10+ People Who Posted Updates On What Happened to All The Popular Kids From High School
If you peak in high school, you can only go downhill from there.
Being popular in high school seems great at the moment, like you are on top of the world, but the fact is that as soon as you get out of your protective bubble, high school life hits you hard. They say when you are high up in the sky, the only other way you can go is down, and believe me, it happens.
Sure, the jocks and cheerleaders who bullied everyone and thought they were untouchable could be successful in life, but every movie ever made about high school has told us that it is normally the shy, nerdy ones who get the CEO jobs and the fancy cars.
But the truth is, life happens to all of us! When we leave high school, we all think about what happened to the people we went to school with. These individuals told us where their former classmates are now, and some of the stories are quite interesting. So take a look at these stories and try to find your old high school buddies.
"Our leader, the “Queen Bee”, cheer squad captain, one-time Miss Sportsfest batch representative (who also won), the “girl every guy had a crush on”, batch “siren” (good singers), senior prom queen, and batch honorable mentions – currently a fashion designer” - Dr. Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence expert states, “Emotional intelligence is crucial for success in any field, including fashion design, where understanding client emotions can lead to better designs and relationships.”
“Before I finished high school, I bumped into a girl who had graduated a couple of years earlier. When I first entered high school, she was an upperclassman, and she would either ignore or taunt you. I was at K-Mart, and she was bagging all the goods I bought. She looked miserable and tired. Yes, she had let herself go. No more cool hairstyles or trendy clothes. She had been very lively, but there she was, just a shell of her former self. Another girl (who is very sweet) married her high school sweetheart, and they moved to an even smaller town than the one we lived in.” - Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Clinical Psychologist
“The most popular kid in my class went on to obtain a law degree from an Ivy League school in the US, worked on Wall Street for a few years before returning home, and is now handling the legal side of financial mergers worth hundreds of millions of dollars. As Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, notes, 'The paths we choose can lead to unexpected successes.' One of the quieter kids in my class is very close to becoming a billionaire and was appointed a minister (the youngest in the cabinet). The 'jock' is a fireman and seems quite content with his life, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, who states, 'Happiness often comes from finding fulfillment in unexpected places.'” - Dr. Barry Schwartz, Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis
“Many of the popular kids from high school often find themselves at prestigious universities like Stanford or Berkeley, which can significantly shape their futures.” - Dr. Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence expert
“Steve peaked in high school. He tries to present himself as a successful real estate agent, but according to financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, many people in such positions often struggle to maintain their success. 'The reality is that success in real estate can be elusive, and many who appear to thrive may only be getting by,' she notes. In fact, he lives in a house that his parents worked hard to afford after he faced the challenges of early parenthood.”
“I graduated in 1970, and I learned something profound from my 15-year reunion in 1985. It was striking to see that those who were once the 'coolest' still dressed in the same styles from 1970, while others had clearly moved on. As Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, notes, 'People often feel they peak in high school, leading to a sense of stagnation if they don't adapt.' This reflects a broader truth about personal growth and change.” - Dr. Barry Schwartz
“I was not one of those kids. It seems that being popular in school does not necessarily correlate with leading an exceptionally fulfilling life. Many individuals find themselves in average circumstances, as life can be quite challenging. As Daniel Pink, a renowned author on motivation, states, ‘Success is not just about being talented; it’s about hard work and resilience in the face of challenges.’ This highlights that past popularity, often tied to superficial traits like athleticism or looks, does not guarantee future success, where determination and effort are far more critical.” - Daniel Pink
“One is a med student, and I spoke to her a few weeks ago; she’s finding it difficult and says, ‘Everyone is excellent; it’s not like in high school where they were easy to beat.’ According to Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, ‘The pressure to excel can be overwhelming, especially in competitive environments like medical school.’ Another is living off his parents and spending a lot of money, still popular because he’s rich.” - Dr. Barry Schwartz
“The so-called 'normal' kids often find themselves achieving the same successes as the 'popular' kids, but with the added advantage of strong academic credentials. As Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, states, 'Success is not just about popularity; it’s about finding fulfillment and purpose in what you do.' This sentiment is echoed by many who have pursued their passions and excelled in their careers, often earning impressive salaries in major cities.” - Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
“It’s interesting to see how perceptions of others evolve over time. Social media often amplifies certain narratives, but it’s essential to remember that everyone is on their own journey.” - Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist
“Great question... The “king” of sports and the class jock is now running a string of pawn shops, and the last time I saw him, he was trying out for the sumo wrestling team... via a fast food joint. The beauty queen is now on marriage #3, and you can tell she has been ridden hard by life and the loss of her looks. As Elizabeth Gilbert, author notes, “Your life is a story, and you get to write it.” I am sure her husband, who is a plastic surgeon, can recreate her physical beauty. The smartest girl is now a doctor and seems to be doing well. Ms. Popular, I suspect, is a “high-priced call girl,” given her state of dress (more undress) at the reunion and her “dropping important names” that she has “dated.” As Dr. Susan David, emotional agility expert states, “The ability to navigate our emotions is essential for our well-being and success.”
