Dear Class of 2021,

None of you are unaware of the truly unprecedented times that we are living through. Never in our lives, did our generation think that we were going to have to face a global pandemic, and yet, here we are. As a recently graduated senior in high school, I expected this school year, but especially 2020, one of the most memorable years of my life.

Throughout high school, I was always told by my friends older than me that second semester of senior year was one of the best times of their life. Old enough to have freedom to go places, grades do not matter as much, and it's the perfect transition to adulthood. With this in mind, I worked hard throughout high school so that I could eventually enjoy all the great things that come with being a senior: prom, graduation, senior activities, grad parties, etc. And just like that, a simple notification in mid-March ripped that away from me. Granted, my school was very generous and postponed these things to late July, but the way things are going now and the new information we are gradually receiving about COVID-19, I am not too optimistic.

All of this is to say is that I was not a person that constantly participated in school activities and went to a bunch of parties to "make the most of my teenage years". I was a pretty stereotypical nerd even throughout my senior year, and while it paid off in many ways, I leave high school with a bit of regret as well. So, to the class of 2021, I say this: enjoy your senior year to the fullest extent. Work hard, but also know that ultimately, each test isn't really as high-stakes anymore. Hang out with your friends, go to restaurants, and travel. Because you never know when all of that will no longer be a granted right, but a privilege. The summer before going to college was supposed to be a time where students could see their high school friends and hang out before we all go our separate ways. Class of 2021, make the most of your senior year, because many students from the class of 2020 couldn't.

Sincerely,

A student from the class of 2020