I attended a 50 year school reunion - I have thoughts...and feelings...

Let's start with my feelings.  A mix of pleasure at renewing old acquaintances and friends, and sadness at some losses along the way (we raised a glass to absent friends).

The evening started with a tour - and how small now, the assembly hall looks - kind of like going back to your childhood home and seeing your bedroom I guess! But it was still impressive. We next had a visit to the magnificent old building that was the Principal's Office - I had only been in it once (fortunately - since it was never good to be sent there) and I had no recollection of how lovely the old building actually was.

And then the evening began. One of us was asked to make a small impromptu speech. The gentleman (let's just call him John) did a magnificent job - he struck just the right note. He started with a genuine acknowledgement of country based on his work with indigenous communities and his respect for their beliefs - it was more than just the usual "cookie cutter" acknowledgement.

He also spoke of his family having humble origins - he was the son of a milkman and both parents worked two jobs to afford the school fees. He initially thought he might be pushed to the outer for not having the middle class trappings perhaps expected of all the boys (it was a Boy's School back then) but he said he found the school and the other boys inclusive and welcoming once the sporting year started! He reminded us he was not the best student so found his pathway through sports. He said his later life was challenging with an autistic child and a severe case of career burn out. Then he did an extraordinary thing - he thanked everyone present for helping his journey at the school be a good one. He then suggested we each take 20 seconds around the room to reflect and share.

He may not have been the top student - but he sure showed top leadership! The room lit up like a sparkler and we all shared stories on what the support of friends has meant to us in our lives. In my case I was on the outer rungs at school, not being a sports guy, but I did find a pathway that the school offered through bushwalking, science projects and music and to be honest I never felt excluded. So I also thanked everyone present for their part in making my awkward school years as good as they were able to be.

It was also remarkable to me that most of those present were involved in some significant community activities and not just sitting out their time on Earth. And a common thread was the need to engage and inspire younger people as best we can given difficult times.

One consequence is that I have since renewed my efforts to help connect other people on LinkedIn and contribute those connections and some personal insights to a project being run by a friend who is collating snippets on what inspires people.

Not everyone can attend the kind of school my parents worked hard to send me to. So the least I can do is to pay it forward as best I can.

If anyone in my network is feeling low, or needs support, then I will do my best to help. Don't be alone. We live in troubled times - but there are many willing hands to help.

And if you feel you have something to contribute to my friend's personal inspiration project, you can visit her LinkedIn posts RACHEL CHOONG | LinkedIn and see what inspirations she has been gathering up from your collective wisdom and message her if you wish to contribute (or ask me to connect you).