The season of change

For the most part, May and June are big months for a lot of people.

Mother’s Day and Memorial Day are in May.

Father’s Day is in June.

If you’re a high school or college student walking across the stage to receive a diploma, it’s probably going to happen during these two months. And if you fall in the group of high school graduates, know that your diploma is special. It might not seem like much, but trust me. It’s gold.

It’s about your elementary school shenanigans, introductions to interests and extracurricular activities, connections to classmates, and the finale of a senior year of “senioritis.”

It’s about growing up, learning about yourself, and what you may want to be as an adult.

The diploma, however, came with a price, especially for this year’s seniors, who have had a rough couple of years. COVID took away half of their sophomore year and it altered all of their junior year. (Trust me when I say, it was hard for parents too - no matter the age of their students!)

I’m a glass-half-full type of person and always try to see the silver linings. Despite the pandemic obstacles, if you are a graduate or student who lived, adapted, and pushed through the pandemic, you have emerged stronger and more adaptable than before.

As a parent of a high schooler, I thought I would pull my hair out throughout all of the changes to the learning models. It was insane for me. I can’t imagine what you kids went through.

So celebrate your achievement! You earned it! And remember one very, very important fact: Your parents and guardians are still a phone call or text message away if you need help.