同學會，一年到頭都有人在開，已是一種全民風潮，力量強
大到可以穿越時空，打破性別、族群、階層等藩籬。
大到可以穿越時空，打破性別、族群、階層等藩籬。
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It seems there’s always a class reunion of some kind or other taking place. It’s become something of a trend, a fashion that reaches across space and time, and breaks down gender, class, and ethnic barriers.
見到多年不見的老同學，許多人的第一反應不外驚喜尖叫、熱情擁抱，也有人會回到母校看看，撫摸當年在窗櫺邊留下的刻痕，感嘆時光不再，卻也讓人有重拾青春活力的功效。
同學會，讓人重新思考「我是誰」這個永恆課題；對不同世代更有不同的社會訴求與意義。
Many people’s first reactions to seeing their classmates of yore are to squeal and embrace. Some gather at their alma maters to touch the marks they carved in windowsills, sighing over times long gone, while recapturing some of the vitality of their youth.
Class reunions encourage participants to revisit the eternal question of “who am I?” But their social appeal and significance can vary from generation to generation.
如果接到同學會邀請函，你第一個浮現的念頭是什麼？你會赴約嗎？
What pops into your head when you receive an invitation to an alumni get-together? Do you attend yours?
在《記得你是誰：哈佛的最後一堂課》書中，作者曾引述美國哈佛大學商學院教授大衛‧貝爾的經驗，他對一群即將畢業的學生提出忠告：如果幾年後你接到母校的邀請，請你回校參加5年一次的同學聚會──那是件危險的事，千萬不要去。
David E. Bell, a professor with the Harvard Business School, once advised a group of graduating students not to attend their five-year reunion, suggesting that it was very risky.
部落客米果觀察，年過30的「同學會」，往往在同學結婚喜宴桌上自動召開。此時，帶老婆老公出席的人愈來愈多，結婚與否變成人生圓滿的指標，「還沒結婚的人，就變成全班攻擊的箭靶。就算不出聲，那眼神也會射出毒針，即使是微笑，彷彿很懂你的樣子，看起來也很嚇人。」
The blogger Mimiko observes that classmate reunions for those over 30 occur naturally around the banquet tables at classmates’ weddings.
At that age, more and more people are bringing wives or husbands along to gatherings. Marriage has become an indicator of fulfillment in life. “The singles in attendance become the focus of the whole class’s barbs. Even when they don’t say anything, the looks of those who are married sting. Even when they’re grinning, their expressions are shocking. It’s as if they’re looking right through you.”
The blogger Mimiko observes that classmate reunions for those over 30 occur naturally around the banquet tables at classmates’ weddings.
At that age, more and more people are bringing wives or husbands along to gatherings. Marriage has become an indicator of fulfillment in life. “The singles in attendance become the focus of the whole class’s barbs. Even when they don’t say anything, the looks of those who are married sting. Even when they’re grinning, their expressions are shocking. It’s as if they’re looking right through you.”
時機論：何時召開最好？
When’s the best time?
關於同學會，找得到各種各樣「不去」的理由。那麼，有沒有相對適當、也比較容易「動員」的時機呢？貝爾教授的臨別贈言值得參考──要開同學會，請等到畢業25週年以後。北一女中的「30重聚」傳統，就是證明。
Granted that there are any number of reasons not to attend a class reunion, is there a good time to go? Professor Bell’s advice was to wait until at least 25 years after graduating. Taipei First Girls High School’s (TFGHS) tradition of a 30-year class reunion is a great case in point.
北一女中校友在畢業30週年後的全球全屆聚會傳統，起源於南加州北一女校友會的年會。
話說1984年，前北一女校長江學珠以84歲高齡到美國洛杉磯訪問考察，當時有校友選在9月28日舉辦謝師宴，消息見報後，各地校友紛紛響應，當晚來了師生近300人，後到的人只能緊挨著像開朝會一樣站著；這群親炙過老校長風範的校友，含括不同年代，晚會進行到半夜仍不捨散去，乃決定要成立校友會，常保聯絡。
關於同學會，找得到各種各樣「不去」的理由。那麼，有沒有相對適當、也比較容易「動員」的時機呢？貝爾教授的臨別贈言值得參考──要開同學會，請等到畢業25週年以後。北一女中的「30重聚」傳統，就是證明。
Granted that there are any number of reasons not to attend a class reunion, is there a good time to go? Professor Bell’s advice was to wait until at least 25 years after graduating. Taipei First Girls High School’s (TFGHS) tradition of a 30-year class reunion is a great case in point.
北一女中校友在畢業30週年後的全球全屆聚會傳統，起源於南加州北一女校友會的年會。
話說1984年，前北一女校長江學珠以84歲高齡到美國洛杉磯訪問考察，當時有校友選在9月28日舉辦謝師宴，消息見報後，各地校友紛紛響應，當晚來了師生近300人，後到的人只能緊挨著像開朝會一樣站著；這群親炙過老校長風範的校友，含括不同年代，晚會進行到半夜仍不捨散去，乃決定要成立校友會，常保聯絡。
然而，不同世代與年齡，對同學會的體會也不同。
That said, people of different ages and generations have different expectations of and feelings about class reunions.
簡妙如分析，屆齡或已經退休的5年級前段班及3、4年級世代，開起同學會來「態度從容、篤定、義無反顧」，因為他們屬於戰後嬰兒潮世代，正是建立起台灣社會繁榮與經濟奇蹟的推手，容易階級流動，只要肯打拚，都能獲得一定社會成就，「重聚讓他們得以集體緬懷光榮歲月，更由於網路興起前失聯了那麼久，更加珍惜重聚。」
Jian says the children of the 1940s, 50s, and early 60s, most of whom are nearing retirement or have already retired, approach class reunions with confidence and are enthusiastic about attending. Born during the postwar baby boom, these are the generations that built the prosperity Taiwan enjoys today. They grew up in a time when hard work was almost certain to yield success, and enjoyed a high degree of class mobility. “Reuniting provides them with an opportunity to reminisce on their glory days. Many lost touch with one another in the pre-Internet era, so they cherish the chance to get together in person.”
