New Member

[jashcr1]

Hello all.
My name is Justin Ashcroft, and here's the trip:
I was sitting at home, bored out of my mind and I decide to look up some stuff about my past. I start in grade school, etc. Then I notice one Google webpage about me. Someone is talking about me on a message board. So my interest is peaked and what do I see? Holy Shit. An Elan Forum. I just spent the last 5 hours reading this forum.

For those that don't know me, I went to Elan 7 from Valentine's Day (2/14) 1997 to August 18, 1999. I was the LAST of the old kids:  by the time I left, 14 was the median age. I was 19 when I left, and a Coordinator. Shit, I would've left a lot earlier but couldn't. And since I had no friends living in the middle of Maine, I wasn't going to split.

I have to say, Elan was a fucked up place. I had some wonderful times, to be sure, but most days were cruel. I tried to talk about it, to hang out with former friends, but i never knew how. I was only able to get ahold of one, and he went into the Army or something and I lost contact (yeah, that's you, Virag). I was in Elan for many of the more famous residents: Konapasek, Gould, the Cantaruttis, White, Diaz, etc).

I learned to just talk about it with friends and family, the experiences of Elan. Most times, I was misunderstood simply because no one else in my fucking world had a point of reference to what I was talking about. I think it is in tribute to Human Nature that we can go to such an alien place, and end up with (at least a few) good memories. Ah, the trouble I used to get into with Adam Johnson and Jordan Eisman...

Anyway, Flame Me, Console Me, Compliment Me or Ignore Me...it doesn't matter.

Today is a good day.  :smokin:

[Marina]

Hey dude! What's up?
  This is Marina Fuser, I'm sure you remember me. I'm curious about what's going on with you. In a sense, it's always nice to hear from anyone who lived in the same house as me for like 2 years, your name brings back memories.
   I've been living in Rio de Janeiro for the past 2 years, have 3 semesters to go till I graduate in college (Tourism) and I'm a teacher as well. I turned out to be a backpacker so whenever I can, I hit the roads, although I've been more chill now since I've started teaching. Ever since I've gotten my Italian citizenship, I've been in and out of Europe, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to go to the States. Probably If we could manage to organize a 10 year- re-union, I guess I'd be willing to fly to the US.
   Here's my new e-mail address If you wanna keep in touch: m_a_r_i_n_a@hellokitty.com.
   Peace!
       Marina

[jashcr1]

Hey Marina. Of Course I remember you. It is hard to forget most people there, but I especially remember you because you were one of the same as I. You were misunderstood by most of the house and by most of the staff, and you were given a hard time.

In fact, I distinctly remember one time in groups that i was arguing with Dave McVety or something and I was expressing my dislike for the program in a 'productive way' and you started to get worried. You said that I should be careful so that i wouldn't get shot down and blow my visit...It must've been Andrea Schwager, fully 'integrated' into the program, who told you to stop playing games. I got so pissed at her that I started yelling at her, and so did Dave McVety, cause she was just being 'overeager' to ruin people's lives. Even Dave told her to fucking shut up.

What a crazy day. And I made my visit.  :grin:

Anyway, you can reach me at:
AIM: Justin Ashcroft
email: Justin_Ashcroft1@hotmail.com

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.
-- John Muir

[Marina]

This is so true, dude... The word "missunderstood" is perfect to describe our experience in Elan. I don't remember relating about real issues (maybe once or twice, but that's it) because they spent a lot of their time and energy creating "new issues" for us.

   Let's talk about how aggressive I could be when they forced me to wear that stupid-looking orange pumpkin bright-LE sweatshirt. Or how could a person ever act crazy after a few days bored to death in the corner. After they denyed me of all my looking decent privileges, put me on the last shower, no laces, bright LE, etc, etc, they wanted me to have a high self-esteem? Of course by that point my self-esteem became an issue. Talk about that class D meat and the disgusting greasy ass food we had to eat... Of course I gained weight! Now ask me If this is my "issue"? It was in Elan. How about the whole "being a bitch" issue... eheheheheheheh... that's kind of funny actually, Justin. I'm not like that. Most ppl aren't. I can't recall one single person that hates me in real life. I have better things to do than to make enemies, life is too short.

   Have you met any of the grads? You'll be amazed on how different they look, talk and act. I was never myself in Elan, Justin. I didn't even look like myself. I'm not talking about "images", fuck that, I'm over my teens, I'm talking about how beautiful ppl are. I met a few ppl in person, like Matt E, Amanda Moore (we came back to visit Elan at one point), Tatiana... They are nothing like they were in Elan. You'd be impressed.

   I remember the group you are talking about. Andrea was just plain cruel, but I don't hold it against her. She did that because she felt horrible about herself so she wanted to make everyone else feel the same way. So glad she didn't stop you from going on your visit.

   Anyways, Justin, it's nice to hear from you. I'm trying to get in touch with a few ppl, perhaps you could help me. Let's stay in in touch.
   
    Peace!
                 Marina