Charles Cook:
CLASS OF 1988
Waukegan West High SchoolClass of 1988
Waukegan, IL
DePaul University - Computer TechnologyClass of 2003
Chicago, IL
Charles's Story
Wow. Where do I begin?
My life now is a bright contrast to what it was back in Waukegan during the 80's. Back then, my family was always low on the socio-economic scale. We hit rock bottom when my mom died in 1982. That was just before I attended Jack Benny Jr. High School.
There were more bad moments than good after that. But for the few good moments I had, like some of the people I've met, they really helped me to go on.
As a result of the financial hardships, I've always had hand-me-down clothes, was made fun of. I was never really accepted in any social circles. Although I was a loner as a result, there were a few people who I did look up to, such as the Math teacher Mr. Myers, Dean Mr. Enz, Science Teacher Mr. Thomas ( if I recall correctly), The Art teacher, Mr. King. I flunked a grade back then, so my original class moved on. I tried to keep in touch with them, but many just thumbed their noses and moved on.
High School was worse. But even then there were people that were friendly and always encouraged me. I didn't live at home with my "family" then. I stayed with different friends during high school. They know who they are, and I will always have eternal gratitude for their kindness. I don't remember the teacher's names very well (with the exception of a Mr. Shadley, Sociology?), but I do remember some of the students who I got along with.
Jackie Ray (Ray Grrl)
Dave White ('87)
Howard Birchard ('87)
Jill Kutzler ('88)
Maurice Clark ('88)
Eldridge Bollin (sp? '88)
Tammy Alvarez ('87)
Tony Torrez (East HS. '86)
Kim and Krystal Titus ('87 & '88 respectively)
Julie Edwards
Tammy (forget last name, but WHS marksmanship champ, '87)
Laura Rodrigez (WHS JROTC '88)
Mike Roach ('87)
Jason (forget last name, '88 and DJ on WXLC)
Bill Matson ('88)
Donny Matson ...Expand for more
('86)
Bobby Grubbs ('88)
They tolerated me at best, but their kindness was always appreciated.
I went to Devry after graduating from HS, but I never finished. I met my wife there, so it's not like I didn't get anything out of it. Four years after leaving Devry and working in the field, I figured I may as well finish this chapter. I wasn't getting any younger, so the heck with it. I transferred my credits to DePaul and finished my computer science studies there in 2003 with a whopping 3.0 GPA (where the heck was that in HS I wonder?).
Anyway, to make a long story short, I'm happy. After years of going to school in Waukegan and being told or made to feel like I didn't belong, it's nice to know I am someplace where I do belong. Like I said, bright contrast from back then.
I don't look back. I prefer moving on and looking toward the future, but from time to time I wonder how someone is doing. Unless they were a really good friend, I usually choose to not call them or look them up. I have way too many reasons not to open that door again. However, I do hear bits and pieces...
I don't know where "Ray Grrl" is now, but I hope she is doing well.
I read in this board Jill Kutzler got married and had a couple of children. I am very happy for her.
I met Dave White again not too long ago. He has a good wife and a son. His sister Helen White married one of the Adams brothers. I hope they are doing well.
Jason works as a DJ on WXLC. Good job!
Billy and Donny Matson's mother passed away. She was a good woman. She and her family always helped me out back in the day.
As for me, I'm a coder, network administrator, and from time to time a programmer. It pays well, but getting this job was a pain in the a** after the IT downturn in 2003.
But that......is another story.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
