I went to my nephews high school graduation parade this afternoon. Just an FYI for people reading this 10 years from now, Covid forced unusual graduations.
But, Graduation time always makes me reflect on my own college days, (I wasn’t a huge fan of high school, no offense to my high school friends). I had a terrific college experience, as I’m sure a lot of people did. I went to a small Jesuit College in Syracuse, NY. LeMoyne was 2.5 hours from where I grew up, perfect. I could get home if I needed too, but the parents weren’t “dropping by”. I loved it. I cried on my graduation day, mainly because I was going to miss my friends and that sense of independence I had.
Oh, but wait!!!!!
LeMoyne College 1992
A month or so before graduation a bunch of us were sitting in our favorite bar called “The Shire” doing what we do and getting a bit weepy, talking about life after school. Someone, I honestly don’t remember who said, “well why can’t we move somewhere together?”. None of us had job offers right out of school, so why not throw caution to the wind, and move somewhere together. Woment! Yes, what a great idea!
So, the planning began. There were at least 4-5 of us in on this deal. We determined darts, beer and a map would decide our fate, oh and a little research. We literally each threw a dart at a map of the USA. Each one of us did research on the city our dart landed on and then we came together to decide. I think I remember Chicago, DC, Charlotte, NYC Atlanta????
At the time, um, the early 90’s, Atlanta was growing by leaps and bounds. Atlanta was getting the Olympics in 1996, it was a hot bed for young ladies like us. So, it was decided, Hotlanta or bust. Four of us took off for Atlanta in the Fall of 1992, leaving our parents, families, and friends behind. New adventures ahead, but at least some of us were still together.
Sandy Springs, Georgia Me, Dennis Z, Jen W., John H., Lorenza M., Nancy M., Mary Kay F.
I only stayed in Atlanta for a little over a year as I got a job offer in Cleveland. I knew I had to move so I could gain experience in the field I was interested in and am still doing today. My other friends all over time left, but Atlanta was graced with at least one of us Dolphins (LeMoyne mascot) for 15 years.
Three years ago, we had our 25th reunion. Most of us made it back. We all stayed in the dorms; it was so fun and almost like old times. We had a lounge in the suite and hung out again. Funny, even though we are older, you don’t feel older and when you get back together, your 21-year-old self comes back out again. People change, but they really don’t. Their personalities are all still there and intact, the way you remember them.
My advice to graduating seniors. You will miss your friends, I know. You will lose some friends over time, probably for no specific reason. You may lose touch due to everyone’s various stages in life, how busy everyone is and then possibly and get back in touch when you least expect it. But make the effort, and stay in touch for as long as you can. The bonds you create in school are some of the strongest you will make. As we age, it becomes harder to make friends that will stand the test of time. Sure, you will make work friends, neighbor friends, kids friends parents’ friends etc. But hang onto the friends who go the distance with you. The ones who mean the most, won’t go very far.
Class of 1992
Congratulations Class of 2020!
