To the Class of 2020
Whether it be high school or college, experiencing your many “lasts” is a feeling that can’t be put into words. For me, it’s my last semester in college — where I began experiencing my share of “lasts” as I looked forward to walking across the stage, bracing myself for after-college life.
Last football game. Last time stressing out in the library (can’t believe I took that for granted). Last time seeing my professors. Last nights in my apartment that’s become my home for the past three years. Last time soaking up campus life — wondering what the future holds. Last moments with all my friends and classmates who I’ve grown to love like family. Last time enjoying life how it is before it drastically changes.
Having your “lasts” taken away from you is heartbreaking. It hurts. It’s inevitable in life, but having it happen before you’re prepared doesn’t feel fair. What was supposed to be such a monumental time in your life, filled with nothing but excitement for the future, doesn’t feel that way anymore.
If you’re a senior reading this, I hope you know it’s okay to feel this hurt. I know it feels weird. I’m healthy so I shouldn’t be feeling this way, right? It’s okay to wish things were different. You didn’t deserve this. Even though our world right now has worse things happening. If no one has told you this — your loss is legitimate and your grieving is understandable.
To the class of 2020, I hope you know how strong you are. How RESILIENT and tough you are. How you’re going to come out of this even stronger and become better because of this. How, yes — maybe you’ll be known for the class that didn’t have a graduation, but also for how gracefully you’ve chose to overcome adversity. Amid all the chaos, I hope you learn to take this unprecedented time and grow from it. Learn to appreciate not just the “lasts” — but every single moment.
Seniors, I know we’ve had things taken away from us. Milestones we’ll never get back and could never be replaced. But hold on, we’ll get through this. I promise there is a happy ending.
For me, I hold on to the special, unforgettable memories I did get to experience during my time at college. My very first tiny dorm. My nights out with my best friends. Cheering on my football team. Studying late the night before an exam — wondering how I’d pull it off. Memories I’ll forever hold close to me and will never forget.
For what it’s worth, there will be a new world after this is over, and we’ll be the first ones to make an impact.
To the class of 2020, I look forward to the day we are able to walk across the stage and give each other a big hug — celebrating one another for the hardships we’ve gotten through together. How we didn’t know it — but it shaped us into the people we’ll become.
Stay strong seniors.
