by Jon Crosby

Created on: November 28, 2008

I have mixed feelings about high school reunions. While I agree that it can be enjoyable to see and interact with old friends, I have no use for much of the "pageantry" and ego games that can stem from these reunions. Our tenth reunion was planned and run by a reunion committee comprised of old classmates. In addition to hosting a dance at the school, we had a beach party, several dinners, and a prom-like function at a nice hotel. The twentieth reunion was put on by some agency that specializes in reunions and similar functions. It was totally canned, overdone, costly, and impersonal.

The thing I like least about reunions, in general, is the "look what I've done" mentality that permeates the event. There seems to be a prevailing attitude that average is totally unacceptable. I'm not insinuating that successful people should hide their success. However, I think it's silly, and unnecessary, for those who were perhaps not so successful to pretend to be millionaires. Who cares? Be yourself.

What's amazing, and sad, is how many people believe they need to enter into exercise programs (to look like they are 18 again), or buy new wardrobes, jewelry, vehicles, and other material things, in an effort to try and impress old classmates. If this is what it takes to impress them, why waste your time? Moreover, why do you need to impress anyone other than yourself?

One thing is for certain, people and times change. We cannot recapture that exact feeling of being in high school. And, that may not be a bad thing. In my situation, if I was able to recapture my high school experience, the reunion would most likely be held in the dean's office. I was a total non-achiever in high school, and my grade point average was so low I had to look up to see down! It was not until I entered community college that I became academically motivated. After graduating community college, I went on to earn bachelors and masters degrees, and took post graduate courses on the doctoral level. Following college, I became a public servant, corporate manager, and now part owner of a company. My point is, I was not successful or popular in high school, and would be the one person who you would think would really gear up for a reunion. Frankly, the thought never occurred to me.

Preparing for attending a high school reunion should not be an overly stressful endeavor - unless, that is, one is trying to develop a whole new persona. However; there are some important preparations that you can and should undertake:

1. Plan well in advance to attend the reunion - make sure you schedule time off from work (if applicable). 2. Arrange for transportation. If driving, have your car serviced. 2. Arrange for accommodations (even if that involves buying a pup tent and sleeping bag) 3. Have enough money available to take the trip and pay for food, hotel, festivities, etc. 4. Contact any high school friends who may also be attending and coordinate with them. 5. Bring a good camera with you to capture those special moments.

An excellent way to help ensure the success of a reunion is for you to become involved in the planning or other committees. By so doing, you can provide valuable assistance, plus get your point of view across as to how YOU believe the reunion should be held. It's fair to say, that if you don't become involved, you have no room to gripe.

In summary, look forward to attending your reunion but don't let the idea overwhelm you. We are under enough stress already.

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