“Puffed-up phoniness” isn’t easy to get rid of in a high school get-together. After all, TV shows and movies always depict characters in a homecoming as eager to show former schoolmates how successful they’ve become, or how much they’ve changed.

Honestly, I was quite impressed how that trope didn’t hold up. 

Perhaps because, for the past year or so, we have been working together remotely for the 2022 UPIS Alumni Homecoming, that we were all eager to connect with each other face-to-face. 

Or, maybe, because some brave souls shared that they were actually nervous about attending the photo shoot. That they weren’t so sure they would have meaningful interactions with others. That they feared they’d be left out once batchmates started grouping according to former cliques, that others followed suit and opened up. Yes, Brené Brown, vulnerability does beget vulnerability. 

We had many light moments, such as former crushes and exes gamely having photos taken together. For me, however, the high point of the gathering was everyone’s courage to explore more somber themes and feelings that one would usually not own up to in a high school reunion. 

As a psychologist, I was amused by how these kinds of reunions have the power to trigger fears of not belonging and of standing out. As a human, I was so touched by everyone’s desire to reach out and get over themselves, including my own. 

I am definitely attending the next UPIS ’97 get-together. I bet we are going to experience another fascinating gathering that allows us to bring our not-at-all best selves.