One thing about me is that I overthink some things. Someone doesn’t email me back is because they hate me and never want to speak to me again. A stomach ache is because my intestines want to leave my body. Rude people in the store is grounds for a road rage incident. That kind of thing.

So, some time ago, I was asked to participate in my old high school’s Career Day, and I jumped at the chance. They were offering it remotely, so people who couldn’t get to show up on campus could still do it. A friend of mine (and fellow alum) who lives inEngland did it last year, and I figured I could too.

So, here’s the thing about my old high school. Those of you reading who know me either a) know this already (because you were there too) or b) have heard me talk about this before. But, in short, I went to an experimental high school aimed at getting more minorities and women into math and science. We were the best and brightest, and no expense was spared in getting us to school. We were on a university campus, and used some of their facilities and took some of their classes. Our gradutaing class was 105 or so, so I knew everyone in my class.

Thing is, I made a lot of great friends there, and while high school wasn’t the most awesome time of my life, it wasn’t the pit of agony and despair as it could have been. So, 30 years removed from when I first arrived, I went back (virtually) to talk to current students.

None of the facilities are the same. No one in administration currently as there when we were. I have no connection to this place other than…well, the people I went to school with and an idea that the school still occupies the same physical space as we had.

But, I’ve been occupied with a sense that I need to give back. I haven’t called CA home since ’97, and I’ve toyed with the idea of a scholarship of some kind. Until that comes to fruition, thought hat could I do? How about…talk to the kids?

So the presentation was on a Friday, and I was off Thursday to get some stuff done at home, but I ended up spending all day trying to get a presentation together. What would I say? What advice would I have listened to when I was 16 or 17? What am I wearing?

I cared a lot. I somehow waited to fit some positive affirmation, some sage advice, and some sense of connection into 45 minutes. I was probably doomed from the start with that, but I couldn’t help it. I was a walking bundle of nerves on Friday, with presentation time being noon Central time.

In short, I rocked it. I did my seven slide presentation, and answered a pretty decent number of questions. “How tall are you? What was high school like back in the 90s? What’s your average day at work look like? Did you play sports? Do you ever come back to California?

I may have rambled at some parts, but I think Was okay. And after it was over, I’m really glad that. feel I was able to drop one or two gems on them. Things I would have loved to hear, loved to have known. The thought that you are not locked into anything at 17; you can change your major, go to the Chess Club, play intramural sports, laugh at inappropriate jokes at 2am. The thought that what you do for a living may not be something you majored in, or even went to school for.

Look at me, trying to be a mentor for the kids.