I think growing up during the late “90s has spoiled us.

Sure, maybe it’s embarrassing that fads such as collecting Pokémon cards were so popular, but damn it all if that kid down the street was going to take your 11-year-old girlfriend just because he had a Charizard card. It was more of an obligation to win, really.

And sure 8212; even now, I’m still a little upset that artists such as Céline Dion were once able to top music charts around the nation, but that being said, it really could have been a lot worse. I for one would rather have nerd-tastic Pokémon battles with “My Heart Will Go On” blaring in the background than parachute pants any day of the week. I’m looking at you, MC Hammer.

Still, some of my fondest memories come from that decade.

Remember that smooth kid with shaggy, sun-bleached hair and rows of pearly white puka shells dangling from his neck? The one who spent his time casually strumming his guitar to whatever Smash Mouth song was popular on the middle school steps and simultaneously melting the hearts of all of the sixth grade girls?

Yeah, that wasn’t me.

I was, and to this day remain every Michael Cera character he’s ever performed, rolled into one awkward body.

Most days after school in the “90s, instead of playing sports, reading a book or doing something generally rewarding, I would play one of my favorite skating games 8212; Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2.

I’m not sure why I liked the game so much. It may simply be because I enjoyed the idea of skating, but disliked the skull-cracking, spine-breaking, and the bloody cuts and bruises that often accompanied the hobby. Perhaps it has something to do with my lack of hand-eye coordination, which at the time seemed to rival most toddlers.

When I played Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, however, skating became easy. I could press a few buttons and perform a 720 or a 900 just as easily as I could twist the cap off a brand new bottle of Mountain Dew Code Red, which I frequently ingested. Kick-flips and ollies became child’s play, and I could practically perform wall-slides or grind any ramp blindfolded.

This was, of course, a result of the many cheat codes I used, but that’s neither here nor there.

It’s been a good few years since I’ve played that game. I’ve grown up quite a bit and lost my affection for soda and playing video games all day, but I still have an appreciation for all the of the good times that game has provided me.

Recently, while working at my job at a coffee shop, I was shocked to see Tony Hawk waiting in line. My mind churned as I tried to think of something smooth, clever or even passably intelligent to say to my past hero.

“You’re … you’re Tony … You’re Tony Hawk!” I sputtered.

Yes, it seems as though my near 20 years of schooling have indeed served me well.
“Yes, yes I am,” he said. He quickly ordered his coffee and left me lost in a fit of “90s nostalgia.

Oh well. Better work on what to say if I ever meet anyone from the Harry Potter movies.

8212;Chris Pocock is an English sophomore.

8212;This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.