Has it been 25 years since I graduated high school?

“Just a gentle reminder that our Central 246 reunion is coming up soon, on Saturday, June 16^th”

I read the email and for a moment thought it might had been a mistake but deep down I realized it was not. My 25 year reunion from high school was approaching quickly.

Thoughts upon graduation

For me, a lot noteworthy events have happened once I left high school specifically attending college, joining the Navy, getting the chance to operate a nuclear reactor, meeting someone who went to high to school 4,000 miles away from me and marrying her, having two kids, going back to school and earning another degree, receiving multiple certifications. In that time, I interviewed for positions, transitioned careers, began to grow gray hair all the while continuing to try and push forward and become the best person I can be.

Looking back at my high school days I enjoyed my time. For certain I wished I knew as much about life then as I do not but overall I cannot complain, I had the opportunity to attend a world renowned high school which I would be proud to send my children had I not moved across the country.

Over the years the one thing which has changed is the acceptance of the good and the bad which comes with everyday life as a result of my life experiences. On the other hand what hasn’t changed is my personality. I am still the same person I was but now I can lean on a plethora of life experiences to look back upon and shape my viewpoints.  Ultimately, no one can take away your experiences and in many cases these experiences influence your psyche irreparably for better or for worse.

As my high school classmates gathered 25 years since we graduated from the Academy of Music on Broad Street in Philly I wonder  where we will all be in another 25 years?