Today I'm lost in thought of what I could be.....and what once was.
There's a spaghetti dinner at my high school on Tues for a current student battling a life threatening illness. I haven't been back there in forever it seems like. My mom told me about it and asked if I wanted to go for the sake of venturing back to my roots. I said yes in hopes of seeing my old teachers who have impacted my life so much. In addition to that, I might be a success story from that school who could influence someone younger than me.
There's only one teacher there who would remember me, and the rest have ventured down other avenues. If other students show up I probably won't know any of them because I graduated so many years ago from the little one hallway high school.
I could have been one of the people who drank their way though high school, or never ventured for better things- but I wasn't. I chose to focus on school and sacrifice a social life because I wanted better for myself. I had no idea what was out there in the "real world" at the time I was muddling through Pythagorean theorems and Passport projects but I knew I had to spread my wings away from the town I spent my high school years, and I did.
I remember walking though the doors my Freshmen year- the day the doors opened and there were only 40 kids in total for all four grades. Half of us were 9th graders. Now, the school is at full capacity with about 180-200 students. I remember log rolling down the hallway (yes there's only one!) and having plenty of room to move past walking people. I can't even imagine what it must look like during passing times now. Oh what growing pains.
What's funny is how a few people from my high school days have somewhat grown with me. I see my former math teacher (now a practicing attorney) every Friday night. I started checking homework for her when I was 15- and now I still do that nearly 10 years later. It's not in the tiny high school anymore, but the comfort of being in the classroom with her still does wonders for my soul. My English teacher for three years of high school works in admissions of my now alma mater- and without her I probably wouldn't have discovered Aquinas or the people I met on my journey through college. My former principal is now what I consider my other mother. I don't tell them nearly enough how much I appreciate them, but in my heart I cherish their support and infinite wisdom. She and her husband love and adore me like I believe all parents should. Granted- my mom loves me too but she made some not so hot decisions that impacted my brother and I in more ways then I think she will ever understand. I could have insisted a "normal teenager" didn't have to deal with the responsibilities I had - but I didn't. I could have opted not to go to college and work a fast food job at best, - but I didn't.
If there's anything I remember about my years at Grattan, I remember it being my safe haven from everything. I was the quiet one, yes, and I know for a fact I was made fun of behind my back but the teachers I had were the best in their own little ways. In that sense, I can identify with the sick girl. I know the culture of the staff and faculty is to take care of their students (even as it transcended from a college prep to an alternative ed type culture of students). There was an article in the paper about her, and in it she describes the teachers as being more than adaptable to her missing so much school for health reasons. That's the community I remember being a part of and it makes me proud to know above all the quabbles and drama of a small school there are people who care.
The times and faces have changed but the place itself is the same. It will be the place I give credit to shaping the person I am today. Grattan Academy High gave me a fresh new start and I can only hope this dinner will generate enough funds to give this student and her family a new start, too.
