Class clown

'Oh. Okay. See you later.' Also, 7 other things worth knowing today.

What were you like in high school?

I’m asking because I came across an academic study suggesting that “class clowns” often turn out to be the smartest and most successful kids in school.

No surprise, really. But it got me thinking about how I’d answer that question myself.

I was a transfer student. I was in honors and AP classes. I wrote a lot—for the yearbook and creative writing classes and the like. I was a mediocre athlete but I liked being on the track team.

Yes, I could be a class clown sometimes.

But honestly, does that paint a picture? Here’s a perhaps more representative vignette—so long ago but still a vivid memory.

There was a semiformal dance sophomore year, so I spent two or three days working up the courage to ask a girl I thought was awful cute.

In case anyone happens to forward this email to her 30+ years later, let’s give her a pseudonym. How about Gertrude?

I approached Gertrude in front of her locker: “Hi. Um, I was wondering if you were planning to go to the sophomor…