A TRIBUTE TO THE BYGONE DAYS OF HIGH SCHOOL

This piece is dedicated to the following:

Cyril, who made time earlier this week for some good old catch up, and is about to leave again for New York City.

Gem, a friend I made during junior prom, who invited me to a seminar yesterday.

My longtime friends Ton and Kookles, who never fail to make time for food, drinks, and comic relief.

And to the rest who became a part of that period in my life.

During my high school graduation many moons ago, one of the speakers asked us to take a good look at every student graduating that night. After a brief pause, it continued with the statement, “Savor and cherish this moment because there is a good chance that this is the last time you will be seeing these faces for a long time.” These words came true.

But what was it like during my time as a high school student? Back then, calling your friends through telephones to chat or ask about home works was a usual practice; internet connection was still in its dial up phase; the sago-filled shakes fad was about to start its demise while coffee shops were picking up the pace; there was much goofing around at the auditorium backstage; we snuck in empty classrooms to catch our siesta; quizzes, projects, home works were really the bulk of our worries. It was a much simpler world to live in compared to today.

Fast forward to the present. By this time, we have made a whole lot of decisions that further defined who we are and who we will still become. Along with these decisions came triumphs, progress, failures, and sacrifices. We have to live and adapt to the ever changing world in hopes of creating better lives for ourselves. Facing the future also presents the caveat of uncertainty. We might not always have our family, friends, and teachers for as long as we would want them to be around.

My true inspiration for this piece is appreciating the legacy we can impart to people who have crossed our lives. Consciously or unconsciously, our worthwhile interactions with these people will last a lifetime. And who knows, maybe one or two or three of those interactions became defining moments in your life. Nevermind going away for a while, nevermind living careers different from each other, nevermind growing old. At this point, I just want to sincerely thank these people for being part of my life. I urge you to do so too.

“If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be travelin' on now
There's too many places I got to see”

- Taken from Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd