A Look at the Past

Dear graduating class of 2024,

Today we celebrate the end of our high school journey and the beginning of the rest of our lives. I can’t help but look back on the rollercoaster ride we’ve all been on. We have had our fair share of ups and downs along with unexpected loops, but we’ve done it all together and what a ride it has been.

As we reached the end of our 8th grade year, lot’s of us were excited for high school and others were not. One thing that none of us could see coming was a pandemic that would drastically change the start of our high school experience and the rest of our lives. As young 14 and 15 year olds we were devastated that all of our trips and final dances as middle schoolers would be no more. We moved on, stuck in our houses for what felt like an eternity. Begging our parents to let us hang out with friends or even just go to the store with them. Well, I know I did. As the summer came to an end and our freshman year began, we dreaded having to turn our camera on and speak to others. But despite the challenges, we adapted. Like a flock of awkward penguins trying to dance on thin ice, we found our footing and waddled our way through virtual classes and mask mandates.

The first two years of high school were easier than we anticipated because none of the workload was at full capacity. Then, junior year hit and everything was back to normal. The masks came off, the virtual classes ended, and the easier workload was a thing of the past. Suddenly, the hallways were filled with students again, the classrooms buzzed with activity, and the expectations from teachers returned to their usual standards. This was scary for me and I’m sure others too as 16 year olds who never knew what it was like to have a normal high school experience. 

Finally, we reach our senior year of high school and we start our last’s. Our last first day of high school, our last homecoming, our last winter carnival, last prom, and our last, last day of highschool. Now we are here, graduation. Weird right? But here we are, standing on the brink of adulthood, ready to spread our wings and fly, or at least stumble gracefully – into the next chapter of our lives. As we say goodbye, let’s not forget the friendships, memories, and lessons learned.

To my fellow graduates, as we stand here today, ready to start a new chapter in our lives, it’s impossible not to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced and overcome together. The past few years have tested our resilience in ways we never could have imagined. The pandemic pausing our high school experience and routines, robbing us of precious moments, and forcing us to adapt to a new reality. We were faced with virtual learning, isolation from social distancing, and the disappointment of canceled events. But through it all, we showed strength and perseverance. We embraced technology to stay connected through the toughest times and found ways to make the most of a difficult situation. Our ability to adapt, to find light in the darkest of times, is proof of our character and determination. As we start on this next chapter of our lives, let’s carry the lessons we’ve learned and the strengths we’ve gained with us. Let’s continue to overcome obstacles, knowing that we have the power to shape our own destinies. Congratulations, Class of 2024, we did it! Here’s to the next crazy ride!

“The Graduates” by Game of EPL5 & LUMIX G20/F1.7 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.