Student Blog: Dear March 2020 Me...

As the numbers of COVID-19 cases begin to decrease in my state and things begin to open back up fully, I wanted to write my past self a letter that I wish I could have actually shown her. Everyone, whether it be students, healthcare workers, restaurant workers, or anyone else, was scared back in March of 2020, scared of the future, scared of what will be or will not be. So, as I sit here in May of 2021, I figured I would write to myself in March of 2020, when I was most definitely afraid of the unknown future.

Dear March 2020 me, a member of the Class of 2020 (a letter to my past self),

As the COVID-19 pandemic gets increasingly more serious and the idea of a graduation, a musical, or a prom is far from possible, don't worry. You WILL get a graduation, even if you are unable to perform with your band, unable to celebrate with your family and friends (in person), unable to sing the National Anthem, and unable to complete your final days of high school. You will get a prom as a surprise from your family up in Pennsylvania. You WILL get to perform as Marty Moschino from Grease, although not on stage, but in a virtual cabaret instead singing "Freddy My Love". You WILL receive your high school degree and your associates degree at only 18 years old.

I know that you are sad and feel like you are frozen in time, it will get better. New opportunities will arise and you will become a better you. Take this time to figure out what you want to do with your life. Take this time to reflect on the memories you HAVE made before the pandemic in high school. Reflect on the amazing opportunities you've received and seen through successfully. Be grateful to be alive and survive during a pandemic. So, despite the COVID-19 pandemic taking away virtually (haha get it? Everything has been virtual now...) every memory you were supposed to make the last 4 months of high school, you WILL be okay. This pandemic has forced you, and the rest of the world, to realize how valuable and important friends and family truly are.

Here's to the scary, unknown future.

Love, future you. (May 2021)

This letter to my past self is a testament to how far we have come. We are slowly all getting vaccinated and stepping forward, for the first time in over a year. So, here's to the scary, unknown future.