My 35th CGA reunion was filled with immense emotions of joy, wonder, and nostalgia. As I saw cadets walk about campus, I could vividly recall, if only for a fleeting moment, those deep feelings of life at the Academy, a young adult struggling to find a path and make sense of the world. I ridiculously imagined that I might encounter a younger version of myself. If I only knew then, what I know now. My younger self buried his emotions; while today I embrace them, both the good and the bad, because they are equally an essential part of who I am.
A reunion is not only a time to relive old memories, but also a chance to build new connections.
My greatest treasure attending the reunion is a deep sense of unconditional acceptance. There are no squabbles, career jealousy, or division – we are classmates. We started together, we endured. Some climbed the ranks, others exited quickly, but the adversity bonded us together.
Each day I feel moments of tears and angst, but also of inspiration and awe. At the reunion, these feelings were multiplied 100 fold. I must have given 500 hugs and silently shed a hundred tears.
Old photos on Eagle brought joy, playing spoons in the 1/c workroom. From then.... to now, sailing aboard Matt and Tori's BANTER.
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