To the Class of 2020,

This is weird. It’s weird that I’m old enough to be writing to high school seniors, it’s weird that I was in your shoes only a year ago, and it’s weird I’m writing this from my living room instead of my dorm room. Things are weird.

I have no explanation for it. I have no answer, no solution. Maybe that bothers some of you, maybe some of you couldn’t care less. But I’m sure we’re all similarly feeling weird. I just thought I’d let you know: you’re not alone. To see part of your life – the end of your senior year (freshman year, for me) – just crumble away, right before your eyes… it’s not easy. Together, we’re all learning how exactly to handle this weird, new normal. 

Here are a few things that have helped me along the way. Maybe they’ll help you, too.

  • You don’t need to have all the answers in order to keep moving. Not everything has to be figured out before you lay down to sleep, or go have fun with your friends. You can still laugh, cry, play, rest, without the answers.
  • Grace. Grace. Grace. Grace for others, because you’ll meet so many different people in life. So many different people from so many different walks of life. These people deserve your attention, a listening ear – and grace. And, grace for yourself. Day after day, grace for yourself! Don’t be too mad when you haven’t mastered whatever you’re working towards in two days, weeks, or months.
  • You’re growing, you’re learning, as we all are. Don’t expect it to be comfortable. Expect to hear things you’ve never heard or even thought of before – don’t be scared of these things. There is beauty, goodness in the growth.
  • Things take time, so thank goodness life is not a race. (I whisper, “step by step” to myself multiple times a day.)

I am no expert – I’m still learning these things myself. Life is really tough sometimes, most times it’s just plain weird…But it can still be good. I pray that we all believe in the good, even when we can’t see it.

Lydia Brackins
Class of 2019

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