliged to mention that is really important). I mean just how amazing they will feel being young, surrounded by friends, and having the whole world in front of them. They have no idea what their future holds. Hopefully for most of them, they feel hopeful... even if they have to dig under some anxiety to get to that hope.
So I'd like to take all of us on a journey back to that feeling of fun, hope, and excitement. I hope people read these questions, close their eyes and transport themselves back to a simpler time in their life before adulthood kicked in. Here we go...
What year was it when you graduated from High School?
What songs were you listening to on the way to graduation or the summer right after graduation?
Who were you with? Who were your friends? Did you have a boyfriend/girlfriend/partner?
Did you have a pet?
What was the most popular cologne or perfume that your classmates were wearing?
What was the fashion like?
What were the big movies out?
What were the hit songs?
What were the hit TV shows everyone was watching?
Did anyone cry at the graduation? (was it you?)
What do you remember most clearly about that day?
Was their a senior prank or ditch day?
What kind of cars did you drive or wish you drove?
What were the hairstyles like?
What was the new tech?
What advice would you give your 18 year old self?
Do you stay in touch with anyone who graduated with you?
What was the fast food of choice that day or summer?
Here are my answers:
1989
I was listening to Jane's Addiction Nothing Shocking and lots of Ramones
I was with my friends Mick, Gene, and Jorge. I had a girlfriend named Monica.
I had no pets but I ran away form a lot of dogs that summer.
Guys wore Obsession for men and girls wore Beautiful by Este Lauder (scent is the longest lasting sense so I can still smell them... and lots of Aquanet).
People wore way too. much neon. So much neon.
Batman was the huge movie. (I took Monica to see it)
My Prerogative by Bobby Brown was everywhere... but let's not forget Milli Vanilli
Cosby Show was huge (that did not age well)
No tears at my graduation.
I remember we were not allowed to wear hats because they thought we'd throw them and poke someone's eye out. Not kidding.
We didn't have a prank but we heard rumors of a nearby school turning their pool to Jello.
Lots of Z-28s were racing down the streets.
Girls' hair was HUGE. Actually so was the hair of some guys. And mullets. Lots of mullets. (Sorry for all the gender splits... but it was the 80s)
CDs were still pretty new.
I'd tell my 18 year old self to "BUY THIS STUFF CALLED BITCOIN WHEN YOU HEAR OF IT. BUY $1000 WORTH OF IT AND NEVER SELL IT. YOU'LL BE A BILLIONAIRE!!!!!"
I still hang out with one buddy from high school.
Fast food was Taco Bell. So much Taco Bell. Surprised I'm still alive.
Now it's your turn. Have fun!!!
