Dear Class of 2020,

Take a deep breath.

I know the last thing you want right now is being told to look on the bright side of things so I am not going to do that. I am going to give it to you straight. Yes, this does suck. There is no pain worse out there than knowing you can't have the same traditions as every other high school student. I know that sitting behind your laptops and going to class is also not the same. I know you miss your friends. I know you miss your clubs and being part of your extracurricular activities. I know you've been working so hard for that GPA to get into the college and major of your choice all your life, and now you are not going to be rewarded for it.

Trust me, I know.

I can hear all of you going, "But how could you know?? You got the normal classes and graduation." Which again, you are right. I am speaking from a privileged point of view. But I also know what's it like to be frustrated. I know how it feels to be so close to something you've always looked forward to, yet not being able to achieve it. I know first hand how it feels to be frustrated because you've lost something that you might not get back.

However, I also know this.

I know that every single one of you is among some of the strongest people in our generation. I know you have taken these closures with what they are worth and still trudging on to finishing strong. I know that this has made you tougher. Tough enough to take on anything. I mean think about it. How many people can say that they've lost half of their senior year but still managed to finish strong? I for one could never.

I spent so many moments of last year being ungrateful and thinking that high school was the worst time ever. I wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. The only fond memory I had of high school was being a part of choir. Through your Instagram and Snapchat posts, I realized how much of my time I spent in high school wanting it to end and how much I didn't stick to the moments. But that's what you guys did. You showed the world that you are a united class and will share the memories no matter what happens.

You are all brave and strong. I am proud of each and every one of you. There is no sugar coating that this situation is absolutely terrible. It takes a strong person to come out of this situation stronger than ever and that is what you guys did.

To my friends at Horizon High School, I love you with all my heart. Don't lose the same motivation that you've had all these years. Keep moving forward because you still earned that diploma. Stay connected with your friends through this crisis because you all went through the same thing together. You are all connected for life and especially during this crisis. It has been so heartwarming seeing all your sweet posts about how much you cherished your senior year. I want you all to keep those spirits high until the end of the school year. Every one of your teachers, faculty, and staff is sympathizing with you. I know that walking across that stage was the dream for many of you, but don't let that dream fade away. Maybe you didn't get an actual stage, but you still finished stronger than any graduating class that I know of. Here we were last year complaining about the cold weather during graduation. The Class of 2019 couldn't imagine what it must be like to be in your situation but know that we are so proud of all of you.

To my talented seniors in Horizon Choir. I know how hard it is to not be able to sing at those last concerts. I know that some if not all of you have been in choir since freshman year and were looking forward to senior recital. But remember this: Music is what keeps the soul happy. So break out into song if you have to get through the tough times that way. Your choir directors are so proud of what you have accomplished. Don't let the end of this year change your perception of music. Horizon Choir is a family whether in the classroom or out. Everyone in the grades below you is looking up to all of you keeping it strong during these times. I know that Spring Concert is one of the most emotional times you will have in choir and not being able to perform at one is unfortunate. Take that frustration and devote it to the rest of your senior year. I am certain that you amazingly talented seniors will still get your final song at the end. You are so passionate and talented. Each and every one of you. I am heartbroken that I can't see all of you sing for once last time, but I know deep down that it would be the most memorable senior song Horizon has ever heard.

Well Class of 2020, if you read up to here then I hope you are feeling a little bit better. I hope that all of you will look back on these days with a memory. No regrets or hatred, but just the simple memory. The kind of memory that you can talk about around campfires, at your high school reunion, and to your children.

With that, I end this letter with a final sentence: Keep smiling because the world becomes a lot brighter when you do.

With love,

A Class of 2019 graduate