How to survive (and enjoy!) your class reunion
by Lynette Norris Wilkinson
Some people approach their class reunion with anticipation, others with reservation. But almost everyone feels a slight twinge of the jitters, a nervous energy that says, "Hey! Something special is about to happen in my life."
Your reservations are made and bags packed. Don't forget the right attitude and these helpful tips, and you'll have a great time!
How do you handle awkward situations where someone you do not recognize, recognizes you?
Before the reunion, flip through your yearbook to reacquaint yourself with faces. Many reunion planners use nametags with old school photos which removes a lot of the guesswork. But if you call someone by the wrong name or just forget their name, it's a common reunion problem. Besides, if they recognize you, that means you've not changed much. Be proud!
Hopefully, your reunion planner will plan activities for everyone. If not, try to find your spouse and kids a 'reunion buddy.' Beth Davis, owner of Reunions By The Party People in Dallas, Texas, suggests you introduce your spouse to another non-classmate to share conversation and your kids to kids their age. If your spouse prefers to pass on a particular reunion event, don't force it.
How are 10-year, 25-year and 50-year high school reunions different?
Everyone agrees that the ten-year high school reunion is definitely the 'show off' reunion. Most class members have been out of school a few years and are on a career track. They're anxious to show off their accomplishments. Peter Zarter, a representative with Taylor Reunion Services in Dallas, Texas, says, "At the ten-year reunion, they are definitely out to impress. At the 20-year reunion, they are not out so much to impress because many have arrived. They're just at the reunion to have a good time." Reunions of 30 years and older, he said, generally have more school spirit, more fond memories. Those at 10-year reunions haven't been out of school long enough and things haven't changed that much. "Fifty-year reunions are kind of sad," he added, "because they realize this may probably be the last time they will see some of these people."
What should I do about people I didn't get along with in school?
Beth Davis says, "Be nice and approach them. Include them in your group." Give them the benefit of the doubt, they may have changed. Even if they haven't, you'll feel better for taking the initiative.
What should I wear?
"Go with simple," suggests Beth Davis. "Don't overdo it but look hot!" You want to look good, but you also want to be comfortable. Check scheduled events and plan your wardrobe accordingly.
What kind of pictures should I take?
Get lots of close-ups and candids. "Get facial shots of people you care about," says Gila Monfort, owner of Reunion Consultants in Dallas. "A long shot of people on the dance floor isn't going to tell you much later." Take some pictures on Friday and have them developed overnight to display on Saturday. Or bring them to display at the next reunion. Get duplicates to share with people in the picture — another way to keep in touch and share memories.
What are some must-haves to take along?
Besides your camera, pack your yearbook. During a break you might be able to figure out a familiar face that's been puzzling you. You might also want to bring pictures of where you live, your family, hobbies and snapshots taken of you through the years, things that connect the person they knew to the person you are now.
Reunion Magazine
