Every now and then, I feel like every college student should visit their old stomping grounds. Whether you liked your high school and its students or not, going back to where you spent so much of your time really makes you appreciate the memories you had there. However, going back is a very emotionally-driven experience, or it is for me, at least. Here are some thoughts that my friends and I always have whenever we go to games or events at our old high schools.
1. "I really wish I didn't have to pay to get in."
I'm a broke college student. I spent most of my life (and money) here and I still have to buy tickets? I don't even get a discount? Come on...
2. "Wow, I don't know anyone here..."
It's that moment of panic you feel when you glance over the stands or into the crowd and realize everyone you knew either graduated or moved away.
3. "There is no way I looked this young when I was in high school."
I say this all the time. I remember that when I was in elementary school, I would look at all the high school students and think about how grown up they looked. Then when I finally got to be their age, I realized how young I looked compared to them. I still don't understand it, to be honest.
4. "Please don't ask how college is going..."
I get that asking me about college is a safe topic if you want to start conversation, it's just that literally everyone asks me about it. It's nothing against you, I promise.
5. "Wait, what grade is [insert name here] in again?"
Once again, I say this all the time. In high school, I played a lot of sports so it's very weird to me when I see girl on the court that I used to play on the junior varsity team or a boy that I went to church with my whole life as the starting quarterback. Which brings me to my next thought...
6. "I am so old..."
I get it, we're not really that old. But seeing kids that used to be, well, kids, all grown up really reminds you just how long ago you graduated.
7. "I really need to start working out again."
It hits you hard when you realize how in shape you were when you played sports, especially when you think about how out of breath you'd be if you were to get out on that court or field right now."
8. "Whatever happened to [insert name here]?"
My friends and I often start thinking about people we graduated with or played sports with or against and wonder where they are and what they're doing... And if anyone has even heard from them since high school.
9. "I miss this..."
Whether you liked high school or not, going back to a game or any sort of event brings back all the memories you made. As for me, there are some days when I'd give anything to be able to put on my jersey one last time and play one more game. Other days, I'm thankful that I don't have to be at school every single day at 8 a.m. and be in class until 3 p.m., followed by practice for whatever sport I was playing at the time. But even though I hate to admit it, I miss (parts of) high school... Sometimes.
