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Image courtesy of Jane Ridley
- I was an ordinary student without aspirations for higher education or a prestigious career.
- In contrast, my friend Gerry had clear ambitions for success by the age of 11.
- Her driven nature significantly inspired me to elevate my own efforts.
Reunions with my four closest friends from middle and high school are rare. They only occur when circumstances align perfectly and we find ourselves back in our hometown simultaneously.
While three of us remain in England, one has relocated to Australia, and I moved to the United States nearly two decades ago.
This past summer marked our 30th high school reunion at an upscale hotel. In 2023, we planned another gathering at the same venue.
A Friend’s Support During Difficult Times
Regrettably, one member of our group couldn’t attend this time. Geraldine—affectionately known as Gerry—had to cancel last minute due to a national rail strike affecting travel from London where she resides over 250 miles away.
“Here’s to Gerry,” we toasted while raising our glasses of wine. She has always been the vibrant spirit among us. Naturally, this led us down memory lane as we reminisced about her significant role during our school years.
“I owe so much to Gerry,” declared my friend Louise unexpectedly. To my astonishment, she revealed that without Gerry’s encouragement she might have dropped out of high school altogether.
I had never heard this story before; it turned out that Louise was on the verge of quitting due to feeling overwhelmed by one challenging subject they shared together until Gerry persuaded her otherwise.
Gerry’s support extended beyond mere words; she became Louise’s study partner dedicating countless hours each week helping her understand complex scientific concepts. “Thanks to her help I pursued a biology degree followed by a postgraduate certificate in education which ultimately led me into teaching,” said Louise proudly.
She referred to it as her “sliding doors moment,” pondering where life might have taken her without Gerry’s influence along the way.
The Impact on My Life
This reflection prompted me to consider how deeply intertwined my journey has been with that of our mutual friend over these past four decades. Coming from humble beginnings herself, Gerry excelled academically and athletically throughout school life.
A graduate from one of Britain’s top colleges who later became a venture capitalist; she served on various corporate boards achieving financial independence well before turning fifty—a goal she’d meticulously planned for all along. I recall vividly how she expressed wanting not fame but rather leaving behind something meaningful: “I want people to remember me,” she’d say confidently even back when we were just kids navigating middle school together at ages eleven or sixteen while others around us lacked such foresight regarding their futures!
Contemplating My Path Without Her Influence
Meanwhile no family member had ever attended university nor did I envision doing so myself either—I aspired instead towards becoming like dad—a newspaper reporter whose profession didn’t require formal qualifications back then! Yet witnessing how passionate Gerrry was about pursuing higher education made me question why I hadn’t considered it myself too?
Gerry also motivated me towards sports despite lacking athletic prowess initially; after observing her run track races successfully inspired me enough take up running myself! Additionally during junior year thanks largely due course organized through local library featuring renowned children’s book writer/illustrator—we both participated which later proved beneficial when applying universities leading ultimately into successful journalism career spanning thirty-four years taking across continents—from London all way New York City! While early retirement may elude me unlike dear friend—I believe I’ve carved out decent life nonetheless.
Louise’s revelation during reunion missed by Gery finally illuminated just how profoundly impactful friendship truly is—and since then I’ve pondered those “sliding door” moments reflecting upon what could’ve transpired if hadn’t crossed paths forty-five years ago sixth grade!
Cheers once again—to you dear Gery!
If you have an inspiring story about someone who significantly influenced your life please share details with Business Insider via [email protected]
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