Rileigh Thomas
Each year, the Green Mountain community must let go of an entire class of students. After six years under the wings of GM faculty, the senior class is prepared to enter a new chapter of life, in which they begin deciding for themselves what role they would like to play in this world. These choices are daunting, and include whether or not to pursue a higher level of education, enter the workforce, intern, travel, join the US military, and much more. However, this year’s senior class has been forced to make these decisions under unheard of circumstances- a global pandemic. With the dire reality of COVID-19, the future is riddled with uncertainty for the class of 2020.
Students aspiring to attend college after high school have had to commit without vital steps to aid their decision process. Senior Laurel King explained that, “Covid brought a lot of uncertainty into my decision making. Being unable to attend any accepted student’s days at colleges made my choice harder.” Prospective students were unable to receive actual tours of the colleges on their list, instead having to settle for online virtual tours of the campus buildings, dorms, and dining halls. Beyond this initial decision, the experience of being a freshman may also look entirely different in the fall. Senior Ange Wunderle shared her worries: “I know my summer orientation has already been moved online, and I’m concerned that with COVID-19, my first semester will be online as well… the uncertainty is difficult.” There seems to be a mental battle most high school seniors are struggling with, in which they understand the severity of the virus and the need to remain isolated, but wish that life could simply resume as before. Laurel King reflected that, “I would like to go to college in person, but I know the serious health risks that come with that. Going to college online, however, is also not an exciting experience, especially as a college freshman.”
Of course, not every graduating student is planning on attending school next year, however, those with plans to work, intern, or join the military are also seriously affected. Thatcher LaPrise, who will be joining the United States Air Force, explained how, “Next year will be challenging because of all the changes that will be happening at training, such as wearing face masks and 6 foot distancing. It presents so many challenges down the road that many are not considering.” Similarly, students with internships may need to begin work on an online forum, or not be able to start for months later than expected.
Despite these enormous setbacks, Green Mountain’s class of 2020 is nonetheless excited to be graduating high school. They realize that these unfortunate experiences will be regarded and discussed long into the future- we are living in and making history. This class has always been unique, and now is truly set apart from all others.
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