Don’t call them COVID Grads

Story by Chelsea Bush 
Submitted photo
Grad 2020. That has a nice ring to it. I’ve been told that it will be a great year to graduate since I started high school, and in my mind it still is. Friday, March 13, 2020, I left math class so antsy to get out and hop on that plane down south. Little did I know that was the last time I would walk those halls as a Grade 12 student. The last 4 months of high school are said to be the best and most precious months. I, as a 2020 graduate, wouldn’t know. That is now something I actually laugh at and here’s why. During quarantine, I gained time with my parents that I may never get again. I adapted to a new normal quickly and I learned valuable life lessons.
In the beginning, I was mad. I was mad that I was losing time with people I may never see again. I was mad that rights of passage as a grade 12 student were cancelled. I was mad that my Grade 12 year was ruined by a virus. But what good comes from being mad? Nothing. Instead, I found the positivity it brought me.  
Graduating high school is a huge accomplishment and it was recognized by very many people. I get to say that I had a video speech played at my graduation dedicated to 2020 grads by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and MP Bernadette Jordan. I have letters I get to keep written by Minister Zach Churchill, Hon. Bernadette Jordan, MLA Suzanne Lohnes-Croft and Premier Stephen McNeil dedicated to 2020 grads giving congratulations and best wishes. I was even given virtual graduation speeches featuring Barack Obama, Kevin Hart, LeBron James and Oprah Winfrey. That’s just a few of the amazing stars honouring 2020 graduates. Not many previously graduated classes can say the same, and for that, I am thankful.
Although graduating during a global pandemic wasn’t ideal, 
in the end, it truly wasn’t that bad. As a 2020 grad, I’m walking away from high school not only knowing how to solve for X 
but also with more patience, maturity and appreciativeness. A ​better perspective on the world and how little you really need to survive and to be happy. I’m walking away with a never seen before graduation and prom ceremony that was live-streamed and watched by many people in the community whose hearts were saddened for us. I am walking away being able to adapt quickly to new changes and lifestyles, with many people congratulating me on this huge accomplishment through tough and uncertain times. I am taking this learning curve and using the strength it has given me and putting kindness back into the world. I have confidence that my fellow classmates and our generation will be more open-minded, will see the good in any situation and encourage others not to take things for granted. A lot has been taken away from my graduating year but that does not define me and what I have and will continue to accomplish.