Perceptions

Perceptions

The headline in the Coos County Democrat said it all -- “Former WMRHS principal surprises former students”.   Thirty years ago or so principal Patrick W. Kelly taught a Health class as a way to keep in touch with students at the White Mountains Regional High School.  

During this “downtime” we are all living through, he began going through old papers.  At the bottom of a trunk, he came across handwritten essays written by his students in the 1980s and 1990s.  He tracked down about sixty alumni; each received the long-ago assignment and a brief note.  

Social media spread the word about this ‘back to the future’ moment for the recipients.  Those contacted by the reporter loved the surprise.  Several remarked how little they have changed – except for their handwriting which was neat back then.   Reporter and Editor of the Democrat Tara Giles’ own essay had mentioned her interest in history and people’s individual stories.

The assignment?  How do you perceive yourself?  How do you think others perceive you?  How do you think I (the teacher) perceive you? 

How would you have answered those questions then, and how would you answer them now?  Have you changed?  Do any of us document ourselves over time?  Can you think of ways to do so?   And what about all the old documents you have tucked away somewhere?