Class of 2020 Challenge

I see you.

 

I feel your frustration and I know there are millions of people feeling sorry for you and wondering what they can do. 

 

I'm going to take a wild guess here and say that pity isn’t really helping and I'm pretty sure seeing a bunch of senior pictures online isn't working either (even if it was well-intended). 

 

So, I want to shift that energy and send a different message - a message of encouragement with a few important reminders. I also want to leave you with a challenge because I know the heart of this generation*.

 

I know how kind, innovative, passionate, thoughtful, and determined you are and I am sure that you’re going to teach us all a thing or two before all of this is over.   

 

Here is what I want you to know in the meantime:

 

 

The ball is in your court and although we could probably discuss how fair that is, I know enough of your stories to know that you are brave, resilient, funny, loving and powerful. 

 

It is totally up to you how you choose to deal with "school" for the rest of the year.  I'm certain that no one would blame you for giving up or checking out, but I want to see you make a different choice.  I want you to choose joy, love, fun, and HOPE.

 

 

Take the things that you’re upset about missing and make them happen in a new way... maybe even in a BETTER way. 

Find ways to commemorate the unique ways that you are navigating these unprecedented times.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Chronicle your at-home style.
• Set up a photo shoot with your pets as “classmates”.
• Create a Spirit Dance TikTok medley.
• Screenshot all the Zoom calls and group messages.
• Do a virtual dance party prom.
• If you were excited about giving a speech at your academic awards, sports banquet, or graduation - write and deliver it anyway. I want to hear it!
• If you’re a musician, post a performance.
• If you’re an artist, let’s see that latest creation. If you wanted to reach an athletic goal, go practice and show us your achievement.
• If you were excited about being prom king or queen, order a crown (or make one), get dressed up and BE royal.
• Holding on to childhood before you officially have to adult? Go play!
• Class clown? Show us your best pranks and jokes!
• Best dressed? Prove it!
• Most likely to succeed? Start now!

 

 

Have some fun in the midst of madness and show the world that the Class of 2020 is so much more than anyone ever fathomed.

 

Just because you’re not having the traditional senior year doesn’t mean you can’t have the most memorable one ever ❤️

 Much Love,

A Teacher and Mom who can't wait to see the Magic

 

 

*PS.  Since I mentioned that I know the heart of this generation, I have to make sure you know that I cringe every time someone refers to you as the "Tide Pod Generation" because the teens I've been blessed to work with, interact with, and observe online have shown me how to be a better person, reminded me what is really important in life, and inspired me to work harder to help more people.  (Plus, I know that if social media was a thing when I was in high school, my generation would've been known for something just as ridiculous.)