4/16/20: A Letter to My Seniors
One of my favorite aspects of this "job” is the unique opportunity to have a front row seat into the wins that seniors celebrate during the college admissions season. Whether it’s the “Congratulations. You’ve been accepted” headline from their reach school, a scholarship check, nailing the ACT, or juggling the endless pressures of academic rigor, endless volunteering, a competitive sports season, and being a family contributor—we celebrate the wins. Becoming an advocate and cheerleader for each and every senior is a gift I don’t ever want to take for granted. Rather, I picture myself as somewhat of a head coach—I want my players to win the game that is college admissions. So, I aim to do everything I can to put my players in a position so they can win. It’s never been about us, our brand, our business, or our curriculum—it’s about our students. They are the heroes, and we want nothing more than to help the hero win the day.
COVID-19 has created an unprecedented environment for everyone. In fact, so few global instances have had this “leveling” effect—suddenly, entry level assistants and executive CEOs are each faced with seismic financial challenges and health anxieties. Parents are working from home, students have pivoted to virtual learning, and through it all, we’re all just trying to navigate each day of quarantine by social distancing and doing whatever it takes to flatten the curve. Neighbors have become closer than ever as we cheer on those on the front-lines, decorate our driveways with inspirational sidewalk chalk, order Instacart for our aging parents, and consult Pinterest to do whatever we can to incorporate a sprinkle of whimsy into the everyday for our children. And yet, we’ve all lost something. We’ve all been robbed of either something we’ve been looking forward to or a rite of passage we were excited to embark upon. This seemingly impossible situation disguises a beautiful opportunity—a chance for empathy, for really understanding the needs of the “other,” to “climb in someone’s skin and walk around in it” (Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird”).
Of course, in our world, it’s always been about the students. Daily, my parents and students call with stories of heartbreak, discouragement, and loss. Prom has been cancelled. The SAT has been cancelled. AP exams are now online. College tours are suspended. Graduation has been rescheduled. My heart breaks for my students: For my 7th-grade student who just had received an invitation to her first Sadie Hawkins Dance. To my 8th-grade student who practiced at the basketball court every morning and every afternoon for his looming varsity basketball tournament. For my 9th-grade student who pushed herself every day on the tennis court for her first debut at the school-wide tennis tournament. For my 10th-grade student who had every college campus visit planned to tackle during her Spring Break. For my 11th-grade student who had just locked down that dream internship. And the seniors. Oh, my heart breaks for my seniors. So, this week, I wrote a handwritten note to each and every one of my seniors. Because for as much as was lost or taken, so much joy, celebration, and perseverance has been found and given. It’s my hope that each senior knows how much they’re celebrated and spurred on. Perhaps, through this experience, this little life chapter entitled “COVID-19” might become a bright light in their lives, a turning point, a catalyst, and maybe just maybe, a quarter turn into a new way of loving others and changing the world.
Dearest Senior,
This is not the senior year you pictured—nor is it the concluding chapter of the high school experience you might have imagined. Just a few weeks ago, you were excitedly planning your senior trip, picking out your Prom dress, poring through the Bed, Bath, & Beyond catalog designing your new dorm room, and finalizing your summer travel plans. And yet, here you are—your energetic, collaborative classes pivoted to endless Zoom meetings, your Saturday night with friends adjusted to House Party and FaceTime, and your summer plans and college freshman experience one looming question mark.
I want to encourage you that just as no book is just one chapter and no chapter tells the whole story. Rather, it’s hope that makes our lives page turners. Remember that no scene is ever wasted and there are no futile seasons. The sticky emotions you've dwelt in, the frustration you’ve felt, the longing you’ve been consumed by, and the loss you’ve burdened—none of those feelings have been for naught. What brings us to tears will lead us to grace. Our pain is never wasted.
Throughout this experience, I’ve been so impressed by your grit and your grace, your resilience and your resolve. I’m so proud of how you’ve pivoted during the hard times, opting boldly to readjust your sails. You are a remarkable world-changer—and I’m honored to have a front row seat.
Always cheering you on,
Mrs. Whitehead