Mary Christian:  

I remember white socks and saddle oxfords, skirts two inches below the knees, and I do mean skirts--no slacks or jeans or you were sent home to change. I remember even having to get permission to wear our blue denim skirts to school one day in senior year and wondering if they had a clue to what education was all about. I just remember being so shy and unsure of myself that I wanted to disappear into the locker. Totally in awe of the "cool" crowd and feeling like a schlub in comparison. I kept feeling as if everyone but me knew the secret to survival. My comfort zone was the Red Coats and blending into the sea of maroon and white. Years later I was shocked to hear that others felt that way, too. The whistle and the first notes of Aida were the signal to relax, feeling like one of the gang for a few minu...Expand for more