Yep, the end of Christmas vacation is near and I’ll soon be headed back to Columbia; with classes starting up shortly after that.
Today, to start getting back in the groove, I got up at 8:30 a.m. Yes, I realize that is not much of an accomplishment compared to most people (I’m mentioning disclaimer immediately because though I’d enjoy emails, I’d rather not be dumped on by people wishing to compare their schedules that easily trump mine), but for me, that’s not too bad.
I got up early to go and visit Sullivan High School, my alma matter (though they continue to deny it).
Each year that I go back, it gets a bit more awkward with each trip. The school and the people there become less familiar every time I return.
The first part is excusable, because a major overhaul of the high school was started the year after I graduated. Many teachers have been moved around, several new hall ways were created (courtyard areas originally designed in the building plans have now been converted into classrooms and corridors [let me tell you, there are few things that will make you feel like you’re in a Twilight Zone episode more than strolling down a familiar path and seeing 8 classrooms that didn’t used to be there), and the old three-building complex has been changed into one large, mazelike labyrinth.
It’s an entertaining situation where the Seniors are sometimes just as confused as the Freshmen when it comes to finding classes.
Anyway, I had a good time catching up with friends in the hallways and lunchroom as well as chat with (and often thank) favorite teachers. I’m always sure to catch up with my old english teachers (excepting my old journalism teacher who taught me more about negotiating tricky office politics than writing). It’s also common for me to catch up with my drama teacher, history teachers, a counselor or two, janitors, music teachers, and of course, the all-powerful secretaries.
I'll talk anyone familiar who has time.
My sister and I visited together (this was her second trip this vacation while it was the first time for me). This was good because she knew the new layout (and was able to answer such questions like: “Whose idea was it to move the choir room to the opposite side of the school?” “They put the counselors’ office in the old nurse’s office?” “Where the hell did THIS lobby come from?”).
One major thing that was felt was the age difference. I’m a Junior now and the age gap I sometimes feel when around college Freshmen can feel a bit more apparent in high school.
I think that’s due to the fact I know less people in the school with each graduating class. The people who were Freshmen my graduating year are now Juniors. I only know a few people in the lower classes.
I was always outgoing at SHS and dealing with people from all age groups, so it’s weird to see a plethora of strangers where I used to see only familiar faces.
(NOTE: “Plethora” was used for my friends in Honors English IV who tell me they appreciate my usage of Fye vocab words. I will continue to use them as long as I can remember them…
FURTHER NOTE: You should only keep looking for about another 5 weeks, 6 at most. With the semester I have ahead of me, I don’t give my brain much longer than that)
Once again, I come to the reluctant conclusion that I’m maturing, even if it’s only slowly.
Still, it doesn’t hurt to catch up with an old friend. Reminiscing isn’t too bad either, as long as it doesn’t keep one from moving forward.
If you want a punchline wrap-up, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.
Have a good day.
