Latest news with #classmates
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Reunion Journey: Vehicles Represent Milestones Of Mobility And Freedom
As alumni recently gathered at Ward Melville High School's 40th reunion, it was indeed a reconnection with familiar faces from the past. While some stories aged like fine wine, the town outside of the reception hall told a tale of a community's transformation. Buildings stood where vacant lots used to be as well as familiar haunts now torn down. To mark four decades since graduation, classmates reminisced not just about prom or wood shop class but also about the cars they once drove—and how these steel companions marked our journeys in life. With an actual symbol of our 1985 motor dreams just outside the reception hall. Transportation is not merely about getting from point A to B - it is an embodiment of freedom and mobility. Over the years, our vehicles become companions, marking milestones and reflecting personal growth and societal change. The Evolution of Personal Vehicles On average, research shows that a person in the United States owns around ten vehicles over their This statistic not only demonstrates the significance of automotive culture in America but also highlights the evolving relationship between people and their cars. Each vehicle is a snapshot of a specific time in our lives, representing different stages, needs, and desires. This attachment to our vehicles is a nod to the broader theme that transportation equates to mobility, and by extension, freedom. A Drive Through Time As is typical at reunions some attendees shared tales about their first car with an adult sense of the liberation it provided to teenagers. It was more then a means to drive around town, but the thrill of an adventure that opened eyes to the possibilities beyond our hometown. Changes in Vehicle Ownership Several studies, including those conducted by automotive analysts at S&P Global, have emphasized that vehicle ownership patterns evolve with life stages and technological advancements, much like we evolve and change as individuals. Today, young adults may start with ride-sharing apps or public transportation back then we socked money away in preparation for purchasing our first car. Eventually we transition out of that first opportunity of independence moving to major cities and relying on public transportation. Ultimately a good number transition into family life and move back to the suburbs, and personal vehicle ownership tends to increase. There's the minivan or suv to stage to cart around kids, and their sports equipment and home supplies. There's the fancy car/mid-life crisis vehicle purchase and finally the smart purchase senior citizen vehicle intended to be safe and last a long period of time. In the U.S., the quintessential love affair with cars is a well-documented phenomenon. According to the Federal Highway Administration, as household sizes change and economic conditions fluctuate, the number of vehicles per household tends to adjust accordingly. There was a time when American households averaged two vehicles, but the trend is expanding, with some multi-generational homes now owning three or more vehicles at a time to meet diverse transportation needs. The Changing Landscape of Mobility Technology is also rapidly transforming the concept of personal transportation. Today's vehicles are equipped with cutting-edge features like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which mirror advancements we see in broader technological domains. These changes underscore a shift in perspective: where we go from mere ownership to seamless integration of mobility solutions that enhance our quality of life. With the looming quantum AI revolution, the transportation industry is poised to incorporate even more radical changes. The integration of AI is likely to revolutionize how we think about and interact with our vehicles. We are transitioning from the traditional driver-centric model to what looks to be an intelligent, likely autonomous, mobility landscape. Looking Ahead As with any major milestone reunion at some point attendees can't help but ponder the future of the world that they live it. For me that subject will always revolve around transportation. How will the next generation experience mobility and freedom? What role will vehicles play in shaping their personal narratives? Though conversations may be peppered with nostalgia and speculation, for me it will always return to one central theme: the fundamental link between transportation and freedom. Vehicles, past and present, serve as reminders that they are more than just metal and rubber; they are symbols of potential and the enablers of our journeys, both literal and metaphorical. In this evolving landscape, one thing remains constant: no matter how vehicles change, the spirit of curiosity and adventure that they inspire will continue to drive us forward. The focus isn't simply on cars, but on the narrative they weave in our lives. So, as we buckle up for our next ride, remember that car is but a chapter of one's life—one that echoes a larger narrative of what it means for one to be free. Transportation is Mobility and Mobility is Freedom ™
Washington Post
24-07-2025
- Science
- Washington Post
At this summer camp, kids build soccer-playing, relay-racing robots
After days of planning, building and testing, Laila Harris's long-armed, orange-clawed, wheeled robot was ready. She and her classmates were preparing for the Robot Olympics competition at Brookland Middle School's summer day camp. The middle-schoolers had spent the last three weeks coding, building and perfecting their machines to compete in games like robot soccer, a relay race and a cube sorter.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Cedar Falls Class of 1995 reunion showed me how Iowa helped us succeed
