Visiting my high school — nostalgia rush

I went to my high school today to listen to high school juniors (11th graders) give presentations about their college/career goals and share a bit from a common app essay.

It was surprising to see how honest students were in their presentations. And Mr. Bando who I was assigned too, was kind of cute/hot/smart. But I saw a wedding band haha.

The students seemed like they just didn’t care about a lot things, and they were honest about that. The things they did care about, they’d share.

Mrs. Grover even said she had 15 F’s, which was never the case before COVID, and would have been impossible during my time, which it’d be the end of the world if someone turned an assignment late lol. So true.

Here are some reflections on each teacher:

Mrs. Grover — My first history teacher in 7th grade. She said she had a note from me in her drawer or something that she kept and will show me. And she has 5 kids, Troy just graduated and she had triplets. Crazy. She got my number for future work stuff for her kids lol. It was great to see her. She’s kind but in a stern ish vibe. So crazy to see her face. She does obviously look older but it’s life. She told the kids I went to Princeton — silence. Then I told them I wrote the fight song lyrics, and they were like “ooohhh” LOL. People only care about what they know.

Mr. Royel — My 9th grade and 12th grade English teacher. He was so energetic still and said I made his day. I think he dyed his hair and he said he’s 58, leaving in maybe 4 years. He flips multi-unit properties and even asked if I wanted to join. I said I do buy and rent. He said he remembered me as ambitious, complimented my youthful appearance being shocked I was 35 lol.

Mr. Hojhes — He said his house flooded, and no weird questions about Jenelle again probably because students were around and another girl Madi Higgen was there, another alum, Harvey’s sister.

Ms. Matich — She was very warm and told me how her husband went to Colombia and said he wasn’t coming back. She filed for divorce. Her son went to live with his gf. He’s 18 and senior in high school. She wonders if she was too stifling. But I said people make their own decisions and it’s not her fault. Idk, she seemed like she could be a bit of a strong presence, but is someone who also listens and is open? You never know family dynamics though.

Mr. Win — He was bald lol and very sweet saying hi and I told him I learned I was red-green color blind, in front of his class LOL. I love how they just stop class or let me come in.

Ms. Voskler — Very professional and good at explaining things. She led the program. Very welcoming. Was never my teacher personally.

Ms. Minor — So sweet. She said she had cancer 10 years ago and when she was picking her doctor, a Dr Chen reminded her of me and my kind/playful energy and she went with him. She’s not on FB and was just so sweet. My orchestra teacher, now only does strings, and she took me to my viola chair and told everyone the story I was telling her about how I beat Christen in the challenge for first chair LOL. Love her.

Mrs. Sanjez — My classmate Amenda’s mom. She was nice and we chatted a bit in the front.

Ms. Hansen — Still very no BS art teacher. My 8th grade art teacher. Talking about the surveiling of cameras, the Assitant Principal. And how she’s like go ahead and fire me, I’m about to retire anyway. LOL. Love her honesty. She was very nice and chatted me up while the kids did art. They have an oragami art project.

Library — There’s a new Libary Tech and the library she said is a blend of Starbucks and college library lol. Def college library. It was nice!

I didn’t talk to Cliften or Witman. Cliften idk just didn’t seem like we had much to say last time. Witman I think I had an awkward moment back then so I just didn’t want to revisit.

Saw Jackie Chu’s sister and said hi. She kind of ignored me later when she was leaving, all good.

Kids now have more free hours in between or different schedules. The uniforms still about the same, felt kind of like back then.

So nostalgic. Had a ton of memories of my life then, and it seemed a different time period that I’d never go back to. To hear those hallway sounds of doors opening/closing, my feet walking, or sounds of Mr Bandos walking in a quiet portable room, reminded me of my old life then.

It was like I was transported back in time. So crazy.

I do have a lot of love for my high school, but it’s also a moment in time in that place that exists only then. What a life. I’m thankful.