Seeing that invitation for your class reunion can stir up a lot of emotions, including excitement, nostalgia and (perhaps) some anxiety. You may not have seen these people in a long time, and the prospect of walking into a room with your old classmates makes you feel like an awkward teenager all over again.

If you are a little nervous about attending your upcoming reunion, below are some tips to help you out:

Do some research

Bust out your yearbooks to jog your memory of names and faces. There may be people you’ve lost touch with, but are hoping to see at the reunion. If you feel comfortable, reach out to people on social media ahead of time to learn who plans to attend and build a group of familiar faces you’ll be eager to talk to during the event.

However, don’t expect everyone to have done this. Be prepared to re-introduce yourself to classmates. After all, it has been a long time since you've seen one another!

Use the buddy system

The buddy system worked for you in school, and it will certainly work for you now. Reach out to a school friend to see if he or she will attend, and make a plan to go together. Chances are, your friend has the same anxieties and will be eager to hear from you.

Be prepared with questions

When in doubt, ask people questions about themselves. What have they been up to since high school? How did they enter their career path? What do they miss about living in your hometown? If you’re nervous to open up yourself, steer the conversation to others.

Leave past grudges behind

If your nerves stem from childhood drama with an individual or clique, try to leave those feelings in the past. It’s been a long time since high school, and hopefully everyone has grown. Chances are, that person regrets his or her past behavior. Be kind to everyone—and you may even leave with new friends.

Have fun!

Class reunions provide an opportunity to reconnect with a group of people with whom you had a unique, shared experience. You’ll relive hilarious memories and forge new bonds with old friends. Keep an open mind and appreciate the evening for what it is: a celebration.

Would you like to get more involved with the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District? Join Mighty Cardinals Nation today!