This past weekend I attended my high school reunion. The weekend was very rewarding in several ways. Because I have been volunteering for seven months to plan the reunion, I’ve made quite a few friends of classmates I did not know as well. Connecting with classmates was just plain wonderful and it was nice to be remembered!
Meeting up with an ActiveRain member in my hometown was also a nice bonus.
After contacting at least ten agents, only one REALTOR made arrangements to meet with me.
We had originally met through Facebook as she also happened to attend the same high school, but graduated a different year.
Returning from my High School Reunion, two things come to mind. If you don’t make the effort, how can you expect anything to change; and you get exactly what effort you put into something.
It’s been a wonderful weekend reconnecting with classmates that made the effort to attend. Our committee worked for seven months to plan a great weekend of events for our classmates. We had the usual Friday night casual event followed by a catered dinner Saturday night. Honoring classmates no longer with us Saturday night included a memorial table with 5 x 7 yearbook photos for those who left too soon.
One of our classmates happened to be a Preacher who eloquently led us in a remembrance prayer and moment of silence. Another classmate happens to be the City Mayor and talked about his goals and aspirations. Another classmate is our former principal and school superintendent who helped us gain access to the school on Saturday for a tour.
Touring the school also included painting “the hump.” Painting the hump was a tradition back in the day before and after football games and other occasions. I’ve never painted the hump before, so this was a treat! The hump is located on a street corner so we received a few honks during the painting process.
Our public school was over-crowded leaving classmates feeling even more awkward during those early to mid-teenage years. It took many phone calls to others who were on the fence about attending to get them to show up. But they overcame their insecurities and show up they did in excess of 120!
The overall sentiment from those attending is that they were glad they made the effort. They were very glad they attended one or both nights. They complimented us repeatedly in person, by text and on our Facebook group. I must have heard 'THANK YOU" 30+ times. They have reached out to “friend” us, and they vowed to volunteer as they want another reunion in five years versus ten.
It’s amazing the results one can achieve just by showing up. Such is the case with an agent I connected with while in my hometown!
Pam Ball, Wichita realtor , was another 
highlight of a great trip back to my hometown. Because Pam agreed to meet me when asked and made the effort to show up, I’ll definitely send her my Wichita referrals.
I know Pam will take great care of anyone I refer, unlike the agents that did not respond to my phone calls or messages.
Pam and I chatted about her business, her prior business history, her company being acquired, and her istory of working with land sales. She’s transitioning to downsizing baby boomers, a great niche in real estate. We might just find some folks retiring to Arizona! What a treat that will be to work with someone I know and respect.
Hearing how she made the choice to enter real estate reminded me much of my reunion. There were many that weren't sure if they would attend, but finally made the decision to join us. Hesitation is surely the first response of the unknown, whether it’s a reunion or a new business venture.
I look forward to hearing more from Pam Ball, your Wichita, Kansas ActiveRain member!
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