Gabby Molina ’21
No high school senior ever imagined a start to the school year quite like this. Between wearing masks, an abundance of plexi-glass, and stringent restrictions, the Class of 2021 has mixed feelings on this school year. On the one hand, we are all so grateful and happy to see each other in person again and to be able to learn on campus. Personally, I could not imagine being at home and doing Zoom classes while applying to colleges.
We can all understand the need for certain restrictions, like not leaving campus for lunch and not having the Senior Center. It makes sense that the administration does not want us returning to school after going somewhere where we were potentially exposed to the virus. It also makes sense that the senior class of 70 people couldn’t be crowded into a small room where social distancing is not possible.
On the other hand, this year so far has felt disappointing. We have looked forward to these privileges for years – some of us have even looked forward to being allowed on the Senior Steps since kindergarten. And, oddly enough, the smaller, more realistic senior privileges we have been given this year almost make this school year feel more strange and unconventional. Hopefully, as the year progresses, our new privileges will feel more normal, and less like a consolation prize.
Even aside from a lack of senior privileges, this has not felt like a “normal” senior year. At times it can feel like people try to act as if the school year is normal, and would like the students to not be disappointed by the changes. But, we all know that this year is far from normal. Everyone, students and faculty included, deserve compassion and understanding as we try to navigate a new reality.