Gaya Erlandson

Here's my 100-wor-or-less bio:

While I never got into drugs & instead went on to get a PhD in psych, I was deeply affected by the ideas (pro-democracy/equality), music and energy of our youth. It caused me to ask perpetually; “What’s the point (of life, my focus, etc.)?” and, “What’s authentic for me to do, be or say?” Thus my life has had many interesting twists and turns. A longtime proponent of intentional living, especially in community, I live in a community of sorts in Asheville, NC, where I love to write, sing, and continue to be inspired by what was sparked back then.

I was in this school district during my elementary years and Dana McNelly was my best friend. We laughed so much that the principal at Douglas Elementary separated us every other year. Then my family moved, and finally I came back to the district just for my last (graduating) year of high school - to West High. I reunited with Dana and met others, but didn't really get to know folks - mainly kept in touch with my other friends. So I'm ambivalent about coming to this reunion - won't really know folks. My comments to add? First, it was a total culture shock to shift from Lincoln High to West. At Lincoln, there were no drugs and no one was experienced sexually (at least none that I knew of). It just wasn't part of the culture. Also, I was shocked by students throwing spitballs at teachers - one in particular. I don't recall his name, he was an older, thin, tall man, but I do remember feeling bad for him and embarrassed by my classmates - and not knowing what to do to intervene. It was the classic question; do I just let it go (or worse, join in) to "fit in" with peers, or do something more authentic? I'm not sure what I did - probably something minor, like saying, "Awe come on guys, let him teach!" and then let it happen. Probably not the best comments to recount - I'm sure you would have preferred something fun or goofy. But that's what stands out for me now.