相對地，還在事業、家庭兩頭燒的5年級後段班或6年級世代，心情就複雜多了。「同學會就像人生的期中報告，大家互相檢驗：你這幾年混得如何？難免會遲疑要不要現身？」然而，正因為對「初老人生」還有「不甘願」，讓人更想找尋老同學，回憶純真、重拾青春動能，暫時脫離現實壓力。
此外，別以為年輕人就不愛開同學會，簡妙如觀察，現在大學生風行開「高中制服派對」（同校校友、或同屬某個地域），算是「變相的同學會」，除了有聯誼的功能，也因為對建立自我風格還不夠自信，加上大學生活「太自由」，面對未來也茫然，因此更想重返「制服」象徵的保護，獲得集體歸屬感。
In contrast, those born in the 1960s and 70s are generally still working and raising families, and their feelings about reunions are much more mixed. “Going to a class reunion is like giving a midterm report on your life. Everyone is grading everyone else. How have you been doing these last few years? It’s hard not to be conflicted about attending.” But an unwillingness to accept the onset of middle age makes many want to seek out their old classmates to rehash simpler times, revive their youthful verve, and enjoy a momentary escape from the stress of their present-day life.
That said, people of different ages and generations have different expectations of and feelings about class reunions.
簡妙如分析，屆齡或已經退休的5年級前段班及3、4年級世代，開起同學會來「態度從容、篤定、義無反顧」，因為他們屬於戰後嬰兒潮世代，正是建立起台灣社會繁榮與經濟奇蹟的推手，容易階級流動，只要肯打拚，都能獲得一定社會成就，「重聚讓他們得以集體緬懷光榮歲月，更由於網路興起前失聯了那麼久，更加珍惜重聚。」
Jian says the children of the 1940s, 50s, and early 60s, most of whom are nearing retirement or have already retired, approach class reunions with confidence and are enthusiastic about attending. Born during the postwar baby boom, these are the generations that built the prosperity Taiwan enjoys today. They grew up in a time when hard work was almost certain to yield success, and enjoyed a high degree of class mobility. “Reuniting provides them with an opportunity to reminisce on their glory days. Many lost touch with one another in the pre-Internet era, so they cherish the chance to get together in person.”
相對地，還在事業、家庭兩頭燒的5年級後段班或6年級世代，心情就複雜多了。「同學會就像人生的期中報告，大家互相檢驗：你這幾年混得如何？難免會遲疑要不要現身？」然而，正因為對「初老人生」還有「不甘願」，讓人更想找尋老同學，回憶純真、重拾青春動能，暫時脫離現實壓力。
此外，別以為年輕人就不愛開同學會，簡妙如觀察，現在大學生風行開「高中制服派對」（同校校友、或同屬某個地域），算是「變相的同學會」，除了有聯誼的功能，也因為對建立自我風格還不夠自信，加上大學生活「太自由」，面對未來也茫然，因此更想重返「制服」象徵的保護，獲得集體歸屬感。
In contrast, those born in the 1960s and 70s are generally still working and raising families, and their feelings about reunions are much more mixed. “Going to a class reunion is like giving a midterm report on your life. Everyone is grading everyone else. How have you been doing these last few years? It’s hard not to be conflicted about attending.” But an unwillingness to accept the onset of middle age makes many want to seek out their old classmates to rehash simpler times, revive their youthful verve, and enjoy a momentary escape from the stress of their present-day life.
人脈論：同學是最好貴人
Classmates are precious
清華大學社會所教授李丁讚指出，同學關係是基於「緣分」，相較於日常社交或職場上的往來，更沒有利害瓜葛，更「情感取向」，因此相處起來特別愉快。
According to Lii Ding-tzann, a professor with the Institute of Sociology at National Tsing Hua University, relationships among classmates are “serendipitous” and, unlike typical social or professional relationships, unsullied by thoughts of gain or advancement. In his view, they are more “affective,” which can make reunions especially joyful.
編劇家陳慧如就很樂於參加各種小型同學會，像是高中吉他社、大學漁村服務隊、高中同班好友小聚等，「即使不用描述現況，只是靜靜坐著，也很開心。你甚至可以在他們面前，毫不掩飾地說出自己的煩惱與困擾，陳述曾走過的難題和關卡而不會羞赧或遮掩。因為他們永遠不會誤解你，永遠知道最真實的你，是什麼樣子。」
Writer Kelly Chen loves to attend all kinds of small reunions, whether of the guitar club at her high school or the fishing-village support team at her university. “You can talk to them about your worries and peeves, about the trials and obstacles you’ve faced, without being self-conscious about it,” she says. “They won’t misunderstand you, because they know who you really are.”
有趣的是，這種在同窗歲月扎下的清純友誼，在踏出校園後，也可以是人生第一本、功能超強的「人脈存摺」。
Interestingly, once you leave school, the friends you made there can become your most valuable contacts.
清華大學社會所教授李丁讚指出，同學關係是基於「緣分」，相較於日常社交或職場上的往來，更沒有利害瓜葛，更「情感取向」，因此相處起來特別愉快。
According to Lii Ding-tzann, a professor with the Institute of Sociology at National Tsing Hua University, relationships among classmates are “serendipitous” and, unlike typical social or professional relationships, unsullied by thoughts of gain or advancement. In his view, they are more “affective,” which can make reunions especially joyful.
編劇家陳慧如就很樂於參加各種小型同學會，像是高中吉他社、大學漁村服務隊、高中同班好友小聚等，「即使不用描述現況，只是靜靜坐著，也很開心。你甚至可以在他們面前，毫不掩飾地說出自己的煩惱與困擾，陳述曾走過的難題和關卡而不會羞赧或遮掩。因為他們永遠不會誤解你，永遠知道最真實的你，是什麼樣子。」
Writer Kelly Chen loves to attend all kinds of small reunions, whether of the guitar club at her high school or the fishing-village support team at her university. “You can talk to them about your worries and peeves, about the trials and obstacles you’ve faced, without being self-conscious about it,” she says. “They won’t misunderstand you, because they know who you really are.”
