Letter to Seniors

 

This is not the senior year you imagined. It is also not the senior year your parents, teachers, and counselors imagined for you. The anticipated memory making moments in your life were derailed, and with it plans to play a championship game, attend prom, sing, dance or act in a long-awaited performance, and walk across a stage to receive your diploma have been canceled or altered.

  

Much has been written about whether young adults are resilient enough to tackle today’s world. As an educator (and a parent) I have sometimes been concerned over this issue as well. However, I doubt that we ever thought a global pandemic could offer so many lessons of strength and resilience. Seniors, you have proven that you are stronger than we realized, more ingenious and resourceful than we dreamed, and your compassion is an example for future generations. Maya Angelou once said, “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” I think Maya wrote this for you. You are indeed resilient!

 

We have seen you use technology to connect with those you care about and use it to do good throughout your communities and the world. We have seen you use your hands to make masks, feed others less fortunate, comfort those sheltered in your homes, teach younger siblings, make TikTok videos for the enjoyment of all, and introduce your grandparents to the world of "Zoom." You have done all of this while adapting to taking classes online, studying for modified AP tests, missing clubs, sports, graduation ceremonies, and friends. You have given up a lot of important milestones to focus on the health, well-being and safety of all. You have risen to the challenge and achieved in spite of an upside-down world. Nobody - and not even a global pandemic - can take away what you have accomplished.

 

Our hearts are full of pride and gratitude for all you have done and will continue to do. The college communities, places of work, and community service organizations lucky enough to know you will be enriched by all you have learned and what you have witnessed and felt during this pandemic. As our world moves forward may you use the lessons you have learned to continue to make a meaningful difference in communities that are both familiar and unfamiliar to you. There is power in your voice and your actions. Make a promise to yourself that the need to be socially distant now will only make you more determined than ever to bridge the gaps you see in our society, among friends, your own family, and those who may need a family.  

 

As you set off on your journey this quote by Dr. Seuss seems more powerful than ever, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So….get on your way!” Yes indeed. You are on your way.

 

Congratulations and all the best to you and your family,