As soon as our children our born, we see their lives unfold before us. We envision and cherish the certain milestones that they will achieve: their first steps, their first word, their first friend, lost teeth, performances, sporting events, a drivers’ license, their first job, prom, graduation . . . yet the Class of 2020 had quite the abrupt ending that none of us could have anticipated.
As the mother of a high schooler, I understand just how quickly these days are passing, and before I know it my daughter will be moving out of our family home and off to college. It’s a rite of passage that many families before ours have been through, and a goal we aimed for as soon as our girls were born: we raise them to be upstanding and kind human beings, independent and self-sufficient young women, and then they leave the nest. The thought of working for a dozen-plus years to get good grades, be well-rounded and involved, take a million tests, apply to prestigious schools . . . just to have it all end with a COVID-inspired thud rather than a celebratory bang is disheartening at best.
And yet, the Class of 2020 seniors that I have photographed coming out of our imposed isolation have been the most inspiring, upbeat and positive kids that I’ve ever met. Sure, prom was cancelled, and it’s definitely a disappointment not to be able to walk the stage in front of your family to accept the diploma that you worked so very hard for. But each one of them has taken it in stride and given me some very important perspective. LIFE will go on for them. Not walking the stage doesn’t take away all of their achievements. These kids are rolling with the punches in a remarkable way, and I am really impressed with their very adult take on things.
So BRAVO to the Class of 2020! Best wishes for a bright and successful future 🎉
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