It took about six months to decide whether or not to attend my 10-year high school reunion.

Up until last week, I still wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to go.

But nonetheless, I find myself packing this week to make the three- hour journey south to visit my alma mater.

In this week’s paper on page 9 you will find a story about a local Coupeville High School grad who recently published her first novel.

The story follows a girl through high school, her trials and tribulations and how she grows into adulthood.

During our interview, author Heather White Driscoll said two things that have stuck with me.

1. Who you are in high school is not who you are in life; and 2. Whenever you grow as a person it’s because of the people in your life.

As I connect with old classmates preparing for this reunion, I find myself thinking about these points.

It’s true.

Thinking back to who I was as a teenager is not who I am now.

Frankly, I didn’t really enjoy high school. At that point I was ready to grow up and start my life. High school was a waiting room for me.

I am not the person I am today that I was in high school and I do agree with Driscoll that the changes and growth I have achieved as an adult are because of the people in my life.

There are some pretty amazing people who’ve entered my life since high school, even since college.

One of my biggest hang ups about attending this reunion is that it would be high school all over again.

But as I curiously Facebook stalk (yes, I admit it) my former classmates to see what they’re up to, it amazes me to see what some of them are up to.

Many are married, have started families and have seemingly … grown up.

Others have taken the career route and are doing amazing things. So as my apprehension dwindles, I find myself more curious than anything.

— Megan Hansen is editor for The Whidbey Examiner. Reach her at mhansen@whidbeynewsgroup.com