Ahhh, 15. It was the last summer before you could get your driver’s license and before you really had to get a job. If you were lucky, you were past the awkward early teen years, but you were still kind of a kid. Not much responsibility and plenty of free time.
No matter when you were 15, here are some ideas for getting back to that state of mind.
- Passing handwritten notes with doodles on them.
- Dancing like crazy at a live concert.
- Seeing a friend you’ve known since you were a teen.
- Wearing the latest trends with the absolute certainty that you look amazing.
- Rereading your favorite book from high school. Over and over again.
To really go back in time, or to feel like a teen from another era, revisit the iconic fashion, music, movies and activities from past decades.
1950s: Saddle shoes and loafers, blue jeans and poodle skirts, Elvis, drive-in movies, color TV.
1960s: Go-go boots, turtlenecks, The Beatles, Motown, beehive hairdos, “Bonnie and Clyde,” playing Frisbee, peace signs, Twister.
1970s: “Saturday Night Fever,” bellbottoms, Candie’s platform shoes, the Bee Gees, Chinese fire drills at stoplights.
1980s: MTV, Nintendo, perms, shoulder pads, Michael Jackson, “Star Wars,” Madonna, Aerosmith, giant boom boxes.
1990s: Cruising with friends who can drive, Jane’s Addiction, Nirvana, “Friends,” rollerblading, flannel, Dr. Martens.
2000s: You’re only 15 now, so you don’t need to be reminded how it feels. If it isn’t as great as we’re remembering, please don’t spoil the nostalgia for us.
ImagineIF Libraries encourage exploration, fresh ideas and self-discovery. Learn more at www.imagineiflibraries.org.