Many of my memories from Ursuline Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school, remain vivid even after 30 years, especially from my senior year. The memories flow through my mind like water—sounds of girls talking, yelling, and singing in the cafeteria; the familiar scent of the hallways; the taste of sour watermelons eaten secretly in class; the feeling of my school uniform and white cardigan sweater; hurried mornings rushing to beat the bell; the close-knit, family-like atmosphere that many of us cherished; and the unique experience of private school that only those who have lived it truly understand.
It’s truly remarkable that after 30 years, many of us are still together. Since graduation, we’ve followed different, unique paths. At our recent reunion, it was wonderful to reconnect and resume conversations exactly where we left off, whether it’s been ten or thirty years. Naturally, we’ve all changed in some ways—that’s only to be expected after all these years.
Sometimes the dreams you come with aren’t the dreams you leave with, and sometimes you just don’t leave at all.
– Ashley Poston, Sounds Like Love
Our senior class motto was “What a long, strange trip it’s been!” because that’s exactly what it has been for all of us. Since graduation, life has kept every one of us busy—college, careers, heartbreaks, marriages, children, grandchildren, separations, divorces, empty nests, moving across states or even countries, life-changing experiences, the loss of loved ones, lifelong friends, lost friendships and all the other wonderful and challenging moments life throws our way.
It is our experiences that shape who each of us is today. Most of us remain the same at heart—just a little more seasoned, wiser and all-around golden—always smiling though. Many of us enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces—those who knew us when our problems felt simpler and easier to handle. The Class of 1995 from Ursuline Academy wasn’t perfect, but despite our flaws and teenage quirks, it was uniquely ours, and we were pretty amazing in every way. To everyone, I was Saxton because there were so many Jennifers, but using last names as first names was quite common. I laughed hysterically with them more times than I can count. I told my deepest secrets. I cried with them. I studied, crammed, and worried with many of them during tests, papers, and finals. I grew up alongside these wonderful girls. I entered as a 14-year-old girl and graduated as a young woman, ready to conquer the world.
At our 30-year reunion, hearing Saxton — my maiden name — felt just right, even though I’ve been married for over 18 years. As stories were told, drinks flowed, and old pictures and yearbooks were shared, it was incredible to experience the revived energy of friendship. Our shared experiences seemed to have brought us closer than we thought. Although not everyone could attend, all of us would have loved to see more familiar faces. We understand though that life often guides our choices more than our wishes.
To those who couldn’t be with us at the reunion, we truly missed your presence. And to those we have lost, you will forever be imprinted in our hearts and remain alive through our pictures and memories. We’re hopeful that soon all of us will get together again to celebrate our journeys, the deep bonds we share and the high school that helped shape us into the strong, empowered women we are today.
Does this Roller Coaster ever stop? 
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