Open Letter To High School Seniors

Dearest Seniors,

My heart physically aches for you. So much of what is typically a big year has been taken from you and quite frankly, that’s not fair and flat out sucks. I want you to know that it’s okay to be sad and to grieve right now. I think as a society, we are all too often told we don’t have a right to be upset because other people have it worse in the world. While we know not to dwell on the negative, I think you should be free to grieve and cry as you process the what ifs and things that were not. If anyone tries to tell you not to be sad, please send them my way and I will gladly correct them.

Being an aunt to a senior, I’ve seen a lot of local seniors grow up and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t shed tears over the course of all this because I see you as my own nieces and nephews. I recently saw an article or writing on how the Class of 2020 is super resilient because most of you were born in the year of 2001/2002. You were born into a chaotic world around the 9/11 era and heartbreak. The world changed that year and you know what? The world has changed this year. You all are destined to be world changers and while that doesn’t soften the blow here, I hope you know you’re strong. Lisa Bevere says, “You can’t be a hero without a battle.” My prayer for you is that you get your “5 more minutes” sooner than later to celebrate one another and process this all.

You will be celebrated and you will be honored. Hold on tight and keep moving forward.

All my love,

Aunt Jen