In 1966 I was a sophomore entering public school for the first time. My world had always been one of uniforms and standing before we spoke to our teachers - mostly nuns - and quiet submission at the fear of a tarnished 'permanent record'.
The vast majority of the Class of 1969 of Upper Darby High School, my alma mater and the inspiration for Tina Fey's (she, too, is an alum) Mean Girls, had been together since elementary school; friendships had been long formed and alliances recognized. Enter an interloper -- one who wanted to belong...badly.
So in addition to ubiquitous cliques, one of the traditions at UDHS were 'sororities'. (These were held outside of school and allegedly non-sanctioned by the school board). Candidates attended teas, were looked over by the sisters of these long existing clubs, and eventually chosen or denied entrance in the sorority of her choice. Most girls chose three, hopeful they'd get into one.
I chose one: TOT, attended the tea, spoke to the members, and tried not to appear too desperate. Evidently, I did not make an impression, or if I did, it was not the impression I had hoped. And then spent the next three years suffering the rejection.
Not to be misunderstood, I had a few friends, and was active in choir, chorus and clubs, but spent much of my high school years feeling alone and always on the outside. I graduated from one of the largest high schools in Pennsylvania with a very clear understanding of how students can become and feel dis-enfranchised.
The vast majority of the Class of 1969 of Upper Darby High School, my alma mater and the inspiration for Tina Fey's (she, too, is an alum) Mean Girls, had been together since elementary school; friendships had been long formed and alliances recognized. Enter an interloper -- one who wanted to belong...badly.
So in addition to ubiquitous cliques, one of the traditions at UDHS were 'sororities'. (These were held outside of school and allegedly non-sanctioned by the school board). Candidates attended teas, were looked over by the sisters of these long existing clubs, and eventually chosen or denied entrance in the sorority of her choice. Most girls chose three, hopeful they'd get into one.
I chose one: TOT, attended the tea, spoke to the members, and tried not to appear too desperate. Evidently, I did not make an impression, or if I did, it was not the impression I had hoped. And then spent the next three years suffering the rejection.
Not to be misunderstood, I had a few friends, and was active in choir, chorus and clubs, but spent much of my high school years feeling alone and always on the outside. I graduated from one of the largest high schools in Pennsylvania with a very clear understanding of how students can become and feel dis-enfranchised.
