Makeshift Memories - Class of 2020
9 Weeks. I had that much time left of college after I would return to campus from my senior year spring break. I planned to make the most of what would be a short amount of time with the great friends I had made so far during my college career. My roommate and I had created a list of all of the things we were going to do, which we secured onto our refrigerator door with a tiny magnet moments before our final spring break officially began. This list included a wide array of things to do, from finally trying certain menu items at dining halls to hikes in the area we had yet to take. The experiences we were going to have were going to be incredible. For now, that tiny magnet is holding a list of special experiences that we are not able to make progress on completing any time soon, since time seems to be paused at the moment.
I did as much as I could in my classes to make sure I would be able to enjoy the last two months of college to the fullest. In the beginning of the spring semester, I read the syllabus for each of my courses and made an effort to be extra organized and proactive in order to get ahead on projects and assignments where I could. For example, one of my professors assigned multiple case studies throughout the semester, and I submitted the first four to complete the requirement of submissions early on. By completing assignments sooner rather than later, I was sure that I would have a lighter workload in order to take advantage of as many opportunities that would present themselves during the second half of the semester.
The bittersweet feelings of being a college senior seem a little bit more bitter than sweet right now. Unknowingly, the “lasts” of my college experiences have already happened. While I did my best to appreciate what were minor moments, it is easy to be critical of past decisions and opportunities. “I should have done this” or “I wish I did that'' are phrases I am sure I am not alone in thinking to myself regarding college life.
We must be patient, aware, and understand the dynamic aspects of this unique situation. Even though we did not get to formally say our farewells to classmates before we set out on our next journey or career, at least we know that “We’re All in This Together” as the High School Musical cast members perfectly assured us during our childhood years.
As I reflect, I feel lucky that I am able to feel this way about college. Upon graduating high school, I was told countless times that college would be the best four years of my life. I am proud to say that the high expectations I had in 2016 are echoed by my feelings in 2020. This is credited to the amazing people who make up my college campus and the countless opportunities that are offered to students to foster lifelong learning and growth.
It is the people who helped to make college special in my eyes. A beautiful campus adds to shaping magical memories, and I am especially grateful for the time I had to develop relationships with individuals who share similar values. I was able to learn so much about myself and others both inside and outside of the classroom. Being immersed in an environment with people from different backgrounds and perspectives proves to be a significant factor in shaping young individuals like myself.
Most other college seniors can likely relate to this unreal feeling to how this final chapter for us abruptly came to an close. While it feels like something special has been lost or taken away from the Class of 2020, we can be hopeful in the time that the next time we are able to reunite, it will be a rare feeling full of countless reasons to celebrate. We can reminisce accomplishments from the past, honor our patience in the present and embrace both the knowns and unknowns that our futures hold.
Let’s raise a glass (of coffee, tea, or something stronger) to the memories we have been fortunate enough to make, and leverage this feeling of loss to radiate positive energy in anticipation of future opportunities and fond experiences. Right now we are still students, and we can focus on being the best versions of ourselves, which we can share with other people during the exciting times that lie ahead. As we prepare to enter the “real world” in the near future, this seems to be a reminder to seek out opportunities in order to craft a better path for ourselves and others. We have technology and can choose to be as connected as we want to be at a time like this. The “could have beens” are now “what ifs” as the future that was soon to unfold is on hold for now.
In this time we are encouraged to leverage any and all feelings to make a mark on our own development. We have time to appreciate each other, those who have been a part of shaping even a chapter of your story. Let’s maintain connections and reach out to regulars as well as weaker ties we may have. When we resume our changed expectation of normal reality in this society, when our lives come back in action, we will have so much to experience together.
Flashbacks of fond memories can keep us on track to continue to strive for greatness in many aspects of life. We now have time to reflect, even on things that may not have been perfect, as we continue to live and learn. Let’s use this time to spark positive impacts to the best of our abilities. May the current unknowns set a tone of intense appreciation that will unify us as the future unfolds.
The high fives and hugs that we are not giving now will be closer, rewarding embraces of enduring the current challenges that we are all facing together. I hope you know you are not alone in how you’re feeling and it’s okay to feel this Class of 2020 ~type of way~. Here’s to the makeshift memories, the “could have beens” and the “what ifs” that are paused for now… as our next chapter is to be continued.
