Fractured Memories of High School: Lessons and Lessons Lost
High school, a period of life that can be both exhilarating and challenging, often leaves us with a mix of memories. Some are straightforward and unforgettable, while others are quirky and mysterious. Reflecting on my high school days, three instances stand out, each with a unique lesson woven into it.
The Hunchback Who Couldnt Keep to Himself
One of the most memorable figures was a green belt in karate with the deceptively aggressive nickname Ed Grimley. Despite being a severe hunchback and carrying his inhaler everywhere, he was not the typical persona you'd expect. Ed's tendency to 'spaz out' and wheeze was a daily spectacle. His presence was indeed a presence that could not be ignored. Yet, nobody could resist the urge to loathe him. It's a testament to human nature – we often judge and find reasons to dislike without fully understanding the story behind the label.
The Gum Monster and the Untold Story
My high school friend had a bizarre but funny habit that we only discovered after we became roommates. Every day, she devoured up to 40 pieces of Juicy Fruit gum, stuffing them all into her swollen cheek. The only response she could muster to our queries was a muffled mutter. This habit, so peculiar, was emblematic of how we sometimes miss the true essence of others, even close friends, until we share spaces and experiences with them.
Lynda Parks: A Beacon of Kindness and Brilliance
Another standout figure was Lynda Parks, a beautiful, well-spoken, and kind young woman who left a lasting impression on me. Her kindness and the way she treated others were truly inspiring. Robin Cain, another friend, had a relic-like impact, with her face still etched in my memory and her infectious smile. These memories serve as gentle reminders of the kindness and sincerity that can brighten even those mundane or thrilling moments of adolescence.
Reflections on Growth and Decline
The poetry from my first-grade days, 'The First Day of School', haunts my memory as a poignant reminder of the journey from childhood to adolescence. In high school, we transitioned from enthusiastic and adventurous students to more cautious and molded individuals. We lost some of our passion for learning and began to care more about what others thought. This period marked a shift in values and priorities. We started to narrow our interests and became less daring.
The Loss of Innocence and the Quest for Relevance
When catching up with a former classmate recently, we reminisced about these changes. We wondered at what point our zest for learning turned into mere test memorization. When did we start valuing external opinions over our own thoughts? How did we become hesitant to take risks and opportunities? The turning point may have been when we had to choose subjects for final years, university majors, or when we were told our results would determine our future success. Somewhere, amid these decisions, we started to lose ourselves.
However, the journey doesn't end there. Since completing school, I've worked hard to regain a passion for learning and to stop caring about what others might think. Reflecting on this, the stark message is clear: remain true to who you are and don't allow the flurry of assessments and grades to obscure your true self.