October 5-6, 2023
Las Vegas, NV
 |
| Classmates (George, Esther, and Virgil) who all attended the same elementary school, Ewa |
In 2020, we were hit with a global pandemic that placed many in person events on hold for almost 3 years! So, reigniting another reunion date was quite a feat. The planning committee was able to muster up at least 60+ class mates to return to the scene of Las Vegas. I couldn't believe they did not choose another venue. But I have a feeling I know why. One, it was much more affordable. Many of my class mates still live back home in Hawaii. There are great travel packages that allow many to travel that includes air, hotel, and transfer to/from hotel. Some of these packages include meals in the hotel, so that saves tons of money. Second, it was an easy playbook to just rebook same place and format.
Personally, I thought they would be more creative and proactive to possibly choose a venue that is local, more resort setting situated back home in the Hawaiian islands. It would have encompass a fitting return to our beloved school setting and enable more class mates to attend. I know some class mates already had plans for the year or decided to not attend. Or my other theory is that many were not on social media platforms, so reaching out to them were limited. You'd think in 2023, technology would win out in trying to reach more class mates?
The reunion was quite predictable this year, same place, same time, and same format. Even the raffle contest was the same, nothing really original. The only thing that was a bright side to the event was seeing a few more class mates. But sadly, I didn't remember any of them. I noticed some were less engaging and kept to themselves or with their spouses. Some, didn't say much. I felt they had to be on their best behavior or give an impression that they are "normal". We all know how each class mate were like back then. You can't hide who you were, not with a new hair color, or accomplishments, at the end of the day, everyone tends to remember you the way you were. I only hope they perceived me to be ok, LOL, but I tried to be as honest, and real with who I am. A few were so nice to chat with and catching up on their lives, others felt the need to over share where they were and how they are today. Maybe a slight note of insecurities? Who isn't?
 |
| My group of class mates (Mary, Tracy, and George) that were my constant during the class reunions |
I did love seeing most everyone and reconnecting, that's always a highlight to class reunion events. I enjoyed dancing and having a drink or two with class mates and reminiscing our days back in the 80s. There was a video montage that highlighted some of our class mates that have passed. I realize we are all getting up there. Some I saw, aged well, others, no so much.
 |
| Reunited with an old class mate, Jennifer |
Overall, I don't regret going back to my reunion, but sort of expected more out of the event. It could be that I only stayed overnight on the days they held events. I left that Saturday morning so I did not stick around for the weekend. I think this is the last reunion we'll ever go to, seems like the committee looked exhausted in planning this event in the last couple of years. But I'm glad it was held, we can all meet on a one on one basis and develop more as colleagues outside of high school.
Comments