Dear Class of 2020,
You did it! Congratulations!
You survived the endless group projects. You worked hard at times, slacked off at others (hey, everybody needs a mental break). You walked the hallways of your school’s campus, for years, memorizing every turn and shortcut to get to class on time.
And now you’re about to embark on a new journey. But, this isn’t just any journey. Yours is one no one has traveled before. You’re pioneering a way for us all. You’re not only experiencing history, you’re a part of it.
Because of the viral pandemic gripping the entire world, we’re all living a new norm. Shutdowns are not only sadly touching countless lives, but also many ways of life. Proms, graduations, everything that is the norm for students, are either postponed or cancelled.
All the upheaval has created a bunch of emotions; needless to say, you have the right to them all! The uncertainty, the fearfulness, the anxiousness, and everything in between! Most importantly, you’re so allowed to feel like this just isn’t fair!
Though it may seem hard, please try not don’t dwell too much on the disappointment or fear that you might not get to walk across that stage at the end of the year. Be proud of your accomplishments! Just because we can’t celebrate in the traditional way doesn’t make you any less of a student or graduate. It doesn’t mean you didn’t work incredibly hard, and it doesn’t take away those endless nights of studying or editing papers.
Needless to say, while it would be nice to have a traditional celebration of your achievements, both academic and personal, you yourself are what you should celebrate. Celebrate all you’ve done, all you’ve experienced, and who you are about to become.
So stay positive, stay safe, stay sane, and most importantly, stay home. I’m rooting for all of you. This too shall pass and the promise of tomorrow is brighter than a moment.
Sincerely,
A Recent College Grad, Class of 2019
Want some more college articles? Check out some of my other posts:
- Getting Smart with Networking Prep
- Tips for College Transfers… or Freshmen
- Weekend Plans for the Non-Frequent Partygoer
- How to Stay Organized During the School Year
- Life as an Out-of-State Student
What’s a favorite college memory of yours?
20 Comments
Thank you for these wonderful words of encouragement. I think we all can relate to this in many ways — more so the amount of emotions we’ve been dealing with.
You’re so welcome! I super glad you were able to relate to this! It’s been a roller coaster of emotions that’s sometimes hard to explain so I feel ya there!
This is so beautifully written.
Aww thank you so much!
This is such a thoughtful letter. There have been so many disappointments for people in the past few months…it has been especially rough for graduates….
I completely agree! And with May typically being graduation month, it’s probably especially rough and bittersweet!
Perfectly said. I’ve just shared it with my daughter who sadly can’t sit her exams this month due to everything that’s going on at the moment.
Louise x
That is the sweetest! It’s such a hard time for everyone and I totally get how graduates would feel like this is just unfair and disappointing. Rooting for you and your daughter!
This is really sweet! I feel really bad for the seniors and their parents!
We for sure have to show them some love 💕!
Sweet post, thank you for sharing!
Aww, thanks so much for reading!
Class of 2020 stay strong!!!!
Wishing them all the best!
As a recent graduate class of 2020 I really relate to this letter and thank you for writing this. It really felt unfair not to have a traditional graduation ceremony but I have gotten over it and I am still super proud to have made it true and this was one of my greatest achievements this year. Thanks for sharing it?
Congrats to you! Much love and support from the class of 2019 over here! I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to adjust to not having the traditional ceremony, but big woot for all you’ve achieved and are going to achieve!
Beautifully said. God bless the class of 2020. ?
Thank you! I feel so much for them, too!
I miss my college so much!
Me too! It’s only been a year but I remember all those awesome memories from then! Where did you go? I went to UNC-Chapel Hill!