Word Count: 601
Read Time: 3 Minutes
Warning: This blog contains language and topics related to mental health, suicide, self-harm and child abuse. Please be advised that the author of this blog and any invited guests are not therapists or medical professionals. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please seek immediate help by calling 911 or contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Remember, it is okay to not be okay, and help is available.
Introduction:
Hello, all you kings and queens of words, welcome back to another post. Today, we embark on a nostalgic journey down memory lane, retracing the footsteps of a young girl navigating the stormy seas of adolescence, discovering her true self. So, buckle up and be sure to subscribe as we delve into this captivating tale.
Setting The Scene:
Born in the early 70s, my childhood was at a crossroads with the rise of technology. The entry of bulky computers and the first gaming consoles were exciting new developments that left us awe-struck. Fast forward to today, we find ourselves in a digital era where social media and AI have revolutionized our means of communication and connection. Journeying back to the early 80s, I was an introverted girl growing up in Pasadena, California. My social circle was limited to church and family until I stepped into Jr. High School. This marked the dawn of new beginnings, a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and a profound cultural shift. The early 80s, with its vibrant arcades everyone had Pac-Man fever to captivating movies like Gremlins, Return Of The Jedi, and The Outsiders, and the explosion of euro-pop music, was a heady mix of excitement and sadness – a time marked by the tragic assassination of John Lennon.
Go Lions | Wilson Jr. High:
Go Lions our mascot. Blue, White, and Yellow those colors meant something to me. Wilson Jr. High School soon became my sanctuary. Here, I first tasted autonomy – from choosing my wardrobe to picking my friends. However, it was also during this period that I experienced the bitter realities of racism, sexism, and homophobia. Despite the hurdles, Wilson provided the platform where I found a sense of belonging, a place where I thrived, and discovered my passion for writing and music. It was here, among friends from different backgrounds and perspectives, that I wasn’t the “Oreo” kid, you know black on the outside but white on the inside, but just Sonya – the girl who loved Men At Work, unencumbered by the chains of color or gender.
High school, however, presented an entirely different beast. I found myself back in the shoes of the awkward “Oreo” kid, constantly reminded of my differences. It was a challenging time, yet it also gifted me valuable lessons about resilience and self-acceptance.
Conclusion:
Looking back, Wilson will always be a cherished memory, a place that cradled my dreams and aspirations. It was there that I found my tribe, my voice, and most importantly, myself. Despite the trials and tribulations, I wouldn’t trade those transformative years for anything.
And so, here’s to Wilson Jr. High, class of 1985 – the place where it all began, the place that shaped me into the woman I am today.
#SelfDiscovery #AdolescentJourney #WilsonJrHigh #80sKid #OvercomingChallenges #FindingIdentity #ClassOf1985 #OreoKid #Resilience #JourneyOfSelf #Adolescence #WilsonJrHigh #LifeLessons #80sKid #FindingMyTribe #WilsonClassOf85
Follow me on social media. I am on all platforms. My handle is @sunnylarue17. Or simply google sunnylarue17 and see all my social media links, multi-media links, links to my youtube channel and links to my podcast. Please remember to subscribe for more insightful blogs.