Actually, this was before Dynasty. More like the Dallas era. My 30th high school reunion is this year. Hence, the photos are flying all over the internet. I had never seen this photo of myself (I'm on the right). My first thought when someone posted it on my FB wall was, 'Damn! I was rocking that hair even after a day of canoeing and Little Kings!' One of my friends in the photo thinks it looks like a retro Coleman's ad. And yes, before anyone asks, the boys are wearing swimming trunks.
The photo represents a turning point in my life. Three months prior to this, I didn't know any of these people. I had survived high school with the 'herd mentality' of only going places and doing things if I had my entourage of friends along with me. My junior year, one of my teachers encouraged me to sign up for Close-Up, a national program where students get an up close look at our government in action. It included a seven day trip to D.C., along with some local conferences afterwards. Despite the fact that I knew not a single soul going on the trip, I did indeed go. It was the first time in my 16 years I had ever done anything 'alone.'
That trip turned out to be the best thing I had ever done. It forced me to break out of my comfort zone and was the start of a more outgoing me. Plus, I made some new, life long friends. Good times!
The photo represents a turning point in my life. Three months prior to this, I didn't know any of these people. I had survived high school with the 'herd mentality' of only going places and doing things if I had my entourage of friends along with me. My junior year, one of my teachers encouraged me to sign up for Close-Up, a national program where students get an up close look at our government in action. It included a seven day trip to D.C., along with some local conferences afterwards. Despite the fact that I knew not a single soul going on the trip, I did indeed go. It was the first time in my 16 years I had ever done anything 'alone.'
That trip turned out to be the best thing I had ever done. It forced me to break out of my comfort zone and was the start of a more outgoing me. Plus, I made some new, life long friends. Good times!
Those 'growing up' moments are precious. . .
ReplyDeleteFor me, it was the summer between HS and college, when I lived on my own in a different town (heck, a different state) than my parents. It really pushed my boundaries back to know that I could live on my own and not die. . . ;)
LOVE the photo!
ReplyDeleteYou look great!
I think the best year I ever had in high school was during my senior year (1974). Like you, it represented a turning point in my life. I came out of my shell and became more outgoing.
I only went back for my 10 year reunion and had a blast!
Beautiful my dear.
ReplyDeleteI have but little to add, my life has not had well defined turning points. A few long-in-coming transitions but for the most part I have not ever lived in a comfort zone. I don't see that as a bad thing, just different.
Craig - I remember that story; it included some 'scary moments' too, didn't it?
ReplyDeleteRon - Thanks! Isn't life so much more fun when you 'let go' of whatever it is that's holding you back?
Xavier - Well, I doubt you were a cynical kindergartner, but then again, I didn't know you back then!
Thanks for reminding me. It's posted here and here. . .
ReplyDeleteI guess some of the moments were kinda scary; moreso at the time than they are now, looking back on it. . .
I seem to have had more of many, many tiny turning points.
ReplyDelete30th reunion. Don't remind me.
Ahhh, if you only knew ....
ReplyDeleteCool Picture, were there any knee high tube socks with the colored stripes at the top involved :)
ReplyDeleteI graduated in 78 and these type of never seen pictures went around the internet for me also, it's kind of neat to look back and see how we looked then.
Right out of high school I threw my few things into the trunk of my car and made a 1500 mile road trip that took me out of South Carolina for life it seems, we grow up fast sometimes but we do survive.
sounds like a great memory. thanks for sharing it. it's amazing what realizing we CAN do something does for self confidence.
ReplyDeleteAgent - I know, right? 30 is brutal!
ReplyDeleteJimmy - That trip was a REALLY huge turning point in your life! Not everyone experiences something like that.
Lime - All teens should experience something like that (getting out of your comfort zone). It's rather freeing.
It was fun to take this trip down memory lane with you. Hey, I just saw "Grown Ups" with Adam Sandler. Have you seen that movie? I laughed until my face hurt.
ReplyDelete