Every time my plane circles for a landing at an Iowa airport, my shoulders start to slump, and part of my mind reverts to my snotty, distant teenage self. The flat farmland views reminded me of insurmountable academic obstacles and tense and frustrated social interactions of the first 17 years of my life. So why was I attending my 30th high school reunion? As I ascended the steps to the event, I realized I didn't have a good answer to that question, and I mentally prepared myself for the typical negative reception and resurgent feelings of inadequacy. Not only were my expectations completely false, but every person in my class, regardless of where they currently resided, embodied the best values and attributes that are so unique to Iowa. The most noticeable Iowan personality trait was that everyone maintained a quiet, modest leadership presence in their professional and personal lives. From local business owners to health care providers to social workers to public school teachers to community organizers to stay at home parents, all my classmates sought leadership roles that benefitted their families and communities in Iowa and across the globe. Like many Iowans, my peers and I possessed an innate desire to serve a larger purpose beyond ourselves while being unaware of our generosity and selflessness. More: I'm about to become a doctor. Here's why I won't be staying in Iowa. | Opinion Another prominent characteristic of my classmates was evidence of a high-quality Iowa public education. While Iowa had and still has its fair share of systematic struggles, every reunion attendee humbly demonstrated the rich knowledge base that we gained throughout our public school experience, specifically science, math, economics, accounting, history and art. Although some of us, myself included, struggled more than others in school, I couldn't help noticing that each of us was very well-spoken, intellectually curious, and very engaged in current events. Many of the men at our reunion were very inquisitive and well-informed about the #MeToo movement, and they patiently listened and genuinely empathized with the experiences of female students during the 1990s. Although the current political landscape in Iowa is unpredictable and chaotic, I noticed that all my classmates had a strong sense of resilience going back to childhood. Our generation, Gen X, is known as the latchkey generation for a reason: we weathered traumatic events as kids and navigated adolescence without much support or intervention. Each of us had a story about a horrifying experience that we endured growing up without any mental health guidance, e.g. watching the Challenger explode live on television, witnessing an elementary school teacher have a mental breakdown in class, quietly suffering the brunt of generational trauma and a parent's mental health challenges, staying silent while enduring harsh criticism from adults for undiagnosed learning disabilities, and so on. Even the unpredictable Iowa weather made us resilient, confident drivers who can safely navigate strong winds, tornadoes, flooding, thunderstorms, white-out blizzards, freezing rain, and hail. More: Opinion: Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult helped my Iowa schooling make sense The specific combination of all these character traits fuels all Iowans' attributes. Ironically, the intellect, drive, and determination of my peers that intimidated me and made me withdraw in high school are the same qualities that make me proud to call them classmates today. Thanks to our upbringing in Iowa, every one of my classmates overcame significant obstacles to achieve a tremendous amount of success and individual accomplishments. Because of our backgrounds and experiences, our contributions will benefit our communities in Iowa and everywhere else we live. We did it because Iowa made us who we are today. Maria Reppas lives with her family on the East Coast. She lived in Iowa from 1978 to 1999. Visit her at This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Our Iowa experiences growing up set us up to succeed in life | Opinion
South China Morning Post
12-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
University of Hong Kong warns student over AI-generated porn pics of classmates
Hong Kong's oldest university has issued a warning letter to a male law student accused of making pornographic images of fellow classmates and other women by using artificial intelligence (AI). The University of Hong Kong said on Saturday that it was aware of the accusations, adding the student in question had received a warning letter and was asked to issue a formal apology to the affected classmates. 'The university has kept in communication with the affected students and with the consideration of taking care of their well-being, the university has taken various steps, including class adjustments, to address their needs,' it said. 'As for the student engaged in the alleged behaviour, the university has already issued him a warning letter and demanded a formal apology from him to his affected peers.' The university said it 'deeply understood' the concerns raised and would further review the case, as well as take further actions when appropriate to ensure 'a safe and respectful learning environment'. Its statement came hours after three people, who claimed to be among the victims, levelled accusations against the law student referred to as 'X' in social media posts on Saturday, alleging the institution had not done enough to hold the man accountable.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Your high school reunion doesn't need to be stressful. Here are 8 dos and don'ts from therapists to help you enjoy the night.
