First off, I loved to hate my high school. It is all-girls. That’s no boys—for four years. So by the time I arrived at college, sitting in class next to a boy felt very, very weird to me. And I was so programmed into wearing a uniform that picking out my own outfits required effort and energy that I wasn’t used to.
For four years, I woke up 5 minutes before I had to leave, threw my hair into a bun and walked out the door. And then, even though you didn’t look presentable anyway, there was always the possibility you could get a demerit for the improper uniform. I wandered the halls hiding my phone and ready to take off my non-school-spirit sweatshirt at every moment. It’s a terrifying way to live.
My sister is graduating this year, and I found myself actually sentimental about her leaving our shared high school. I never really said goodbye to my high school—it was more of a “see you later.” Her graduation has actually made me sentimental for our family leaving this place. So, I decided to visit the school one last time to see teachers and classes before she graduates
1. I hated this place.
But I guess I liked some of my teachers.
2. My sister is graduating.
So it's the only time to see her while she's in class!
3. I have too much free time now that I’m home.
I went from going to class and studying for finals all the time, and now I have nothing to do.
4. Maybe I’ll just ask someone and see if they can.
It's worth a shot, right? And if no one can go, I'll just stay home again.
5. Oh look Molly can come!
Looks like I'm going back to high school.
6. I wonder how fast I can drive up the switchbacks.
My school was on the side of a mountain.
7. This is both too familiar but completely different.
I know every classroom but who are all these underclassmen?
8. Oh my god the uniforms! I wore that!
Just like her, I also never did my hair before school.
9. Remember when one boy would be on campus and everyone would gawk at him.
There is nothing like feeding a teenage boy's ego when he visits an all-girls school in his prep uniform.
10. This smells like high school. I forgot that this place has a smell.
It's like when you go to your friend's house and they have a smell, how funny.
11. My geometry teacher--she's so cool!
I always thought she was fun but I can actually talk to her now.
12. I'm gossiping with teachers, this is so fun!
My favorite history teacher has a class not though, no gossiping with her.
13. The history teacher next door is free!
She's asking about my life plans--I don't even have a pla.
14. I'm telling her about my life and it actually sounds like I have a plan!
Maybe I do have a plan for my adult life.
15. She's impressed!
I am now an impressive alumna of this high school.
16. Seriously where does that smell come from?
Do all the nuns wear the same perfume?
17. My sister is here!
Look at her, just another day at school.
18. Does she even go to class? Everyone is fooling around.
Oh right, they graduate in 2 weeks. There's nothing left to learn.
19. The famous math textbook!
"Dear person opening this book, My advice to you: DROP THIS CLASS NOW! Sincerely, Miserable AP Calc Student"
20. Another favorite teacher!
Do teachers talk like this all the time?
21. Were gossiping about uniforms.
This is so fun!
22. She is also impressed by my "life plan."
I really feel like I have it all figured out.
23. Ok, everyone at graduation was kind of right...
"At graduation, you speed down the hill thinking you'll never go back, but it's actually fun!"
25. Seriously love gossiping about the uniforms.
What a topic!
26. Isn’t it funny how teachers were so strict and superior in high school?
Now we’re just fellow Mount alumnae talking about high school?
27. I always knew I liked this teacher but now I feel like we’re friends.
She's inspiring AND relatable!
28. Can I add them on Facebook now?
I didn't want to at first, but now I do.
29. Oh my gosh! A male teacher.
My all-girls school mode forgot it only applies to students.
30. I feel so mature talking about this life plan I've come up with.
Look at me. An adult.
31. They added classrooms to this building!
I almost got lost.
32. Oh look, class is over.
2:40 on the dot.
33. Driving home I feel like I just finished a day at school.
Again, so familiar but so different.
34. But I actually like it.
Actually, I love it.
This was really a great experience! I had low expectations—like teachers wouldn’t have time to talk. But everyone remembered us and wanted to hear how we were doing. It was so nice and it has made me want to visit again. Instead of remembering all the bad things I like to point out, I’m now thinking of all the reasons I liked high school. I thought I was ready to say goodbye to high school, but it’s another “see you later, Mount!”
