Speaking of experiences, #memoirmonday, invites us to answer some questions, about how we were when we studied in high school. That was a long, long time ago, however, I think I can answer if I look in the trunk of my memories.
Did you know your current high school sweetheart?
No, I met my husband a year after I graduated from high school, that was 26 years ago.
What kind of car did you drive?
At home, my parents bought a car when I was in University. In high school I had to take the bus, or I would take advantage of walking home in groups of friends.
What kind of work did you do?
In my last year of high school, I worked in a government organization that promoted the prevention of diseases caused by pests, such as rats or mosquitoes. In my case, I worked in the area of prevention of Dengue and Malaria transmission. I worked there for a year, until I had to start university.
Where did you live?
I lived and still live in San Fernando de Apure. Venezuela.
Were you popular?
Yes, I was very well known, but because my parents were teachers in the same institution where I studied. So, many people approached me and we created bonds of friendship. Besides, my way of being attracted people and we would get together to study, have fun or go for a walk.
Were you in a band or choir?
Yes, I sang in the music groups that were formed during the Christmas season and we would go to visit other high schools to sing.
What did you do after your graduation ceremony?
I celebrated and we spent several days sharing at the different homes of my classmates.
Have you ever been suspended?
No. I was always a good student and I liked to be diligent. Besides, my parents worked in the same institution, so you had to behave well, yes, because you had to.
If you could go back, what experience would you relive?
I don't really miss anything from that time. I feel that I lived each of my stages to the fullest and I don't have any void to fill. Maybe I would relive the group rides, but more for the fun time, than anything else.
Did you ever skip school?
I don't think so. Maybe at some point of illness, where for strong reasons I couldn't attend, but I was always active on school days.
Did you go to soccer games?
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, no. I always preferred musical, theatrical or other events.
What was your favorite subject?
Biology, Natural Sciences, everything that had to do with life and nature. I also liked Spanish and literature very much, hence my love for written language.
Do you still have your yearbook(s)?
In Venezuela, it is not customary to carry yearbooks. Although I do have books and notebooks signed by my friends back then.
Did you follow the professional path you had planned?
I was very lost, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. So I started a career in accounting, even though I knew that mathematics was not my thing. Then, thank God, I changed careers and started studying Integral Education, graduated and worked happily as a teacher, until the educational system deteriorated enormously and I quit.
Do you still have your high school ring?
I didn't have a ring at that time. We had to sell my university ring in an emergency.
Who was your favorite teacher?
It's going to sound like favoritism, but the truth is, my mom and dad were the best teachers I ever had. Biology classes with my dad were the best. There were students from other sections who would come into the classroom just to listen to him explain. And there was no one like my mom to make you fall in love with reading and writing, her classes were fun, creative and very entertaining.
What was your hairstyle like?
In my teenage years my hair was very unruly. It was unruly and still very pretty. I had very wavy hair and when I applied gel or hairspray to it, it looked very pretty. So sometimes I wore it loose enjoying my frizzies and other times I wore it up to disguise its untamedness.
What were your favorite shoes?
When I was in my last year of high school, high boots became fashionable, they were full of buckles and they were a little difficult to tie, but we all liked them. I remember those boots with pleasure, I loved them and I combined them with my skirts or any pants.I even combined them with some dresses that we called batas locas (crazy gowns).
What was your favorite food?
At the institution where I studied, they sold some empanaditas that were very tasty and I always bought them. I was afraid of street food or fast food, because I thought I could get sick, so I preferred to prepare my own food at home or at my friends' houses. I cooked a little bit of everything.
Who was your favorite singer?
The same one who is still my favorite singer. Luis Miguel.
What cologne did you use?
I love perfumes, whenever I can I give myself one. When I was in high school, the one I used the most was called Jean Naté, I don't know if it still exists. Once when I was traveling from Mexico to Venezuela, when I was rattling my suitcases, the Jean Naté I was carrying broke, and all my clothes were full of it. I don't think I used it anymore from that day on.
How old were you when you graduated?
I was 17 years old, I graduated in 1997.
Did you have a nickname?
Not really, no. I've never been given nicknames. They call me by diminutives of my name. Lili, Li, Lila, Lele.
Which high school did you attend?
Liceo Don Rómulo Gallegos. Later I worked there and currently my oldest daughter is starting her high school there as well. It is now called “Complejo Educativo Don Rómulo Gallegos”.
What year did you graduate?
1997
What has changed the most in the world since you graduated?
Uff, almost everything. The tools or resources that are used now to learn did not exist when I studied. Since the advent of computers and the internet, things have changed incredibly.
How have you changed since high school?
I have changed a lot. I am more positive, self-confident, develop my skills and take advantage of opportunities. I really like the person I am.
If you could travel back in time and say something to your teenage self, what would you say?
Save your dollars. Work at what you love.You'll be very happy, don't worry.
The stage of adolescence, with all its crazy changes, added to the experiences lived in high school, creates a mixture of learning that lasts forever in each of us.For me it was nice to remember and travel back in time, through these questions.