The Mind of Mierow

High School August 3, 2010

I’m currently reading Big Russ & Me by Tim Russert. I loved watching him host Meet the Press long before he pick up a whiteboard to help explain the presidential election of 2000. Last night I finished chapter 10 where he talks about attending Canisius High School. While my experience wasn’t nearly as tough or expensive, I could relate to some of what he said. I went to Mayer Lutheran High School. There wasn’t anything particular about this school except that I lived in Prior Lake at the time. I didn’t have to hop two city buses like Mr. Russert, but the ride from Prior Lake to Mayer took just as long as his ride did.

I could have easily gone a mile down the road from our house to the public high school. In fact I probably could have gone to a least ten other schools that would have been closer to home. So why did I choose Mayer? It was out in the middle of nowhere. I only knew a few other people going to school there. It was going to cost my parents a small fortune for me to attend. For the life of me I can’t tell you now what was the deciding factor. I am thankful though that I decided to go there.

I am also extremely thankful for my classmates. I couldn’t have asked for a better class to be a part of. There was a definite clique at Mayer. As someone coming not only from a different town, but a different county I was immediately aware of it. Even today I still can see some people roll their eyes when they talk about kids from “Carver County”. Either I was able to blend into the clique quickly or  the majority of my classmates didn’t hold steadfast to this view. I tend to lean towards the later. My siblings tried their hand at this school as well, but they were not as fortunate. I wish they could have had the same experience. It’s the only part of being an alumni that I don’t like. I hope students there now are more open to people from any place or background.

High school is a rough time for almost everyone. It’s where you start to develop all of your likes and dislikes. You tend to push the boundaries of authority around you, as well push yourself to experience all that you can. If I didn’t have the classmates that I had, I think I would have tossed in the towel. It wasn’t just the close friends, but the entire school: kids in other classes, teachers, and other parents. They all helped shape a part of me that makes me who I am today.

Not all of the memories are good. There were plenty of times I was picked on or made fun of, but I learned to take it in stride. Life isn’t always going to be good. There are times that will be tough. There are also going to be times that are amazing. There are times that remain with you for the rest of your life. When you’ve got a strong group of family and friends, what’s to hold you down? When I think of high school I am continually thankful for the family and friends that held me up.