Grateful for an Unforeseeable Future

SCHOOLS

Grateful for an Unforeseeable Future Senior reflects on an unpredictable end for the class of 2020 By Emma Suttell

In August, I stood at the gate of Boulder Creek High School, counting down the days until I’d get to walk across the stage at State Farm Stadium. In August, I had everything planned to perfection—all the way down to senior prom and my final concert with my show choir. In August, we were asked to give our senior quotes. Little did I know that the quote I gave at that time would turn out to be particularly relevant to the months leading up to graduation.

I chose a quote by a woman named Morgan Harper Nichols. It said, “Let this be the season you keep on creating, even in uncertainty, and even in waiting.”

Looking back on it, I’m almost shocked that my quote turned out to be more relevant than I ever thought possible. In the moment, I viewed it as an endearing allusion to small obstacles in life that may seem difficult but are definitely surpassable. Now, I realize that my senior quote foreshadowed an unforeseeable future—one for which I am strangely grateful.

We seniors would not have guessed that our senior season or recognition night would be skipped. We wouldn’t have guessed our last band, dance or choir concert would be canceled. We wouldn’t have guessed that we wouldn’t see their favorite teacher in person again. It is still heart-wrenching to me knowing that I spent my last day at Boulder

Creek with absolutely no idea that I would not return.

As I write this, sitting in my bedroom that I have conveniently rearranged for Zoom classes, nothing feels quite the way I expected. It doesn’t feel quite as personal as promised. Seeing my show choir through a computer screen doesn’t feel the same as standing next to them on the risers; my statistics class no longer resounds with the clicking of keyboards and squeaking of pencils. I’d give anything to stand in front of my English class and perform a scene of “Hamlet” one last time.

Strangely enough, although this is not what I had planned, I am thankful for every second of it.

Our generation, “Gen Z,” has always been known for our technology addiction. It has been something that I have scolded myself for indulging in at times—but today, I am grateful for it. I am grateful for the teachers who share their voices with me at 8 a.m. Monday to Thursday, grateful for the online choreography tutorials directed by members of my choir and grateful for the casual conversations shared with my Spanish class.

Right now, I’m not sure what the future holds for my high school graduation or whether or not I’ll finally get to touch that stage.

Two days before spring break, I found out I had the privilege to give the senior address or “senior speech” in front of more than 600 of my peers. Now, reading what I wrote and wondering if I’ll have the honor to present it to my peers, I’ve found a particular part of it I wish to share:

“Seniors, you’ve triumphed over countless trials in order to take this stage.

“We know that those trials won’t end here, but we’ve been trained to conquer them. The

world is coming fast at us, and it’s almost time for us to dive into a world of unknown.

“In our four years in high school, we’ve experienced some of the biggest changes of our lives. You’ve lived through it and you’ve had a chance to experience all of it. Now, it’s time to take what we’ve learned and use it to make a difference.”

Upon first glance, it may seem that we’re headed into a world of uncertainty. But that’s no reason for us to fear.

Looking back on my four years of high school, my class has experienced and persevered through several unpredictably hard events. In our sophomore year, we were out of school for two weeks as a result of the statewide #Red4Ed movement. My choir rehearsed outside on a student’s driveway in the 95-degree heat to salvage our seniors’ last concert. On Valentine’s Day 2018, after watching the news of the Marjory Stone Douglas shooting with wide eyes and heavy hearts, our school came together to remember the lives lost with an admin-organized “walkout” during the third hour.

This time is different, but the Class of 2020 will become more resilient because of it. This pandemic is one more unexpected and lifechanging event that we will experience and overcome together.

Looking back on my four years. I think it’s safe to say I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m thankful for the moments I got to share with my classmates before the year came to an end. I’m thankful for the notes from teachers who are checking in to make sure we’re taking care of each other during this time. I’m thankful to be part of a class led by a selfless student government and administration that prioritize our community’s safety over a school event such as prom.

I’m thankful to end the year alongside the people who have been there for me since day one—even if we aren’t exactly side by side.

It’s time to start a new chapter, but remember, as they say, once a jag, always a jag.

- Emma Suttell is a senior at Boulder Creek and will attend Northwestern University in the fall.