有趣的是，這種在同窗歲月扎下的清純友誼，在踏出校園後，也可以是人生第一本、功能超強的「人脈存摺」。
Interestingly, once you leave school, the friends you made there can become your most valuable contacts.
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美國有不少關於「政治人脈」的實證研究顯示，政治人物要從商業界成功取得政治獻金，是否同校乃至同系同學，比起其他關係都更為重要。
「從社會網絡理論的觀點來看，最高明的人脈，正是建立在『最沒有功利色彩』的關係上；這種連結往往是不必刻意就自然發生的，」台大經濟系副教授林明仁一語道破。
「從社會網絡理論的觀點來看，最高明的人脈，正是建立在『最沒有功利色彩』的關係上；這種連結往往是不必刻意就自然發生的，」台大經濟系副教授林明仁一語道破。
“From the standpoint of social network theory, the best networks are those built on non-utilitarian relationships,” explains Lin Ming-jen, an associate professor in the Department of Economics at National Taiwan University. “These connections aren’t intentional; they form naturally.”
想像一下，在氣氛愉快的同學會上，大夥兒酒酣耳熱之際，口無遮攔的八卦紛紛出籠，包括誰又戀愛了、誰又轉行了，當然也有各種職場上的小道消息。「同學會就是一個密切交流資訊的場合，彼此因為擁有比其他人更多的『信任資本』，願意交換更多、揭露更深，」林明仁說。
Imagine for a moment an exuberant reunion at which everyone is a little drunk. People blurt out all kinds of things about who happens to be falling in love or changing jobs. They also exchange a good deal of information about their workplaces. “Class reunions are a forum for intensive information exchange,” says Lin. “You have much greater ‘trust capital’ with these people than with others, and are therefore willing to share and reveal more.”
「人脈存摺」概念在商學院EMBA進修班上發揮得最徹底，對這些在各行各業努力拚成就的專業經理人和企業家來說，中年之後還來進修，就是因為同學資源比學習知識更為有用。「所有人都或多或少能從同學人脈中獲益，在強調跨界整合的年代，或許混合不同科系的社團同學會，更能迸出火花，」林明仁說。
Many professionals enroll in executive MBA programs to develop their network of contacts; and all participants benefit to some degree from their classmates’ networks. “The modern era places a lot of emphasis on integration and interdisciplinary work,” says Lin. “Get-togethers involving former members of student clubs who pursued different fields are perhaps more likely to spark something.”
想像一下，在氣氛愉快的同學會上，大夥兒酒酣耳熱之際，口無遮攔的八卦紛紛出籠，包括誰又戀愛了、誰又轉行了，當然也有各種職場上的小道消息。「同學會就是一個密切交流資訊的場合，彼此因為擁有比其他人更多的『信任資本』，願意交換更多、揭露更深，」林明仁說。
Imagine for a moment an exuberant reunion at which everyone is a little drunk. People blurt out all kinds of things about who happens to be falling in love or changing jobs. They also exchange a good deal of information about their workplaces. “Class reunions are a forum for intensive information exchange,” says Lin. “You have much greater ‘trust capital’ with these people than with others, and are therefore willing to share and reveal more.”
「人脈存摺」概念在商學院EMBA進修班上發揮得最徹底，對這些在各行各業努力拚成就的專業經理人和企業家來說，中年之後還來進修，就是因為同學資源比學習知識更為有用。「所有人都或多或少能從同學人脈中獲益，在強調跨界整合的年代，或許混合不同科系的社團同學會，更能迸出火花，」林明仁說。
Many professionals enroll in executive MBA programs to develop their network of contacts; and all participants benefit to some degree from their classmates’ networks. “The modern era places a lot of emphasis on integration and interdisciplinary work,” says Lin. “Get-togethers involving former members of student clubs who pursued different fields are perhaps more likely to spark something.”
凝聚力：全校一家
A powerful gravitational pull
高中以上的同學會，由於跟大學或職場的人脈重疊機率高，找起人來似乎比較「有跡可尋」，相形之下，很多人無法想像可以找回國小時代的同學，重溫人生最純真的歲月。
It tends to be easier to track people down for high-school and university class reunions because people tend to have a good deal of overlap among their university and professional contacts. On the other hand, most people assume it’s virtually impossible to arrange a reunion with classmates from their elementary-school days.
高中以上的同學會，由於跟大學或職場的人脈重疊機率高，找起人來似乎比較「有跡可尋」，相形之下，很多人無法想像可以找回國小時代的同學，重溫人生最純真的歲月。
It tends to be easier to track people down for high-school and university class reunions because people tend to have a good deal of overlap among their university and professional contacts. On the other hand, most people assume it’s virtually impossible to arrange a reunion with classmates from their elementary-school days.
然而，對前省立新竹師範附屬小學的歷屆畢業生來說，同窗情誼不僅在他們的夢裡迴盪，更是打開電腦，立刻可以透過最新群組信件或專屬網站上「溫故知新」，最近幾年更是頻頻聚會。
Nonetheless, the 15th graduating class of the Affiliated Elementary School of the Provincial Hsinchu Normal School (now the National Hsinchu University of Education) didn’t just dream about bringing everyone back together; they built their own website and have been meeting regularly for the last few years.
