This year, because of the pandemic, those who are seniors in Highschool and College unfortunately lost the ability to enjoy the last few months with their peers. Across the country students are mourning the sudden and complete loss of how they expected this school year to end, specifically their graduations. We've seen tremendous efforts by some schools to try to celebrate their students, and some who... suggested Roblox for a virtual graduation. We've seen celebrities come together on popular apps to encourage seniors to show off and celebrate themselves, and we've seen videos of some of the ways families are celebrating their seniors in the comfort and safety of their home.
I wanted to take the time now to show my support, and how proud I am of my friends. Not only for graduating, but for being so strong these past few months as they got their lives rocked.
Tiffany and I only became close this time last year, during our summer job at Costas Family Fun Park. Immediately bonding over our shared existential dread, and hatred for the pointless tasks (weeding) that only we were made to do so that we weren't just standing around on the clock, we grew close and ended the summer with a little work squad that still talks today. Tiffany Graduated from Keystone College with a major in Visual art with a Photography concentration, and a Business minor. She went through a lot of trouble at the beginning of this school year, and started to doubt her ability to graduate. I always knew she would find a way. Although this may have not been the graduation she was expecting, she still did it. I'm proud of you, Tiff.
Theresa is a very good friend of mine. I'd try to recall just how many years ago we met, working at McDonalds together, but it would prove pointless. We went from being coworkers, me pranking her and putting salt in her drink while working (common practice there) to being integral parts in each others lives. I have to mention that our mutual friend, Dustin, is who really brought us together, otherwise we probably wouldn't have spoken after she left the job. This year, she graduated from Dutchess Community College with a major in Human Services, but she's not done yet. This fall she will be starting at SUNY New Paltz to major in Psychology! One of the most selfless people I know, Theresa always puts the needs and feelings of others before her own. Even while upset about the ending of her student career at Dutchess, she still managed to put her feelings aside to be there for the people she loves. I'm honored to know such an amazing person, much less be a part of her life, and I cant wait to see what good she does with BOTH of her degrees!
I met Hailey on Facebook many years ago, I think when we started actually talking I was a freshman or sophomore in high school, meaning she was still in middle school! I've been by her side through highs and lows and she's been there for me just the same. I cant express how much she means to me, and how proud I am of her! Graduating from Clawson High School this year, she plans to go to Oakland Community college with an undecided major. When you can be so good at everything you do it's hard to decide what to choose. Regardless, whatever she focuses on I know she will be amazing, and I know I'll be right by her side to see it!
I didn't get to know Megan personally. I'm told often that she would've loved me, so who would I be to leave her out of this celebration? She meant and still means the world to one of my closest friends, Gracie. Her and I met not too long after her loss. Losing her best friend still weighs on Gracie, especially during this important milestone. Megan was very much her own person, and as Gracie's said, her personality can't be done justice with words. So, until we find a way to capture such a lively, kind, and beautiful person, I'll just say that this year should've been, and still is hers. Wherever she is, I know she sees all the good Gracie has done to keep her memory alive, and to keep Megans family close.
I met Gracie what seems like lifetimes ago, on Tumblr. I might as well mention that she only sent me a message because she had a crush on 2015 me. I never would have thought I'd be making not only one, but two lifelong friends because of that one message. I got to see her grow up and become better versions of the kind person she's always been. I met Andrew through Gracie, of course, so I haven't known him as long as I've known her. But that doesn't carry much weight into how much we care about each other. I normally am everyones hype man, but I don't think I've ever cheered on anyone as much as I cheer on these two. I believe in everything they do 110% and I know they're going to do great in college. Graduating from Surry Early College High School, Gracie is going off to Western Carolina University this fall, and Andrew is going to UNC Charlotte. I'm so excited to be there to cheer them on yet again for this next chapter of their lives. Hopefully (and finally) meeting sometime along the way!
Clicks: 0
MEDIA CITATION: Lauv, A.S (2020). Track 9: For Now. On ~How I'm Feeling~ AWAL Recordings America, Inc.
Go Back