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An Open Letter to the Class of 2021

From a member of the class of 2020....

Shruthi Mohana Sundaram

May 23, 2020

Alpharetta, Georgia

1228

Pexels

Dear Class of 2021,

None of you are unaware of the truly unprecedented times that we are living through. Never in our lives, did our generation think that we were going to have to face a global pandemic, and yet, here we are. As a recently graduated senior in high school, I expected this school year, but especially 2020, one of the most memorable years of my life.

Throughout high school, I was always told by my friends older than me that second semester of senior year was one of the best times of their life. Old enough to have freedom to go places, grades do not matter as much, and it's the perfect transition to adulthood. With this in mind, I worked hard throughout high school so that I could eventually enjoy all the great things that come with being a senior: prom, graduation, senior activities, grad parties, etc. And just like that, a simple notification in mid-March ripped that away from me. Granted, my school was very generous and postponed these things to late July, but the way things are going now and the new information we are gradually receiving about COVID-19, I am not too optimistic.

All of this is to say is that I was not a person that constantly participated in school activities and went to a bunch of parties to "make the most of my teenage years". I was a pretty stereotypical nerd even throughout my senior year, and while it paid off in many ways, I leave high school with a bit of regret as well. So, to the class of 2021, I say this: enjoy your senior year to the fullest extent. Work hard, but also know that ultimately, each test isn't really as high-stakes anymore. Hang out with your friends, go to restaurants, and travel. Because you never know when all of that will no longer be a granted right, but a privilege. The summer before going to college was supposed to be a time where students could see their high school friends and hang out before we all go our separate ways. Class of 2021, make the most of your senior year, because many students from the class of 2020 couldn't.

Sincerely,

A student from the class of 2020

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An Open Letter to the Class of 2021

From a member of the class of 2020....

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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