COVID-19 causes gain of important life skills

Sadie Fugate | Co-Editor-in-Chief

The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) caused the cancellation of many crucial life experiences in not only the lives of United States citizens but for the world population as a whole. Baseball fields sit empty, prom dresses hang unworn in the closets of their let-down owners, and the caps and gowns of the class of 2020 lay dormant as the seniors mourn the loss of the remaining portion of their senior year.

“I am upset because it’s my senior year and all of my friends and I are going our separate ways, so I was really looking forward to spending the last few months we had left together,” senior Brianna Self said.

Many individuals of the senior class found themselves heartbroken in light of recent events concerning the Coronavirus, and seniors weep from times lost with their friends and in the halls they have called home for the past four years.

“I feel very upset for all seniors. I hate that I won’t get a proper graduation, sports banquet, or honorary banquet. We have worked so hard to earn these things and now we don’t get time to celebrate them,” Senior Alyssa Stagnolia said.

The loss of senior prom, the last portion of a senior year spent in school, and of a traditional graduation ceremony has had a detrimental effect on the morale and attitude of the senior class.

The motivation to do online school work, especially once plans after high school finalize for the fall, dropped to an all-time low. eLearning seems a bit tedious and Google Meet calls seem fun the first few times they are attended.

Senior Courtney Morris understands the struggles to get assignments done and encourages her classmates to find the motivation to submit work.

“Strive to finish even if it is hard. eLearning is not fun by any means, but don’t give up. Do your work and finish strong,” Morris said.

As hard as it may be, perseverance plays a vital role in an individual’s success now and in the future. The global pandemic caused the class of 2020 to acquire new life skills vital to future success, especially in the unknown future.

“I honestly think this has made us a stronger class overall. We, as students, have been through a lot throughout our lives, and I believe that this is just another obstacle that will strengthen us all as people,” senior Dakota Browning said.

Even if students gained life skills, the imminent losses suffered due to COVID-19 still stand persistent in the minds and attitudes of the senior class.

“At first, I was really upset about the whole situation; however, I have been trying to look on the brighter side of things. I believe that God has a plan and everything will work out. Although we might not be able to experience everything like ‘normal’ for the rest of our senior year, make the most of it,” Morris said.

Browning urges his fellow classmates — instead of looking back on the things they could have had — to work toward and obtain the long-anticipated future that the class worked for past 13 years.

“The way I would suggest my fellow classmates cope with this situation is by accepting that this isn’t the end. We have spent the majority of our lives working towards moving onto greater things, even though this isn’t exactly what we expected it to look like,” Browning said.

Most importantly, seniors, do not forget the memories made throughout the past four years.

“Class of 2020, thank you for all of the memorable moments we have shared. The class of 2020 is exceptional and we will all go on to do great things in life,” Self said.