為何會如此熱絡？「這一切都要感謝母校的『愛的教育』，不僅帶給我們快樂、健康的童年，並且教導我們肯定自我的價值，也學會關愛別人，」65歲校友、台東聖母醫院安寧照護部門的黃冠球醫師說。
竹師附小是當年師專畢業生任教的第一志願，也是走在時代先鋒、充滿實驗精神的小學。創校於日治時期，戰後改制的前8年，在女校長高梓帶領下，全校教師泰半住在學校，除了五育均衡授課，還讓學生自由圈選書法、繪畫、舞蹈、田徑、弈棋等課外活動。
Why are the school’s former students so motivated? “It’s all in gratitude for the loving education we received at our alma mater,” says Huang Guanqiu, now a 65-year-old doctor with Taitung St. Mary’s Hospital. “The school provided us with happy, healthy childhoods, and taught us to love others and believe in ourselves.”
Teaching at the cutting-edge affiliated elementary school was the number-one ambition of the Normal School’s graduates. More than half of the school’s teachers lived on campus, and the students were permitted to choose for themselves from among extracurricular activities that included calligraphy, painting, dance, track and field, and Go.
此外，學生從一到六年級都不分班，更特別的是，一屆120名學生分成4個「里」，推舉「里長」主持「里民大會」，且每逢「市長」選舉，還有鑼鼓喧天的遊行隊伍遊走校園，從小學習民主自治。
Students remained with the same class for their entire elementary-school career, forming very tight bonds with their classmates. Each 120-student grade level was also subdivided into four “boroughs,” each of which elected its own “borough chief” to represent it in a “borough assembly.” Students learned democratic self-government at an early age, and held campaign marches on campus during each of their “mayoral” elections.
前年5月，竹師附小第15屆同學舉辦「50週年」全屆同學會，黃冠球拿出26年前「24週年」全屆同學會後寫下的感想，裡頭充滿「愛的回憶」：遠足時，大家自動分麵包糖果給家境清寒的同學；失手打破玻璃，全班一起收拾善後，沒有怨怪或告狀；以及老校長腰桿挺立、默默蹲下撿拾紙屑的身影。
Nonetheless, the 15th graduating class of the Affiliated Elementary School of the Provincial Hsinchu Normal School (now the National Hsinchu University of Education) didn’t just dream about bringing everyone back together; they built their own website and have been meeting regularly for the last few years.
為何會如此熱絡？「這一切都要感謝母校的『愛的教育』，不僅帶給我們快樂、健康的童年，並且教導我們肯定自我的價值，也學會關愛別人，」65歲校友、台東聖母醫院安寧照護部門的黃冠球醫師說。
竹師附小是當年師專畢業生任教的第一志願，也是走在時代先鋒、充滿實驗精神的小學。創校於日治時期，戰後改制的前8年，在女校長高梓帶領下，全校教師泰半住在學校，除了五育均衡授課，還讓學生自由圈選書法、繪畫、舞蹈、田徑、弈棋等課外活動。
Why are the school’s former students so motivated? “It’s all in gratitude for the loving education we received at our alma mater,” says Huang Guanqiu, now a 65-year-old doctor with Taitung St. Mary’s Hospital. “The school provided us with happy, healthy childhoods, and taught us to love others and believe in ourselves.”
Teaching at the cutting-edge affiliated elementary school was the number-one ambition of the Normal School’s graduates. More than half of the school’s teachers lived on campus, and the students were permitted to choose for themselves from among extracurricular activities that included calligraphy, painting, dance, track and field, and Go.
此外，學生從一到六年級都不分班，更特別的是，一屆120名學生分成4個「里」，推舉「里長」主持「里民大會」，且每逢「市長」選舉，還有鑼鼓喧天的遊行隊伍遊走校園，從小學習民主自治。
Students remained with the same class for their entire elementary-school career, forming very tight bonds with their classmates. Each 120-student grade level was also subdivided into four “boroughs,” each of which elected its own “borough chief” to represent it in a “borough assembly.” Students learned democratic self-government at an early age, and held campaign marches on campus during each of their “mayoral” elections.
前年5月，竹師附小第15屆同學舉辦「50週年」全屆同學會，黃冠球拿出26年前「24週年」全屆同學會後寫下的感想，裡頭充滿「愛的回憶」：遠足時，大家自動分麵包糖果給家境清寒的同學；失手打破玻璃，全班一起收拾善後，沒有怨怪或告狀；以及老校長腰桿挺立、默默蹲下撿拾紙屑的身影。
然而，對前省立新竹師範附屬小學的歷屆畢業生來說，同窗情誼不僅在他們的夢裡迴盪，更是打開電腦，立刻可以透過最新群組信件或專屬網站上「溫故知新」，最近幾年更是頻頻聚會。
Nonetheless, the 15th graduating class of the Affiliated Elementary School of the Provincial Hsinchu Normal School (now the National Hsinchu University of Education) didn’t just dream about bringing everyone back together; they built their own website and have been meeting regularly for the last few years.
為何會如此熱絡？「這一切都要感謝母校的『愛的教育』，不僅帶給我們快樂、健康的童年，並且教導我們肯定自我的價值，也學會關愛別人，」65歲校友、台東聖母醫院安寧照護部門的黃冠球醫師說。
竹師附小是當年師專畢業生任教的第一志願，也是走在時代先鋒、充滿實驗精神的小學。創校於日治時期，戰後改制的前8年，在女校長高梓帶領下，全校教師泰半住在學校，除了五育均衡授課，還讓學生自由圈選書法、繪畫、舞蹈、田徑、弈棋等課外活動。
Why are the school’s former students so motivated? “It’s all in gratitude for the loving education we received at our alma mater,” says Huang Guanqiu, now a 65-year-old doctor with Taitung St. Mary’s Hospital. “The school provided us with happy, healthy childhoods, and taught us to love others and believe in ourselves.”
Teaching at the cutting-edge affiliated elementary school was the number-one ambition of the Normal School’s graduates. More than half of the school’s teachers lived on campus, and the students were permitted to choose for themselves from among extracurricular activities that included calligraphy, painting, dance, track and field, and Go.
