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#lostgraduations
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2020-06
A Community Coming Together for High School Seniors
As COVID began taking effect and schools started switching to virtual classes from home, one of my siblings became extremely upset. This was to be their senior year, and suddenly senior trip, prom, and graduation were being taken away from them. Such sentiments were shared throughout their entire class, and even gained attention through high school seniors at a national level. Inspired by similar movements across the country, however, parents and leaders across the community decided to act for these seniors. Out of nowhere an "Adopt a Child" movement began, and nearly a thousand of those within the community all contributed to giving these students gift baskets full of gift cards, apparel, and so forth. Businesses were even a major part of this movement; for example, a few pizza places offered to give out hundreds of free pies to students at extremely reduced prices for the parents sponsoring them. While nothing could likely make up for all that they had lost, this situation not only alleviated some of the sorrow amongst my own family members, but it demonstrated to me how strongly we can come together when those in our community need it. -
2021-05-15
Graduation: We Made It Work
I was very lucky to graduate in Spring of 2021 from Eastern Connecticut State University, as my school managed to create a socially-distanced graduation for us. It was a tricky event for the university to handle, and commencement had to be divided into three ceremonies at various times. You had to wear a mask and each chair was placed six feet apart. Handshakes were skipped in favor of elbow bumps and air fives. Despite all the planning, the event was truly memorable and so special to me. In 2020 my father unexpectedly passed away (not COVID related). Being able to attend a "real" graduation in 2021 meant the world to me, as I felt like I had achieved something and was honoring his memory. Though COVID-19 has limited many events, I was fortunate to have participated in a commencement ceremony this past semester. -
2020-06
Wilton, Connecticut 2020 High School Graduation Parade and Student's Newspaper Column
Wilton is a small town in Connecticut where I grew up. Due to the Coronavirus, their traditional graduation was canceled. Instead, they got together and had a graduation parade on the school grounds. I also included a column from a graduating senior -
2020-06-13
Dr. Anthony Fauci Gives Graduation Address to UC Irvine
Dr. Anthony Fauci was the country's medical leader in the COVID-19 time. He stood by President Trump's side at the daily Coronavirus briefings and, along with Dr. Deborah Birx, alternately reassured the country and alarmed them. They were often shamed by Trump who tended to make light of the danger of the virus. They were the heroes that stood strong and displayed real leadership and knowledge. Since almost all graduation ceremonies were canceled for spring 2020, various VIPs tried to compensate by giving commencement addresses. Here is Dr. Fauci's. -
2020-05-28
Graduation Pains
As I pondered the loss of graduation, I found myself not sad, but relieved, a feeling I imagine to be in the minority. I reflect on the feelings of someone who does not enjoy events like graduation and how its cancellation was a relief rather than a loss.