Junior High Reunion: Memories and Lack Thereof

 Jefferson Junior High School
Long Beach, California
Class of 1966
Northern California Reunion
In Picture to the Left:
Tom, Linda, Jim
Gary, Becky, Phyllis, Don, Larry
Dennis, Barb, Patti, Mike, Mark
Armando, Victor

The picture to the right is missing Armando, but has Rick (center-seated), and some spouses.  Taken at Railtown in Jamestown, CA.

                I was a little skeptical when I first heard about the idea.  Many people attend and enjoy high school reunions decades after they have graduated.  But how many people get together with the people they hung out with in junior high?  But the prospect intrigued me.  As I thought about it, I realized that even though everyone in our junior high school also attended the same high school, the culture of our junior high was quite different from those of the other junior highs that fed our high school.  Our group had a unique identity.  After some serious thought about how many other things I could be doing that weekend, I decided I would attend.  It wasn’t actually designed to be a full-fledged reunion, just a small get together with those who lived in the Northern California area.  However, a couple of alumni came from Southern California and one from Texas.  So, Friday evening, there we were, a bunch of mostly grey-haired sixty-somethings shaking hands and trying to place faces with names with memories.

                Knowing there were going to be all political positions represented, I determined before traveling to Sonora, California, that I would do what I could to avoid arguments.  The purpose of this get-together, after all, seemed to be reminiscence, reconnection and re-acquaintance.  I managed to avoid it all Friday evening and most of Saturday morning.  But then I found myself sitting right in the middle of a lively discussion about Obamacare.  I listened with my mouth shut until the subject of funding abortion came up.  I couldn’t let it pass, but I tried to be non-emotional, even analytical when I suggested that the discussion about funding was missing some essential, more philosophical considerations.  I sensed some emotion in the response I received, and I was beginning to feel some emotion rise in me as well, but the whole matter was ended by the call to gather in the parking lot for a group picture.

                Most of the conversations did center around some of the stupid things we did as junior highers.  Everybody took turns bringing up their own versions of various antics, participation is singing or sports activities, student government and extra-curricular activities.  The school staff were remembered for their leniency, harshness or being hauled off in handcuffs.  Former students, not present at our little reunion, were discussed.  Most of these events were either fuzzy memories or brand new information to me.  To me, junior high school consisted of three years of self-absorption, insecurity and acting out.  Everything I did and said was predicated upon one assumption; this will get someone to like me.  The only way I would ever want to relive those years, should some actual time machine be invented, is if I could take with me the knowledge I have today.  I will say, though, it was fun listening to everyone else’s versions of reality.  I missed most of it when I was actually there.

                I am not an outgoing, social person.  I have always felt a little uncomfortable around people I don’t know, probably because I’m still concerned they won’t like me or that they would not have any interest in getting to know me, and I’d rather avoid any attacks on my ego.  Interestingly, I actually enjoy hearing about other people’s lives; what they have done, what they are doing now and what they plan to do.  When that group of people consists of folks I already have some connection with, I am even more interested.  This past weekend I was amazed at the variety of directions everyone’s lives have taken.  There were many different levels of education, a myriad of careers in government work, education, private enterprise, and an interesting conglomeration of personal interests.  How did I not know that for these past 46 years?

                Reunions don’t have to be all about the past.  That part is fun, but it can grow old quickly.  Getting to know people and what they are currently experiencing is much more interesting to me.  Fortunately, this particular reunion had a good mix of both. 

                So, Barb and Phyllis, thanks for setting it all up.  And thank-you, all of you fellow Jeffersonites (or Jeffersonians?), who decided to sacrifice time and money to attend.  I truly enjoyed talking with each of you.  Let’s do this again in 45 years.