此外，學生從一到六年級都不分班，更特別的是，一屆120名學生分成4個「里」，推舉「里長」主持「里民大會」，且每逢「市長」選舉，還有鑼鼓喧天的遊行隊伍遊走校園，從小學習民主自治。
Students remained with the same class for their entire elementary-school career, forming very tight bonds with their classmates. Each 120-student grade level was also subdivided into four “boroughs,” each of which elected its own “borough chief” to represent it in a “borough assembly.” Students learned democratic self-government at an early age, and held campaign marches on campus during each of their “mayoral” elections.
前年5月，竹師附小第15屆同學舉辦「50週年」全屆同學會，黃冠球拿出26年前「24週年」全屆同學會後寫下的感想，裡頭充滿「愛的回憶」：遠足時，大家自動分麵包糖果給家境清寒的同學；失手打破玻璃，全班一起收拾善後，沒有怨怪或告狀；以及老校長腰桿挺立、默默蹲下撿拾紙屑的身影。
Nonetheless, the 15th graduating class of the Affiliated Elementary School of the Provincial Hsinchu Normal School (now the National Hsinchu University of Education) didn’t just dream about bringing everyone back together; they built their own website and have been meeting regularly for the last few years.
為何會如此熱絡？「這一切都要感謝母校的『愛的教育』，不僅帶給我們快樂、健康的童年，並且教導我們肯定自我的價值，也學會關愛別人，」65歲校友、台東聖母醫院安寧照護部門的黃冠球醫師說。
竹師附小是當年師專畢業生任教的第一志願，也是走在時代先鋒、充滿實驗精神的小學。創校於日治時期，戰後改制的前8年，在女校長高梓帶領下，全校教師泰半住在學校，除了五育均衡授課，還讓學生自由圈選書法、繪畫、舞蹈、田徑、弈棋等課外活動。
Why are the school’s former students so motivated? “It’s all in gratitude for the loving education we received at our alma mater,” says Huang Guanqiu, now a 65-year-old doctor with Taitung St. Mary’s Hospital. “The school provided us with happy, healthy childhoods, and taught us to love others and believe in ourselves.”
Teaching at the cutting-edge affiliated elementary school was the number-one ambition of the Normal School’s graduates. More than half of the school’s teachers lived on campus, and the students were permitted to choose for themselves from among extracurricular activities that included calligraphy, painting, dance, track and field, and Go.
此外，學生從一到六年級都不分班，更特別的是，一屆120名學生分成4個「里」，推舉「里長」主持「里民大會」，且每逢「市長」選舉，還有鑼鼓喧天的遊行隊伍遊走校園，從小學習民主自治。
Students remained with the same class for their entire elementary-school career, forming very tight bonds with their classmates. Each 120-student grade level was also subdivided into four “boroughs,” each of which elected its own “borough chief” to represent it in a “borough assembly.” Students learned democratic self-government at an early age, and held campaign marches on campus during each of their “mayoral” elections.
前年5月，竹師附小第15屆同學舉辦「50週年」全屆同學會，黃冠球拿出26年前「24週年」全屆同學會後寫下的感想，裡頭充滿「愛的回憶」：遠足時，大家自動分麵包糖果給家境清寒的同學；失手打破玻璃，全班一起收拾善後，沒有怨怪或告狀；以及老校長腰桿挺立、默默蹲下撿拾紙屑的身影。
因為這次分享，老同學莫不期待黃冠球寫出更多續集，幫大夥兒復習往事。「同學的迴響讓我知道原來大夥兒都跟我一樣感恩，我能記得這麼多細節，也是因為那段歲月真的很充實美好，」利用公餘時間寫到欲罷不能的黃冠球說。
In May 2010, on the occasion of his 50-year class reunion, Huang pulled out the recollections he’d jotted down 26 years before at his 24-year class reunion. The document was filled with loving memories of everyone sharing their snacks with poorer classmates on outings, of the lack of anger and recriminations when the whole class had had to clean up some accidentally broken glass, and of their straight-backed former principal quietly squatting to pick up paper trash.
Everyone looked forward to having their memories refreshed by still more of Huang’s recollections this time.
In May 2010, on the occasion of his 50-year class reunion, Huang pulled out the recollections he’d jotted down 26 years before at his 24-year class reunion. The document was filled with loving memories of everyone sharing their snacks with poorer classmates on outings, of the lack of anger and recriminations when the whole class had had to clean up some accidentally broken glass, and of their straight-backed former principal quietly squatting to pick up paper trash.
Everyone looked forward to having their memories refreshed by still more of Huang’s recollections this time.
提升力：只要你過得好
A helping hand
在人情疏離、傳統家庭與鄰里關係瓦解的現代社會，同學會也適時扮演「守望相助」的陪伴角色。
The modern era has seen people grow more distant from one another and traditional familial and neighborly relationships become more tenuous. In such a social environment, reunions can offer timely support.
6年級生、高雄正修工專建築科畢業的簡孟強，在台北從事室內設計，雖然工作忙碌，卻從退伍後沒多久，年年都自告奮勇主辦同學會。
Jian Mengqiang is a Taipei interior designer who studied architecture in college. Though his work keeps him very busy, he has volunteered to organize his class’s reunion in every year since his discharge from the military.
為了關照一位一度失聯、後來發現在「山上修道」的同學，兩年前有人特別請假上山探望，結果發現這位遁隱山林的同學，似乎越來越跟現實脫節，大家不禁都很擔憂。
One member of Jian’s class actually took time off from work to reconnect with a classmate who they had discovered was “living a life of the spirit” in the mountains. When classmates attending the reunion learned that their cloistered classmate was becoming detached from the real world, they became quite concerned and resolved to take action.
在人情疏離、傳統家庭與鄰里關係瓦解的現代社會，同學會也適時扮演「守望相助」的陪伴角色。
The modern era has seen people grow more distant from one another and traditional familial and neighborly relationships become more tenuous. In such a social environment, reunions can offer timely support.
