But whether due to the mindless drivel of an entirely too early day or perhaps due to the life reflection demanded by application essays, I decided to read through my high school senior letters. At the time of this writing, I've realized two things. 1.) There are some people I need to catch up with. 2.) I've approached college in a very different manner.
High school was an incredible time in which I became acquainted with so many through various aspects of the Parkview life. In each letter I read, there were tinges of reference to the past -- the friendships and relations reflected events dating back to elementary school. I was reminded of the fickleness of middle school, the drama of high school, and the strong bonds gained and lost in the process of growing up.
To those reading and reminiscing of that similar past, I say to you - growing up sucks, huh? Senior year of high school marked the high point of reputation, of 17-18 years of maturity, and knowledge that we were soon about to re-create ourselves. In colleges, professions, travel -- whatever the next step after 12th grade was -- the past was, for the most part, erased. No one you would meet now would remember the embarrassing nicknames that followed you through middle school. No one would know how you were the 'awkward' kid or the 'popular' kid in your preteen years. In fact, there would be little that would carry over. Time to start over.
As the final year in college comes to a close, I again reach that point of recognition. It is time to start anew. But interestingly, this time around we are ready. We're prepared and almost welcoming the next step. The past four years spanned both more and less time than the previous eighteen --but in that time we've grown up, identified goals, and discovered more about ourselves than perhaps we want to admit.
To those reading this from a linked facebook post, read on. I want to thank you for the senior letter, the memories, and friendships. Hopefully this might rekindle some happier thoughts of the past and give us strength to move forward as we once again begin the process of starting over.
I'm referencing the letters when writing these, so it might not completely make sense to you now...
Steph F - Apparently I got your only sticker on Toga Day. I'm still proud of that accomplishment
Clint B - Always my brother in Christ. I respect you on so many levels.
Mallory K - Still can't believe you sent letters out to the entire senior class. Wow.
Archana K - No more Sci Oly all nighters. But knowing you, you've continued the trend into college...
Anna R - So apparently I teased you for your 'dance moves' at some party (according to your letter)? Hmm, sorry about that. Hope you're doing well!
Shalini R - a line from your letter "[thanks for] telling me I'm smart although I'm really just gay." lol. Let's have lunch soon (I'll show you your letter)
Cindy T - You signed it 'Cindy T-to-the-an'. Don't you feel amazingly cool?! Oh, and the words 'freaking', 'gag', and 'chickens' are bolded. Oh and you called Stephen Yang homosexual. Figures.
Sara K - We did have quite the few odd convos (referencing your letter). Hope you're rockin' college.
Michael N - Three years later, and people are already confusing us again... Let's figure out a time to meet up. Seems silly that we're on the same campus and never see each other.
Erin H - Thinking back, I hate that I drifted from the orig. group in the final years of HS. Hopefully we'll get a chance to amend that. By the way, you win for most colorful letter...
Ji Won L - No, Ji Won (responding to your letter), when YOU are rich and famous, you buy ME dinner.
Hannah R - You wrote, "P.S. Brian thinks there's some reason he can't read this. Haha!" It's okay Hannah, I'll never let him know...
Bobby A - Thirty years from now, I will call you up and leave a message saying only one thing "boobu... uhh. nevermind." Hope all is well bud.
Seema J - You should read your letter. You'd laugh. We've been through a lot together, eh? Let me know when you want to grab dinner!
Matt N - You used the phrase "hella tight" and "stay cool. stay asian." in your letter. Love it.
Brian W - Whatever happened to our 'road trip' plan? Oh, and you need to visit more.
Melissa H - That denim factory tour was nauseating... Hope you're doing well at Tech!
Anna H - "I like your full name, and I'm going to miss saying it. Maybe I should just say it five times every night before I say my prayers and go to sleep" Haha, that made me laugh. Sad that we don't see each other anymore! What happened to our amazing string duo! Lunch next time you're in town. And bring your cello.
Cathy V - Check your email.
Abby B - 1.) No I was never in PHS Student Council 2.) I miss your quirky presence! Hope all is well!
Gauthami P - I'm twin number ONE. And I think it's about time we did a Tech/Emory visit.
Carlye N - Carlyle! Let's go back to the days of Queen... or just meet up on a plane again.
Natalie J - To this day, you are still the only one who calls me "T". And yes, I remember that AgCl is white... so when are we hanging out?
Aradhna S - my econ wife... man we were poor.
Nik K - Your letter is hilarious. I don't think there was a single complete sentence in it. Hope you're doin' well. Let's catch up when you get a chance.
Misha G - Still can't believe you wrote me a textbook for my senior letter. An entire page was dedicated to making sure we kept in touch, and I haven't done a good job of that :/. But it's okay, we'll now return to reminiscing about microphones, glitter, homecoming...
Steph W - Hope you still aren't as boy-crazy as you were when you wrote this letter....
And of course, thanks to all my family who wrote powerful senior letters. It's amazing how much of it still applies now.
Winter air rocks.
