One Senior’s Thoughts on Coronavirus

Livie Crimaldi

It’s April, and there’s not much we can do as we watch our quarantine count switch from weeks to months. Most of those fortunate enough to still be working are now taking the grind from home, including us students. Entertainment has boiled down to binging Tiger King and whatever god awful Instagram trend they come up with next (I’m looking at you, bingo boards). So seeing as we’re all in the same situation, I figured I’d break down the unique senior perspective of all this, if anything to ease the minds of our loving but distressed parents.

First things first: of course we are disappointed that our senior year has been cut short. We had already barrelled through the tedious six months of winter and work, and were finally getting to the nice senior perks of fourth quarter when this thing hit. A lot of us had spring seasons we were counting on to finish off our careers as student athletes, excited for one last shot to play the sport we love with our best friends. For many, school was the best place for us to express ourselves, whether that be through art, music, or any other activity that made us unique. Avon Lake High School was not only a place of learning, but a place of communication, collaboration and growth. I think it’s safe to say most people will miss that.

However, as much as losing these last few months of our high school experience may be disappointing, it’s not devastating. We live in the age of Snapchat, Facetime, Zoom, Google Classroom (I could go on and on). Keeping in touch with friends, as well as keeping up with our classes, is just a Wi-Fi signal away. Online learning is an adequate substitute for the in-person alternative; plus it allows both safety and education to continue. And although I miss Friday night drives with friends as much as the next teenager, group Facetimes and Netflix Party are satisfying substitutes compared to what our parents may have had if in this situation twenty years ago.

Our class is also extremely blessed to have parents, teachers and other organizations who support us regardless of our physical presence in school and sports. Faculty and parents have come up with multiple activities to highlight seniors online, from local news stories to door decorating. This effort, along with all the steps being made to support community members during this uncertain time, is greatly appreciated by all involved. Avon Lake has been incredibly responsive and adaptive during this time of crisis, and we are lucky to live in such a supportive community.

So yes, seniors are bummed to see a digital end to our four years, but we also recognize both the support of our community and the vastness of this situation. This is bigger than state championships, senior prom, and three measly months of our lives. There are lives at risk, and it is every single person’s responsibility to do their part in limiting that loss.