My Letter to the Graduates of 2020
Dear graduate of 2020,
You got robbed. Potential memories, education, and opportunities were taken from you. And that sucks. It really sucks. It’s not fair. And you may be asking, “Why is this happening to me?” And let’s be real, you may never know why for awhile. Hearing that everything will be okay, isn’t making it feel better. So what can help?
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Start a gratitude list. Write down three things you are thankful for each day.
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Grieve your loss. Cry, yell, journal your feelings. Let it out! Once it’s out, it’s time to move on.
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Tell your friends you love them. Create new memories that you get to keep for a life time. Take photos, write letters, go on car rides full of loud singing, and dance it out.
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Enjoy family time. These are the people who are with you through all the changes in life. Cherish that quality time because it won’t always be this way.
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Love yourself by doing self care. You deserve a huge celebration that was taken away and now it’s time to treat yo self! Learn something new, pamper yourself, and do something you love.
I wish there was a way to give you all the memories of that last semester of high school or college. I mean, let’s be real, senioritis was at it’s peak that last semester and everyone just wanted to move on. It’s a weird feeling of wanting to change but also not wanting things to change.
I’m sure you missed out on a lot of “lasts” and not having closure is hard to live with. Find some friends and recreate those moments your own way. Then when you grow up, you can tell your kids how you made something special out of a situation that sucked. You deserve to have those “lasts” recreated! Have fun!
My heart aches for your loss but there are better days ahead, I promise. Surround yourself with those who love and support you. You will come out a better person for overcoming this. Keep your head high and remember God has a plan for you.
Sincerely,
Matlyn Peden
P.S. Please enjoy this graduate session with Catherine Entenman from Porterville High School. She was an absolute joy to hang out with. This girl is going places for sure!