6年級生、高雄正修工專建築科畢業的簡孟強，在台北從事室內設計，雖然工作忙碌，卻從退伍後沒多久，年年都自告奮勇主辦同學會。
Jian Mengqiang is a Taipei interior designer who studied architecture in college. Though his work keeps him very busy, he has volunteered to organize his class’s reunion in every year since his discharge from the military.
為了關照一位一度失聯、後來發現在「山上修道」的同學，兩年前有人特別請假上山探望，結果發現這位遁隱山林的同學，似乎越來越跟現實脫節，大家不禁都很擔憂。
One member of Jian’s class actually took time off from work to reconnect with a classmate who they had discovered was “living a life of the spirit” in the mountains. When classmates attending the reunion learned that their cloistered classmate was becoming detached from the real world, they became quite concerned and resolved to take action.
因為這次分享，老同學莫不期待黃冠球寫出更多續集，幫大夥兒復習往事。「同學的迴響讓我知道原來大夥兒都跟我一樣感恩，我能記得這麼多細節，也是因為那段歲月真的很充實美好，」利用公餘時間寫到欲罷不能的黃冠球說。
In May 2010, on the occasion of his 50-year class reunion, Huang pulled out the recollections he’d jotted down 26 years before at his 24-year class reunion. The document was filled with loving memories of everyone sharing their snacks with poorer classmates on outings, of the lack of anger and recriminations when the whole class had had to clean up some accidentally broken glass, and of their straight-backed former principal quietly squatting to pick up paper trash.
Everyone looked forward to having their memories refreshed by still more of Huang’s recollections this time.
In May 2010, on the occasion of his 50-year class reunion, Huang pulled out the recollections he’d jotted down 26 years before at his 24-year class reunion. The document was filled with loving memories of everyone sharing their snacks with poorer classmates on outings, of the lack of anger and recriminations when the whole class had had to clean up some accidentally broken glass, and of their straight-backed former principal quietly squatting to pick up paper trash.
Everyone looked forward to having their memories refreshed by still more of Huang’s recollections this time.
為了確認這位同學是否安好，去年聚會前，簡孟強特別商請班上智多星──當年第一名保送入學、後來當「大哥」的林同學出馬；重情義的他，這麼勸說：「這次同學會你一定要來，這幾年好多同學都『迷失』了，像我就是『誤入歧途』，拜託你來開導我們大家！」
Prior to last year’s reunion, Jian consulted with an exceptionally resourceful classmate about a means to check that their reclusive classmate was in fact doing alright. Jian’s “consultant”—an outstanding student who had gone on to be a gangster—appealed to their old friend’s feelings for the group, saying: “Listen to me. You have to come to this year’s reunion. Many of us have lost our way these last few years. Me, for example. I’ve taken a wrong turn. Please come open everyone’s eyes!”
「我們的用意是希望喚起他年少時跟大家愉快相處的感覺，重新融入人群，或至少有個窗口透透氣，」簡孟強說。
“Our intention was to make him recall the happy times he’d had with us when he was young and draw him back into the group,” says Jian. “Or at least let in a breath of air.”
同學互相關照提攜，可以讓人生未來路走得更順暢，而步入人生暮年階段的同學會，則有「陪我一段」的溫馨回憶。
Class reunions enable everyone to lend a hand, making the path forward easier. They also serve to stir warm memories in people entering their later years.
新竹竹蓮國小1957年畢業的第一屆校友，從50歲（教師提早退休）開始舉辦同學會，如今都已是65～68歲的退休人士，往年都是一年一度去踏青郊遊，去年起改為踏青、聚餐各一次。
The first class from Hsinchu’s Zhulian Elementary School graduated in 1957 and began holding reunions when they turned 50 years old (many were teachers who had retired at the age of 50). A few years ago, the 65-and-over retirees began taking annual trips, and last year they added an annual banquet to their events schedule.
「不知道以後會不會每次聚會都少一人？」才剛致詞的某人立刻被群體糾正「說錯話」，「我的意思是，大家都要健健康康的，才能年年參加，但我相信，就算只剩下兩個人，我們坐著輪椅也會來！」
“Who knows. There may be one fewer of us at each year’s banquet going forward,” says someone, before being immediately “corrected” by the group. “What I mean is that we have to keep ourselves healthy if we’re going to make it here every year. But I know in my heart that even if our numbers were whittled down to just two and both of us in wheelchairs, we’d still hold the banquet.”
Prior to last year’s reunion, Jian consulted with an exceptionally resourceful classmate about a means to check that their reclusive classmate was in fact doing alright. Jian’s “consultant”—an outstanding student who had gone on to be a gangster—appealed to their old friend’s feelings for the group, saying: “Listen to me. You have to come to this year’s reunion. Many of us have lost our way these last few years. Me, for example. I’ve taken a wrong turn. Please come open everyone’s eyes!”
「我們的用意是希望喚起他年少時跟大家愉快相處的感覺，重新融入人群，或至少有個窗口透透氣，」簡孟強說。
“Our intention was to make him recall the happy times he’d had with us when he was young and draw him back into the group,” says Jian. “Or at least let in a breath of air.”
同學互相關照提攜，可以讓人生未來路走得更順暢，而步入人生暮年階段的同學會，則有「陪我一段」的溫馨回憶。
Class reunions enable everyone to lend a hand, making the path forward easier. They also serve to stir warm memories in people entering their later years.
新竹竹蓮國小1957年畢業的第一屆校友，從50歲（教師提早退休）開始舉辦同學會，如今都已是65～68歲的退休人士，往年都是一年一度去踏青郊遊，去年起改為踏青、聚餐各一次。
The first class from Hsinchu’s Zhulian Elementary School graduated in 1957 and began holding reunions when they turned 50 years old (many were teachers who had retired at the age of 50). A few years ago, the 65-and-over retirees began taking annual trips, and last year they added an annual banquet to their events schedule.
