What kids wrote in my eighth grade yearbook

Tuskawilla Middle School, 1997

Jul 18, 2024

I’ve been working on an essay about being addicted in seventh/eighth grade to a text-based multiplayer online role-playing game called GemStone III. The essay also charts my descent into autism, characterized by severe social anxiety. Part of my research involved looking at the two yearbooks I have from middle school. The seventh grade one has no writing in it from other kids. The eighth grade one had the following.

Tao, I’m writing purple ‘cause this is Becky’s Pen. Thank you for being such a good friend…most of the time. No matter what anyone says I think you are the funniest person in Tm. 10. Sorry for starting the “Raisin” thing. If I could take it back I would. Have a GREAT SUMMER!! (Paul)

Tao, Hello raisin. Apparently Diablo sucks compared to Gemstone. I’ll play as soon as AOL starts working. Chris M. is gay. (you did it to everyone else’s) During the summer, I’m going to see if I can go to your house to see Gemstone. See ya later after I get my hair cut. (Luis)

Tao—This year has been really great for you, w/PB & ET drooling over you 24/7. I’ve known you for so many years, and I hope that we have @ least one class w/you next year. Do you remember back when we had that party for Matt Lisenby? Maybe the day that you trust me, you can tell me who you want to go out w. I’ll always remember you for blurting things out that have nothing to do w/anything. Like, “Whose baseball glove?” (Lindsay)

Tao—Well I didn’t talk to you much because you really don’t talk. But you are still pretty cool so don’t change. HAGS. (Blake)

Tao, I hope your summer is full of HapPENIS. See you at LH. (Mike)

Tao, Hey Little man! This year has been really cool. I’ll always remember you for bringing that laser to DC. That was so funny! See ya sometime next year, I’m sure. (Erin)

Tao—It’s been a fast 2 yrs that has gone by fast (for me)! I didn’t know you that much, but you seem really nice. Have a great summer and see you at Lk. Howell (unsure)

Tao—you’ve always been a good friend. I will remember you for the days in Mrs. Schmits class, the it works and how you were the only challenge in KI Gold! Chill dog (Chris)

Tao—Had fun talking to you in band all the time. Also in D.C., have a great summer. See ya next year in LH. (Peter)

Sucks at B-Ball & is a liar. [arrow to a photo of a classmate] I will probably see u over summer and at LHHS (Ryan)

Tao, I’m writing big ‘cause there’s a lot of room. Have a kick @$$ summer & raise hell. (Suneel)

Tao—I have known you since kindergarten, right? Well have a great summer although I’ll see you over it. (Stacey)

Tao—Hey! You know, I’ve never really talked to you before Washington D.C. & that’s probably because I never really thought you talked. But you should talk more, because when you do, you’re really funny. I’m going to miss you in high school! Have fun at Lake Howell. (Jennika)

Tao, What is ODOROUS, looks like CHEESE and is on a certain HEAD? (Ryan)

Tao, Hey! Well, we’ve ben at TMS for 3 yrs. & I’m really glad to get out of here! LHHS will be fun! You’re a real sweety! Stay that way & have a great summer. (Kristine)

Tao—I’ve known you for a long time, but we’ve never really talked any. But when you have, you’ve been really sweet. Have a kick ass summer. See ya at LH. (Melissa)