It's 0.9 percent APR for the first six months. Transfer all your existing balances now for no interest for a year. Earn 0.5 percent back on all your purchases. I already have three credit cards; do I really need another 30? In the daily routine of throwing out all these wasted pieces of paper, I actually came across something of interest the other day. It was a letter from my high school. Upon opening, I discovered it was an offer from my school's alumni development office to become the class of 1998's representative to the school.
It seemed sort of ironic. Here I was trying to plan out my future, having to come to a grad school decision sometime within the next two months, and right now I was being asked to think about my past. Back to the days where a 9 a.m. class seemed a little less early, a basketball game was played in a 500 person gymnasium rather than a 10,000 seat arena, and a night out with friends meant a trip to the movies rather than a pub crawl uptown.
Most of us couldn't wait to get out of high school and move on to the brand new world of college (and I'm sure many seniors here are now thinking the same thoughts about the adventure into the "real world"). My views were different. After spending seven years, at the time a full third of my life, as an Austin Prep Cougar, I wasn't ready to leave anytime soon. It felt like I was being forced out from my home.
Unlike those who felt little connection with high school and who thus now even have a hard time making the Thanksgiving Day football game, I go back to visit good old AP any chance I get. I suspect the drive to visit is aided by the fact I still have two siblings at the school. Regardless, I have too many memories to just brush my high school off. I haven't decided if I'll accept the invitation to act as my class' representative on the alumni committee, particularly because I don't know if I'll be living in the area this fall or not, but it is something I am seriously considering.
In the letter, it stated that I had been nominated for noted involvement already as an alumnus. I translate that to mean the financial donations I've made to the school. That's right, high schools have fundraising campaigns just like UMass does. I've donated money over the past two years, and plan to give at least something this year. Now I have received a brick engraved with my name in our new gymnasium's walkway for the first year's donation. But one shouldn't give simply to receive, though that brick always brings a smile to my face.
Money last year and this will be going toward a memorial fund for one of my teachers who passed away from cancer a year and a half ago. Others who donate can specify where they want their money to go. The amount given is unimportant. The key is the giving back, in this case financially, though there are other ways. All this is repayment for all that was given to you while you were in high school.
High school was the time where we all grew up and took one foot out of childhood and placed it deep into the circle of adulthood. Each of us has very cherished memories, whether they are of a magical athletic team, an Academy Award worthy drama troupe, or that special teacher that finally was able to get through to us (I think we all have one of those). Why not pay back the favor to the institution that was so instrumental in your upbringing?
It is completely understandable that alumni of our age are not capable of huge financial commitments like those 10 to 20 years prior to your graduation who, now have been in the work force for years. But it is capable to get involved. My money says that your class probably doesn't have a representative to not only provide a voice to your former school's continued growth, but also to also help organize some contact between your former class members. Remember seniors, your five-year high school reunion is going to be coming up really soon.
When you go home over spring break, take out that old high school yearbook and after you brush off the dust, peruse it and let the memories flood back to you. You'll realize how many of them are tied to your high school and that it is only appropriate to give something back. You will feel like you're doing something productive. But you're helping maintain a cycle. For those students that are reaping the rewards of your generosity, will be in your position in just a few years. The circle of a prosperous, unforgettable high school life must continue.
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