This is my third entry spanning the pandemic. Now, I could sit here and continue to write about how miserable you must be, but I’m sure it’s all you’ve thought about since we began self-isolating.
COVID-19 has stolen everything from you and I will not let it steal the contents of this message as well.
Here are my words for you:
I’d like to begin by saying “thank you.” Thank you for being strong. Thank you for smiling when your hurt. Thank you for looking forward to tomorrow. Thank you for keeping your chin up. Thank you for continuing even when it doesn’t feel tolerable.
I’ve said it many times and I will continue to say it so that I may never forget: 2019 was the best year of my life. This is mostly accredited to the freedom I found graduating high school and settling in at college. I turned the tassel, took a senior trip, presented my senior project, had my last summer as a high schooler, packed my belongings, and said goodbye to my parents on move-in day. Each of these moments provided a steep of emotions that effortlessly overwhelmed. I, however, wouldn’t have traded these overwhelming moments for anything.
You, my dear seniors, have not been given a choice; you were forced to trade your promenade and diploma for a pitiful pandemic.
My heart breaks for you as your final year relents. And if you’re from Sussex County like me, you have seen the same faces pass you in the hallways since you learned to spell. You might have possibly seen them for the last time without recognition.
I’m sorry you did not get to throw your graduation cap in the air. I’m sorry you did not get to shake hands with your administrators and wave to your parents in the crowd saying “I did it!” I’m sorry you never got the chance to clean out your locker or walk by the empty field one last time.
As someone who has freshly experienced these moments, I know how important they are. As someone who has also freshly experienced their first year of college, I, likewise, realize the insignificance of those moments in the grand scheme of things.
It seems as though the past 12 years were spent in anticipation of the procession and commencement ceremonies of graduation, but in reality, for me, it was sitting down at the dinner table with my loved ones on that monumental day that spoke to me loudest. I remember being devastated to leave my favorite teachers behind, but I was exposed to such uncharted territory at university that my previous educators hardly crossed my mind. I understand the pressing urge to throw the best senior prank ever, but in college, everyday is like an impractical joke. I know every tradition seems imperative to you right now, but this next year will be full of building and learning new traditions.
Now I’m not trying to make senior year seem like something of ill-importance, because, believe me, it is as special as they say. But it is not the end. There are many more milestones to anticipate and many more memories to make. And while it may feel like the end of the world, your new life is just beginning.
Sure, you may not have the American dream of a senior year. You have something much more unique and important. Know this: The most influential moments of my development throughout the past year have been the moments of stillness. Take this time to be still — to comprehend the many ways you have changed in the past four years and the many ways you will change in the next four.
Walking a stage does not validate all you have done in your high school career: The work does. Your legacy will last longer than the snap of a picture and the hand-off of a piece of paper. You, my dear senior, have done great things. Do not forget it.
Here’s to pressing the reset button and doing many more year’s worth of great things. Here’s to the moments and the memories, not the mishaps and missed milestones.
Stay strong.
With love,
Ev
Pathways 