By Junior Claire Walinga

COVID-19 has taken a toll on everybody, especially for the senior class of 2021. Starting in March of 2020 with the abbreviated music trip to Disney and continuing through the loss of a spring season and normal “end of school year events” such as prom and concerts, the senior class of 2021 has had to grapple with more adversity than any class in recent memory. This article is going to talk about the memories they missed out on, the opportunities they received, and the lessons they learned during the year of 2020.

Senior year is something everybody looks forward to and unfortunately the “normal” was taken away from this year's seniors. Gracie Bucher along with most of the seniors said they wish they would’ve had more time with the fall activities. Some of those activities include a full homecoming with a dance, a Christmas concert, going to fall sports games, and classes with their favorite teachers and friends. Looking ahead, they are hoping to still get a full season for winter sports, a prom, the spring pops concert, and a normal graduation. Despite the tough lessons that unfolded in 2020, good lessons can always come from the unfortunate.

The ninety-ten principle says that 10% of life is events that happen, 90% is what you make of those events. Valuable lessons were learned during 2020 that may help our seniors into the future. In a survey sent out to the seniors, multiple students said they learned that every moment is precious, so never take a moment for granted because you may not get tomorrow. Another senior said, “patience, you can overcome anything with it.” By persisting through these hard times there will be light at the end of the tunnel. 

Good can come in the most unexpected ways. In March of 2020, most people weren’t sure there would be any good to come out of staying at home, but fortunately the seniors said they have had some good come out of this past year. Hannah Colbert was able to study for her classes more because of the extra time on her hands. Ethan Bordewyk said, “I was able to learn important skills that I will need in college, such as meeting deadlines without teacher assistance.” 

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “you have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.” The senior class of 2021 has had to accept much more than they had ever imagined. Instead of hiding from these challenges they took them on head first. They learned new lessons and received opportunities they may not have received if this past year had happened differently. As we proceed through the winter and spring of 2021, we have hope for a return of some of that which was lost with a renewed spirit and appreciation for all we do together.