It is mind-rattling when we lay into perspective the fact that we all live in a diverse timeline, and we only cross paths in certain periods of our lives. As students we sit in a classroom and learn about life before we came into existence and how “different it was back then.” We hardly sit and ponder how those years contained captivating moments that played into the way we live now.
Sitting down and being able to converse with teachers on their very experiences in the 90’s when our age was such a touching venture—your entire perspective shifts when you realize how dear they hold these memories to their hearts.
The 90’s is said to be an eccentric time filled with music and fashion. Mrs. Manter, PE and AVID teacher here at Selma High, recalls this time as the “grunge era.” She laughs as she goes back down memory lane remembering how she would attempt to fit into these certain grungy trends as an “awkward teen.”
As a teen during the 1990’s, Mrs. Manter had a deep admiration for music just like any other teenager did. Making mixtapes and burning CDs was the “hobby” during this time, where people accumulated a variety of songs into one mixtape to dedicate it to a loved one.
“My husband, who was my boyfriend, made me one for sure. We would make some for each other,”stated Mrs. Manter.
Teen romance during this time looked like it was a fun way to express one’s feelings to somebody. As the time changes, the manner in which we communicate shifts as the time flies. The romance we have watched in films made during this time begins to make sense as we can see the importance of the small things.
When asked if she missed the era, Mrs. Manter says, “Yes, absolutely. Cell phones weren’t really around and social media wasn’t the distraction or comparison. I miss the smallness of the 90s.”
The 90s are described as the time to be selfish and grow by Mrs. Manter.
“Discovering who I was as a young adult was all in the 90s.”
Although we are not in the 90s anymore, taking the time to grow and figure ourselves out is an important aspect of our lives.
As for Mr. Filkins, math teacher here at Selma High, the 90s is remembered as the era of crazy fashion with great music.
“Oh my goodness, MC Hammer pants. Everyone had MC Hammer pants.” He instantly mentions when asked what he remembers best of the trends during this time period.
In Mr. Filkin’s eyes, the 90s was a vivid time to be blasting music aside from all the crazy wear. Mixtapes and burning CDs were a main component of this era, everyone seemed to be their own “DJ.”
“The 90s, that’s when I started driving so I was able to listen to my own music instead of my parents’ music. I got to listen to Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dog, and Doctor Dre when they were popular,” said Mr. Filkins.
As Mr. Filkins recalls his admiration for the music he grew up with, he also mentions the beauty of socializing during this period. Obviously there were no cell phones around or internet at home, so in order to have fun you needed to be out.
“I saw the football student section here; very small compared to how it was back in the day. There was no reason to stay home back then,” expressed Mr. Filkins.
Overall, this era was full of socializing, vibing to music, and making discoveries. Mrs. Manter and Mr. Filkins both agree that the 90s will always hold a memorable spot in their lives and have built them up to be the individuals they are today. The music and the style of living differs from now in all kinds of ways, making the era of the 1990s a dear one in their hearts. After listening to these earnest moments, it made me pause and realize I too will be speaking about these years with the same kind of affection.
