Jodi Marcus

News Editor

Have you ever wondered what your teachers were like when they were your age? Here’s an opportunity to find out! This week, Mr. Watanabe and Mr. McAdamis take a trip down memory lane.

Mr. Watanabe

What is your best memory from high school?

This is very cliche, but Grad Night at Disneyland was the best senior event. To celebrate and reflect upon your high school experience with your best friends and classmates was meaningful and memorable. Back then male students had to wear suits and female students had to wear dresses. Such a defining moment.

How would you describe your “look” at the time?

Sporting a pink Ralph Lauren shirt, plaid shorts, Sperry Top Siders (yes, they had them in the 80s)  and a sweater tied either around my waist or over my shoulder. Come to think of it…kind of like now except for the ridiculous sweater action.

What kind of student were you? 

Overachiever. I worked diligently to earn my grades and put a lot of pressure on myself. You heard of the Asian “F” on the show “Glee”? The Asian “F” is an A-.

What kind of music did you listen to?

The 1980s saw the emergence of New Wave, pop and dance techno music. My favorite groups at that time included  Madness, The Specials, U2. However, I must admit that I went to a Spandau Ballet and Earth, Wind & Fire concert…..

If you could give your high school self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I have several, sorry:

Take the time to relax once in a while. Chill. It’s not the end of the world if you are not ranked number one. Do not define success with a test score- appreciate what you learned and the knowledge gained. Throw away that Members Only Jacket and never wear Jordache Jeans. Wearing highlighter color Mossimo gym shorts with the M on the back of the shorts…not attractive.

What was your group of friends like?

Younger versions of our current high school math department. Organized, sassy, sarcastic.

Mr. McAdamis

Looking back at yourself as a teen, what are the first three words that come to mind? 

Endless, fun, and angst.

What is your best memory from high school?

I ran the pep rallies for my school when I was a senior. My rock band would play at them to get everyone pumped up for games. It also gave us the occasion to show off in front of our peers.

How would you describe your “look” at the time?

The goal was to be rebellious and scare adults. Long hair, ripped jeans, and terrifying heavy metal shirts. Having my ears pierced was the icing on the cake.

What clubs were you in?

Student government, choir, photography, French Club, and video production.

What did you do on your weekends?

I hung out at music and comic book stores, played guitar, and went to rock concerts in Los Angeles.

What kind of student were you? 

Unfortunately, I was not college material right away because I had no interest in the sciences. My grades showed it. Much of my time was spent taking pictures and trying to get out of my serious classes to work on my music, photography, and video projects. Basically, I only had A’s in English, choir, and history.

What kind of music did you listen to?

Rock, industrial, and what people started labeling as alternative.

Interested in reading more Throwback Thursday articles? Check out the rest of the series!