Dear Hiverse!
Without any wishing list to make, I just add this project on the top of my list to join weekly. I dunno, but I think this is the best way to keep myself remember something important or not in my life. You know, as we getting older and the weaker our memories will be. Thanks to @ericvancewalton who initiated this project and this #44 is about High School Years memory. All you have to do is answering the questions which you can check on This Post
Right after reading the main post, I was scrolling through my google photos gallery and unfortunately I didn't even had the picture of my high school which located in my hometown, Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia and only 500 meters away from my parent's house.
My high school years was not the peak of my life but I'm sure that it really shape me the way I became today. It's a public school which also a favorite high school to attend in the district. 4 of us 9 siblings also alumnnis of this school, SMA Negeri 1 Lhokseumawe or also known as Smansa Lhokseumawe. We shared the same building with the private noon-evening high school SMA Malikussaleh at that time and our back cemented school wall also a classroom wall for an Islamic High School, MAN 1 Lhokseumawe.
Now, answer these questions to paint us a picture of your high school years
Reflections on My Senior Year in High School
Did you know your current love in high school?
I didn't have one, but someone who I didn't even know his full name was confessed to me under the Norfolk tree which was grown next to his classroom on the day we graduated. I never get in touch with him, but his close friend told me that he's fine when we met at the reunion.
What type of car did you drive?
No car, I just need to walk to the school every morning and sometimes when I was late, I climb up the broken iron fence at the north side or waiting for the chance to slip in when someone open the gate to went out. Alright, I've done the observing task to know the way in and out unseen.
What kind of work did you do?
Homework... LOL, to tell you the truth, I took a random job to finished the homework for my rich friends and they paid with brunch or snacks. We seldom find any jobs available for students except for fishing and farming or selling foods.
Where did you live?
My Parent's house, Gang Panti Asuhan, Hagu Selatan, Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia.
Were you popular?
uhmm.. I don't know, but all 250 students from the same class knows who am I, because I can be friends with everybody and also known as pretty girls's protector.
Were you in band or choir?
No, we don't have that extra curriculum activity. Our Art class was only at the 10th grade, learning a few national songs.
What did you do after your graduation ceremony?
Actually we don't have the graduation ceremony, only an art performance day as a goodbye party hosted by the juniors and school. I arranged another separated party specifically for the classmates at the beach.
Ever get suspended?
Never, because all teachers thought that I'm a good student. My headmaster was once trying to punish me because I sent out all my friends to skip the class after we attended a national education day at the government district field. Our class was chosen to represent the school. So, I stayed at the class with 3 other friends and threw our school bags over the wall where my friends were hiding and waiting. After interrogating me for an hour, He gave up and release me (we went our own way after that).
If you could go back, what experience would you relive?
I would try my best to make the school open the linguistic class once again, so I won't waste my time playing around.I have to take Biology Class at that time because of my mediocre scores. while I was refused to go to Sociology Class,due to my good score at exactas thingy. Goodness, I will be great in law or business subjects if I was in Social Class.
Did you ever skip school?
Hehehe, let me know if you want to skip school days, I can open a window for you. I did, but no teachers took it as an issue.
Did you attend football games?
of course! I'm the manager of the class football/soccer team. I was the one who sent the challenge's request to another class and we went straight to a football field near the beach after school. Sometimes when we're running out of substitute players, I played as full back for 10 minutes, when we're about to win the game.
What was your favorite subject?
History but I got appreciation for my second best scores in English and first in Biology.
Do you still have your yearbook(s)?
We don't have this kind of book at that time, I was trying to proposed one to the student council, but they have no idea how to do that.
Did you follow your intended career path?
No, I didn't. We don't have any career plans nor the particular discussion about it when we're in high school.
Do you still have your high school ring?
Our school never had this kind of culture
Who was your favorite teacher?
Mrs. Sukmawati, My second year Homeroom Teacher also a Physics Teacher (she's still active on facebook though). She hosted so many class gathering during our second year and we have many memorable times together. Later, her little brother also my best partner in the university on conducting student movement through the reformation protest (1998-1999).
What was your hairstyle?
I wear hijab, so my long unkempt hairs always hidden under the long veil. (Muslim woman had to wear hijab for religious reason)
What were your favorite shoes?
I didn't have any favorite, my family couldn't afford branded shoes, but I love my unbranded white sneaker.
What was your favorite food?
Doughnuts! it was sold at the school cooperation stall close to headmaster's office. Tbh, I seldom eat at school days, because my parents seldom gave me money for snacks. My classmates will treat me some snacks every day.
Who was your favorite singer?
Iwan Fals, Slank, Guns 'N Roses, The Police, NKOTB,Phill Collins, Bee Gees, The Beatles, Queen, so many that we have a hot discussion during the class reset.
What cologne did you wear?
I didn't use any cologne, couldn't afford it. To prevent my armpit stinky aroma, I use the powder or baby talc and cajuput's oil.
How old were you when you graduated?
Seventeen
Did you have any nicknames?
"Boy" girlfriends called me that because they considered me a tomboy or a boy
What high school did you attend?
What year did you graduate?
1993
What’s changed the most about the world since you graduated?
If you are living in 1990's you'll know how the world changing fast and faster. Technology, internet, Information, Entertainment, business and world peace. from all in cash to cashless transaction. Better access to public information, transportation but lack of deep and meaningful social interaction. Being part of Generation X, I'm lucky that I was equipped with the ability to adapt with the world changing.
How have you changed since high school?
Besides my ages and my height, my classmates would say that I haven't changed at all. Still a good and unharmed fun-seeker, easy to mingle with, impatience but considerate. My Upbringing environment really spoiled me with the freedom of speech and will. I don't have any career plans, just run with the flow. I never planned to be a Human Rights and Democracy activist but the local situation guided me to that way. I dreamed to be a detective (blame on Alfred Hitchcock and Trio Detectives, and Agatha Christie for that) but then I worked like a detective for a different issues and purposes (a Radio Reporter)for 10 years and then retired when I was 40.
If you could time-travel and tell your teenage self something what would it be?
Be patience, learn more about your religion especially Arabic language and the Qur'an. Be wise when facing unexpected situation and stop being emotional on everything. Quit smoking and observe your surrounds carefully, there are many good people you would miss when they're gone. Save up some money that you'll earn for future investment. Find a particular object that you can master of, jack all trades is not for you.
I still have a good relationship with my classmates and schoolmates. When I go back to my hometown, we will arrange a coffee time together and talk about our latest news or digging up old memories to laugh at. We didn't change much because many of us still living at the same house, at the same town, village as we were in High School.