「不知道以後會不會每次聚會都少一人？」才剛致詞的某人立刻被群體糾正「說錯話」，「我的意思是，大家都要健健康康的，才能年年參加，但我相信，就算只剩下兩個人，我們坐著輪椅也會來！」
“Who knows. There may be one fewer of us at each year’s banquet going forward,” says someone, before being immediately “corrected” by the group. “What I mean is that we have to keep ourselves healthy if we’re going to make it here every year. But I know in my heart that even if our numbers were whittled down to just two and both of us in wheelchairs, we’d still hold the banquet.”
雖然互相珍惜，老一輩人仍有那個世代的人情包袱，像是主持人總愛強調誰誰誰的頭銜成就；地方人士不忘選前拜票：「等下來競選總部坐坐！」
年年捧場的朱杏透露，有回有位預定明年主辦的同學按通訊錄廣發女兒喜帖，結果竟只有她一人出席，深感沒面子的此人隔年辦完同學會後從此缺席，「那次經驗以後，大家就講好，互相絕不發紅白帖。」
花蓮鳳林國小一群1943年的畢業生，從60歲那年開始，每年舉辦同學會，到現在二十多年從未間斷過，最近四、五年有感於大家相聚的機會越來越少，於是就改成兩個月辦一次。聚會通常找間餐廳吃吃飯、聊聊天、唱唱歌，有時在花蓮市，有時在鳳林鎮，至今仍有二十多位老同學出席。
A group of 1943 graduates of Hualien’s Fonglin Primary School began holding annual reunions when they turned 60, a tradition that has lasted more than 20 years now. Four or five years ago, group members began feeling that their time might be getting shorter, and changed their get-togethers to one every other month. More than 20 of them still attend the gatherings, which usually involve eating, chatting, and a visit to a karaoke, either in Hualien City or Fenglin Township.
鳳林的文史工作者蔡金仁說，在人口老化的鄉村地區，同學會兼具休閒與鄰里互助功能，而若能將他們的童年點滴好好傳述，也是地方珍貴的文化資產。
Cai Jinren, a student of the culture and history of Fenglin, says that in rural areas with aging populations, class reunions often serve a recreational and local support function. Where they help the elderly pass on their memories of their youth, they are also a precious cultural resource.
年年捧場的朱杏透露，有回有位預定明年主辦的同學按通訊錄廣發女兒喜帖，結果竟只有她一人出席，深感沒面子的此人隔年辦完同學會後從此缺席，「那次經驗以後，大家就講好，互相絕不發紅白帖。」
花蓮鳳林國小一群1943年的畢業生，從60歲那年開始，每年舉辦同學會，到現在二十多年從未間斷過，最近四、五年有感於大家相聚的機會越來越少，於是就改成兩個月辦一次。聚會通常找間餐廳吃吃飯、聊聊天、唱唱歌，有時在花蓮市，有時在鳳林鎮，至今仍有二十多位老同學出席。
A group of 1943 graduates of Hualien’s Fonglin Primary School began holding annual reunions when they turned 60, a tradition that has lasted more than 20 years now. Four or five years ago, group members began feeling that their time might be getting shorter, and changed their get-togethers to one every other month. More than 20 of them still attend the gatherings, which usually involve eating, chatting, and a visit to a karaoke, either in Hualien City or Fenglin Township.
鳳林的文史工作者蔡金仁說，在人口老化的鄉村地區，同學會兼具休閒與鄰里互助功能，而若能將他們的童年點滴好好傳述，也是地方珍貴的文化資產。
Cai Jinren, a student of the culture and history of Fenglin, says that in rural areas with aging populations, class reunions often serve a recreational and local support function. Where they help the elderly pass on their memories of their youth, they are also a precious cultural resource.
那些年，我們一起追的夢想
In those days…
除了重溫往事、郊遊玩樂，「廣義」的同學會也在台灣社會深化成一股世代參與社會改造的潛在力量。
In addition to offering attendees an outing and the opportunity to rehash the events of the past, broadly understood, reunions deepen the various generations’ sense of participation in Taiwanese society.
例如，陸軍軍官學校曾在1984年慶祝黃埔建校60週年，經歷大時代巨變的旅外黃埔軍校同學們，即使白髮蒼蒼，也要在2010年「抗戰勝利65週年」於中國大陸南京重聚，在深沉的歷史追憶中探求兩岸和平。
除了重溫往事、郊遊玩樂，「廣義」的同學會也在台灣社會深化成一股世代參與社會改造的潛在力量。
In addition to offering attendees an outing and the opportunity to rehash the events of the past, broadly understood, reunions deepen the various generations’ sense of participation in Taiwanese society.
例如，陸軍軍官學校曾在1984年慶祝黃埔建校60週年，經歷大時代巨變的旅外黃埔軍校同學們，即使白髮蒼蒼，也要在2010年「抗戰勝利65週年」於中國大陸南京重聚，在深沉的歷史追憶中探求兩岸和平。
雖然互相珍惜，老一輩人仍有那個世代的人情包袱，像是主持人總愛強調誰誰誰的頭銜成就；地方人士不忘選前拜票：「等下來競選總部坐坐！」
年年捧場的朱杏透露，有回有位預定明年主辦的同學按通訊錄廣發女兒喜帖，結果竟只有她一人出席，深感沒面子的此人隔年辦完同學會後從此缺席，「那次經驗以後，大家就講好，互相絕不發紅白帖。」
花蓮鳳林國小一群1943年的畢業生，從60歲那年開始，每年舉辦同學會，到現在二十多年從未間斷過，最近四、五年有感於大家相聚的機會越來越少，於是就改成兩個月辦一次。聚會通常找間餐廳吃吃飯、聊聊天、唱唱歌，有時在花蓮市，有時在鳳林鎮，至今仍有二十多位老同學出席。
A group of 1943 graduates of Hualien’s Fonglin Primary School began holding annual reunions when they turned 60, a tradition that has lasted more than 20 years now. Four or five years ago, group members began feeling that their time might be getting shorter, and changed their get-togethers to one every other month. More than 20 of them still attend the gatherings, which usually involve eating, chatting, and a visit to a karaoke, either in Hualien City or Fenglin Township.
