Class of 21 deprived by virus

Posted January 2021

By Jennifer Dinh

Staff Editor

COVID-19 has deprived the Class of 2021 of its senior year far more than the class of 2020 was deprived.

When distance learning started last March, C/O 2020 was already over halfway through their senior year. They were able to experience a normal school year up until then, from being able to strut the halls whilst being at the top of the high school food chain, to attending football games and dances for the last time, and even being involved in school-related activities and extracurriculars. Though they missed out on prom, they at least had the chance to attend prom their junior year. C/O 2021 missed the opportunity to go junior year, and will likely miss it this year too due to the ongoing pandemic. Before March 13, C/O 2020 had the ability to gather with friends, have parties, and carpool to and from school, and create unforgettable lifelong memories which C/O 2021 could only dream of doing.

A sense of normalcy for C/O 2021 is nearly impossible to have since there is no anticipation for a normal graduation or end-of-year festivities, and there is only hope. Unfortunately, hope is simply not enough. The yearbook for the 2020-2021 school year may also not live up to the past years, and while C/O 2020 seniors got student ID pictures, C/O 2021 will most likely not.

What was supposed to be a fun-filled senior year jam-packed with experiencing irreplaceable moments together in person has seemingly turned into endless monotonous days of being at school through just a screen. What makes the situation worse is that during a time when we all need each other most, we have to be apart in order to stay safe and save lives.

On the other hand, due to the unforeseen circumstances that occurred, the grad class of 2021 has learned firsthand how to adapt to extreme changes and become resilient.