Memoir
/ˈmemˌwär/ noun. a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation. Usually memoirs. an account of one's personal life and experiences; autobiography. the published record of the proceedings of a group or organization, as of a learned society.
High school – it was the peak of some people’s lives and, for others, a time they’d rather forget. For me it was a complex combination of both. It sure was fun to revisit those memories for just a half an hour or so. Most of all, I look forward to learning more about your high school memories!
Memoir Monday has grown so much that I won’t be able to comment on everyone’s posts anymore (and get my own work done) but I’ll still be supporting your posts with reblogs, votes, and shares on my other social media accounts (X, Facebook, etc.).
For all of those who’ve regularly participated in Memoir Monday - keep going, you’re making great progress in chronicling your very own life story for future generations to enjoy.
For those who missed the inaugural post explaining what the Memoir Monday initiative is all about you can find it here.
Now for next week’s Memoir Monday prompt:
Answer these questions to paint us a picture of your high school years.
My answer:
Reflections on My Senior Year in High School
Did you know your current love in high school?
Not at all! We lived over 800 miles apart and didn’t meet as friends until 1999.
What type of car did you drive?
I drove my parents' maroon 1978 Dodge Monaco until just a few weeks after graduation. The headlights and taillights filled with water whenever it rained but I was grateful to have access to it.
What kind of work did you do?
I worked in restaurant kitchens during my last couple of high school years. It was some of the hardest work I’ve ever done and it taught me great work ethic.
Where did you live?
On the east side of Columbus, Ohio.
Were you popular?
Not even close! My school could be rough (gangs/drugs) and many of the kids who grew up with me in our neighborhood felt like outsiders because a majority of the school was bussed in from other neighborhoods. I focused on keeping a low profile. Still, I had a good, tight-knit, group of friends.
Were you in band or choir?
Yes, I played clarinet in the stage and marching bands until my junior year.
What did you do after your graduation ceremony?
I went straight home and celebrated with my family. It felt like a huge deal because I was the first in my immediate family to graduate.
Ever get suspended?
Miraculously, no. I did get a detention once and had to attend Saturday school.
If you could go back, what experience would you relive?
I’d love to hang out with my high school friends one more time—no cell phones, no internet, just enjoying each other's company with no distractions.
Did you ever skip school?
Absolutely, I was a pro! I skipped about 100 days my senior year but still graduated with a 3.8 GPA. Since I only needed two credits to graduate and always turned in my work, the teachers just seemed grateful I wasn’t causing them more trouble.
Did you attend football games?
Not after I left the marching band. I didn’t participate in any school activities like dances or prom. My social life outside of school was fun, but I have few fond memories of school itself.
What was your favorite subject?
Art and English.
Do you still have your yearbook(s)?
Sadly, no. I lent one to someone after graduating and never got it back.
Did you follow your intended career path?
At 17, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and the school counselors did a poor job of helping to prepare us. I dreamed of being an architect because I admired Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, but after tackling advanced math in college, I switched to writing.
Do you still have your high school ring?
I never had one.
Who was your favorite teacher?
My art teacher, Mr. Davidson. He was a very cool person and took a personal interest in everyone in his class. This was rare at Eastmoor.
What was your hairstyle?
I had a mullet until junior year, then switched to a short fade.
What were your favorite shoes?
Black-and-white shell-toe Adidas.
What was your favorite food?
It was a tie between Boardwalk Coney Island's hotdogs and McDonald’s. From the school cafeteria? Probably the pizza.
Who was your favorite singer?
George Michael, if I had to pick someone from that era. I also liked Lenny Kravitz first album (Let Love Rule), and anything by Bob Marley or Sade.
What cologne did you wear?
Drakkar Noir or Polo Green. If the 1980's had a signature scent it would be these two colognes. Most of us wore them in heavy rotation.
How old were you when you graduated?
Seventeen.
Did you have any nicknames?
"E." or sometimes "E-rock" (cringe). I also heard "John Boy" uttered more than a few times too because of my last name.
What high school did you attend?
Eastmoor High School.
What year did you graduate?
1989
What’s changed the most about the world since you graduated?
Oh Lord, everything! Life in the late ’80s was so different. Technology has made life convenient, but it’s also changed us in ways we don’t fully understand. Sometimes, I miss the simplicity and the undivided attention people used to give one another. People, in general, are more entitled too and have much higher standards/expectations. This is both positive and negative.
How have you changed since high school?
The core of who I am now has remained mostly the same but I'm much more focused and disciplined. I was so fearful of the future at 17 years of age because I didn't really know who I was or what I wanted to do with my life. As the years have good by and I've learned how the world really works I've tried to keep myself from becoming too jaded. There's a very fine line between being well-informed and being cynical -- it's a slippery slope. I weigh less now (155lbs) than I did then (230lbs) but I feel more fit at 53 than I did at 17.
If you could time-travel and tell your teenage self something what would it be?
Keep writing, it will be a very rewarding career some day. Also, don't worry too much, it will all work out. Work hard, be fair/kind to others, and your life experience will surpass your wildest dreams. Oh, and buy as much bitcoin as you possibly can in 2009.
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