Going to my 20-year high school reunion was a mixed bag. A therapist says it's valid to have mixed emotions about seeing people from your past. She recommends not comparing yourself to anyone else. I had the chance to relive being a teenager when I attended my 20-year high school reunion. It was like traveling back in time to when I felt most awkward and insecure. The guy I used to obsess over walked up to me twice and said hello to someone behind me, almost elbowing me in the head to shake their hand. Then, all the blood drained from my face when another classmate said they remembered me because my sister was the "popular one" with all the friends. It might seem like the night was a complete disaster. But that would be my anxiety talking and drowning out the many positive interactions I had with new and familiar faces, especially the ones who set down their drinks to embrace me with both arms. If you're anxious about seeing your former classmates, you're not alone. I received advice from therapists on approaching your high school reunion, including managing your expectations and avoiding assumptions about your old friends and rivals. Here are the dos and don'ts of attending your high school reunion. Reuniting with your classmates can bring up mixed emotions, from excitement and nostalgia to fear and dread. "It's completely normal and valid to have conflicting feelings about a reunion," Natalie Moore, a Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist, told Business Insider. You might associate high school with painful memories like being bullied or excluded from social gatherings. Taking time to notice your feelings can help build self-awareness, which in turn can lead to greater confidence and self-acceptance, she said. There's a lot of pressure to achieve milestones like getting married, having kids, owning a home, or having a fulfilling career. "As the reunion approaches, be mindful of the expectations and predictions that pop up in your mind," Moore said. Remember that everyone has their own path and timeline. "Even the person who appears to have it all together has their own quiet struggles that they're dealing with," she said. We tend to feel more confident when we plan ahead. Think about what makes you feel good so you can relax and be in the moment when you're at your reunion, Patrice Le Goy, a psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist, told BI. "For some people, it will be important to have accomplishments to share, and for others, it will be having that perfect outfit picked out," she said. You don't want to sound rehearsed, but it might help to have a script or a few life updates in mind, especially if you tend to overshare or get nervous in social settings. When a conversation stalls, it can be tempting to engage in gossip. "You may regret it if you use this time to speak badly about people you haven't seen in a long time, especially if it gets back to them," Le Goy said. As visual creatures, we tend to notice people's appearance, especially if they look different from how we remember them. "However, making comments about someone's body, even if you believe you're giving a compliment, can trigger people and make them feel self-conscious," Moore said. A crowded reunion may not be the best venue for deep conversations, but that shouldn't stop you from getting reacquainted. "It's much more fun to allow yourself to be surprised by how much your classmates have grown and changed over the years," Moore said. Consider your own evolution since high school. Your classmates have likely experienced similar transformations, and when you don't ask questions, you're more likely to judge people. If you haven't spoken to your classmates in a while, it's easy to make assumptions and create unfounded narratives about their lives. Perhaps you're speculating about why your prom date moved to another country or you're picturing yourself standing up to your high school bully at the reunion. "Social media only gives us a fraction of the full story," Le Goy said. "Try not to assume someone's marriage is on the rocks because of one cryptic post or, alternately, that someone's life is perfect because they seem so happy online or from stories that you hear from other people." Moore emphasized the importance of practicing curiosity rather than jumping to conclusions or reacting to past experiences. Try practicing the thought: I wonder if this individual will be there and how their personality has changed over the years. Another way to boost your confidence is to think about your purpose in going to the reunion. "If you are measuring your level of enjoyment based on whether you are the most successful or the most attractive, you will probably be disappointed," Le Goy said. Her advice is to think about how you want to feel at the end of the night whether it's being happy that you reconnected with friends or feeling relieved that you've gotten over your high school crush. "These are more helpful expectations than just wanting to be better than everyone else," she said. If you're enjoying reconnecting with someone, consider asking for their contact information and how they prefer to stay in touch, Moore said. "Some people love in-person hangouts while others find it more convenient to text or FaceTime," she added. Similar to asking someone on a date, the saying "no risk, no reward" applies here. "People's lives are so busy and even though the intention may be there to stay connected, often the follow-through is more difficult," Le Goy said. She suggests staying away from big declarations, like planning a trip together. "Stick with more accessible options like connecting on social media or starting a text chain which can build up to in person meet ups," she said. Whatever happens at your reunion, remember how far you've come since high school. Because of the way our brains are wired, our former classmates may loom large in our memories, but they don't define who we are today. Nandini Maharaj is a freelance writer covering health, wellness, identity, and relationships. She holds a master's degree in counseling and a doctorate in public health. Read the original article on Business Insider
