Well, we never thought things would end this way. When your parents, friends, or colleagues tell you college comes and goes in the blink of an eye, they really mean it. Unfortunately for us, our last few months (or weeks in some cases) of the best four years of our lives were taken away from us just like that. Walking across a stage in a room full of thousands of people to receive our diplomas was taken away from us, just like that.
Although there are far worse things happening in this world right now, we are allowed to be upset. I want more than anything to be sitting in my apartment with my friends, drinking wine and watching our favorite Netflix shows together. College is a huge part of our lives between the education, friendships and life lessons accumulated throughout the years. Recognize how lucky we are to have had the opportunity to receive a college education.
I’ve already done my fair share of crying and sulking this morning. Rather than focusing on the bad, let’s focus on the good. For those of us whose families are healthy right now, be grateful, and hold onto that feeling. It’s up to our generation to have the strength and compassion that the world needs right now to get through this. It’s not going to last forever.
To my fellow Penn Staters: we will be back. Our time is not over yet and we know it. Although stepping foot in State College once all of this craziness is over may feel different, it’s still our home. We will get the chance to spend time with our roommates one last time. We will get that last night at Pman. We will see the Willard preacher one last time(I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s out there right now). We will get to say goodbye to the special place that has filled our hearts with amazing memories over the last four years.
So for now, take this time to heal. Sit outside, read a book, help your elderly neighbor by offering groceries to them, spend time with your family, listen to a podcast, think about where you want your life to be and how you will achieve it once we tackle COVID-19.
We will always be the Class of 2020. We have still accomplished our goals of completing our college education, whether we walk across that stage or not.
WE ARE