It’s no secret that the Class of 2020 has been short-changed, so we gave local high school seniors an opportunity to voice their feelings, share what they’ve been doing in quarantine, and what’s next. Many kids expressed disappointment in the cancelation of prom, grad night, graduation, spring sports and other senior trips and events. Some expressed profound sadness that they won’t make any more memories with friends before going to college. They also shared surprising benefits, such as extra family time, sleeping in and gaining new perspective. Here are their words. Please help us congratulate this unique class! 42 • SanDiegofamily.com • June 2020
Abbey Frame Rancho Buena Vista High School, Vista Plans to attend UC Berkeley to play field hockey and study public health to become a physician assistant. “It’s been difficult not being able to train with my coach. I do sprints, workouts and practice skills on my own, but it’s hard to push myself to the same level when there isn’t someone there reminding me to stay focused and critiquing my drills. I love being part of a team, so being separated from my ‘tribe’ for the first time in my life has left me feeling out of sorts at times. There’s a lot of stress not knowing if there will even be a field hockey season at UC Berkeley next year.” [On the positive side]: “I took up sewing and have made some really cute shirts! My sister even asked me to make some for her. I never had time to watch YouTube videos and learn a new craft until now. I also painted my bathroom and went through all my old clothes.”
Ariana White Pacific Ridge School, Carlsbad Plans to attend Harvard University to study Economics and Applied Mathematics. “I’m in the best shape of my life right now. I work out, run and stretch every day. In terms of school, I’m really grasping this new way of learning. I also spend time reading, cleaning, organizing, communicating via Zoom and baking new recipes. And my family has game night every night!” Dayen Joyce Westview High School Rancho Peñasquitos Plans to attend MiraCosta College and play rugby for the San Diego Legion Academy, then transfer to a four-year university. “My relationship with my mother has gotten very strong. And I have learned many ways to take care of myself, such as intense workouts and training, which have helped me gain focus.”