鳳林的文史工作者蔡金仁說，在人口老化的鄉村地區，同學會兼具休閒與鄰里互助功能，而若能將他們的童年點滴好好傳述，也是地方珍貴的文化資產。
Cai Jinren, a student of the culture and history of Fenglin, says that in rural areas with aging populations, class reunions often serve a recreational and local support function. Where they help the elderly pass on their memories of their youth, they are also a precious cultural resource.
年年捧場的朱杏透露，有回有位預定明年主辦的同學按通訊錄廣發女兒喜帖，結果竟只有她一人出席，深感沒面子的此人隔年辦完同學會後從此缺席，「那次經驗以後，大家就講好，互相絕不發紅白帖。」
花蓮鳳林國小一群1943年的畢業生，從60歲那年開始，每年舉辦同學會，到現在二十多年從未間斷過，最近四、五年有感於大家相聚的機會越來越少，於是就改成兩個月辦一次。聚會通常找間餐廳吃吃飯、聊聊天、唱唱歌，有時在花蓮市，有時在鳳林鎮，至今仍有二十多位老同學出席。
A group of 1943 graduates of Hualien’s Fonglin Primary School began holding annual reunions when they turned 60, a tradition that has lasted more than 20 years now. Four or five years ago, group members began feeling that their time might be getting shorter, and changed their get-togethers to one every other month. More than 20 of them still attend the gatherings, which usually involve eating, chatting, and a visit to a karaoke, either in Hualien City or Fenglin Township.
鳳林的文史工作者蔡金仁說，在人口老化的鄉村地區，同學會兼具休閒與鄰里互助功能，而若能將他們的童年點滴好好傳述，也是地方珍貴的文化資產。
Cai Jinren, a student of the culture and history of Fenglin, says that in rural areas with aging populations, class reunions often serve a recreational and local support function. Where they help the elderly pass on their memories of their youth, they are also a precious cultural resource.
For example, when the ROC Military Academy in 1984 celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding at Whampoa, the white-haired alumni in attendance got started planning a 2010 gathering in Nanjing to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II and to bring their profound personal experience of history to bear on the issue of cross-strait peace.
又如，有些人的烈火青春，當年早已衝破圍牆，在校園之外揮灑出一片天。台灣劇場界重要指標「蘭陵劇坊」，在未解嚴的1980年代曾是創意、活力的代名詞，吸引了很多青年學子參加。
時隔30年，為了慶祝精神導師吳靜吉的70歲大壽，已然各擁山頭的蘭陵「老同學」們，重新登台演出經典劇碼，再造劇場傳奇。
Some people carried over their youthful passion into activities beyond the school walls. Prior to the lifting of martial law in the 1980s, the Lan-lin Theater, an important player on Taiwan’s theatrical scene, was synonymous with vibrancy and creativity, and attracted many young people to its ranks. Thirty years later, the group celebrated the 70th birthday of spiritual leader Wu Jing-jyi by having old troupe members retake the stage to perform Lan-lin classics.
此外，與「學運世代」相互指涉的文化語彙「5年級同學會」，代表解嚴前後10年內的社會新生命力；5年級生目睹世界性的改革風潮而快速成長，也是台灣從上一世代保守主義過渡到民主多元社會的關鍵推手，他們的集體反省和公共參與的價值觀，不但為自己創造了舞台，更是社會的一股前進動力。
The term “alumni association of the children of the 60s” used by the participants in the student movements of the 1980s—the decade surrounding the lifting of martial law—is suggestive of the social renaissance then underway. That generation’s collective introspection and public action did more than give it a platform, it helped propel our society forward.
可別小覷同學會的影響力，一場聚會，可能是趟心靈之旅，也可能餘波蕩漾，扭轉你的人生下半場！
情誼。同窗緣分就是這麼奇妙！
Don’t underestimate the power of class reunions. A simple gathering can inaugurate a spiritual journey and stir up waves that will alter the course of your later life!
又如，有些人的烈火青春，當年早已衝破圍牆，在校園之外揮灑出一片天。台灣劇場界重要指標「蘭陵劇坊」，在未解嚴的1980年代曾是創意、活力的代名詞，吸引了很多青年學子參加。
時隔30年，為了慶祝精神導師吳靜吉的70歲大壽，已然各擁山頭的蘭陵「老同學」們，重新登台演出經典劇碼，再造劇場傳奇。
Some people carried over their youthful passion into activities beyond the school walls. Prior to the lifting of martial law in the 1980s, the Lan-lin Theater, an important player on Taiwan’s theatrical scene, was synonymous with vibrancy and creativity, and attracted many young people to its ranks. Thirty years later, the group celebrated the 70th birthday of spiritual leader Wu Jing-jyi by having old troupe members retake the stage to perform Lan-lin classics.
此外，與「學運世代」相互指涉的文化語彙「5年級同學會」，代表解嚴前後10年內的社會新生命力；5年級生目睹世界性的改革風潮而快速成長，也是台灣從上一世代保守主義過渡到民主多元社會的關鍵推手，他們的集體反省和公共參與的價值觀，不但為自己創造了舞台，更是社會的一股前進動力。
The term “alumni association of the children of the 60s” used by the participants in the student movements of the 1980s—the decade surrounding the lifting of martial law—is suggestive of the social renaissance then underway. That generation’s collective introspection and public action did more than give it a platform, it helped propel our society forward.
可別小覷同學會的影響力，一場聚會，可能是趟心靈之旅，也可能餘波蕩漾，扭轉你的人生下半場！
情誼。同窗緣分就是這麼奇妙！
Don’t underestimate the power of class reunions. A simple gathering can inaugurate a spiritual journey and stir up waves that will alter the course of your later life!
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