Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Most likely to . . .

I spent a few hours this weekend catching up with a friend of mine from high school. When I got home, I continued to wax nostalgic by hauling out my yearbook and the "senior supplement" that went with it. The senior supplement is basically a book of lists reflecting the fads and favorites of our graduating class, and a "most/best/worst" list.

I wanted so badly to be voted most likely to write a book no one would understand, but my best friend won that honor. I, on the other hand, was voted:
  • most unique
  • most likely to change the world
  • most liberal
  • most likely to argue or question authority
  • most likely to overthrow a country
  • most likely to be a groupie
What image do these superlatives conjure in your head? Well, unless you knew me in high school, your mental picture is probably wrong.

I went to a parochial school. I was considered unique because I wore combat boots with my maroon polyester uniform. I was considered liberal, world-changing, anti-authority and revolutionary because I had opinions of my own, wasn't into sports and didn't generally cave in to peer pressure. I was considered potential groupie material because I quoted song lyrics on my notebook covers.

Now it's 15 years later, and neither I nor my friend have written a book (understandable or otherwise). I still haven't changed the world or run off with a band. My political and world views, while certainly liberal, are not by any means radical or revolutionary. I still voice my opinions, but I recognize that they are just that--my opinions. I guess some would call me unique, but aren't we all unique in some way or another? And is there such a thing as "most" unique?

3 comments:

The Paper Whisperer said...

I am un(officially)giving you an award for the combat boots at a parochial school. Wow! I am impressed. I was voted "Most Likely to Succeed," in the 8th grade. Definitely carved out my niche in the world...NOT.
http://thepaperwhisperer.blogspot.com/2008/10/write-something-to-suit-yourself-and.html

Angie Ledbetter said...

I scored the Most Dedicated award. Ug! You really racked up. Now...go write that novel! :)

Amie said...

Maybe I could write it in Pig Latin . . . that would be difficult, albeit not impossible, to understand!