By RACHEL HOREJSI
2019 NRHEG Graduate
It’s hard to fully comprehend the losses that the class of 2020 is currently facing, but one look through any high school yearbook is all it really takes to grasp a fraction of what they must be feeling. Flipping through a yearbook is looking through a group’s high school experience; the achievements, the friends, the classmates, and so much more. One look at everything that seniors typically accomplish throughout their four years of high school is what yearbooks are all about.
All those memories help a person realize that the hours of studying, stressing over college applications and scholarships, trying to make friends, dealing with changes, figuring everything out, was worth it in the end because of that one final chapter. High school graduates never forget their senior year because it is a student’s last chance to make memories, say goodbyes, and leave a last mark on the school they’ve grown up in.
I remember my last few days at NRHEG last year. I walked down the halls one last time; even though the halls were the same that day, I felt different. Nostalgia. Excitement. Butterflies. The thought of leaving terrified me, even while I was bursting with excitement for the futures which awaited my classmates and me. Each one of the year’s “lasts” was intense; our last homecoming, last snow week, last class trip, last day, and especially our last walk across the stage when we all grabbed our diplomas, hugged our parents, and said goodbye to our teachers and friends.
“Special times, special places, special friends together,” is written in NRHEG’s 2018-2019 yearbook. It also says, “The moments pass so quickly, but the memories last forever.” Those last moments that every senior remembers have been snatched from this year’s graduating class by the global coronavirus pandemic. And there’s nothing anyone can do. Brooke Wobschall, a 2019 graduate, said, “It’s very unfair that this is happening to seniors.” Another 2019 graduate, Tyler Jacobson, said, “I feel really bad that they’re missing out on that time of their lives.”
I couldn’t agree more, which is why I decided to reach out to my fellow 2019 graduating class and ask them to send messages of encouragement, love, and support. So, NRHEG Class of 2020, from my class to yours, here is our message to this year’s graduating seniors.
“Even though you guys can’t be together in person, keep reaching out,” said Aubrey Johnson, “You are in this together and even though this might be hard, you are going to be okay. Be there for each other.” Caty Nelson had a very similar message, saying, “I encourage you to stay connected through social media and make super exciting plans for when it is safe and acceptable to be together.” Nelson proceeded to note that planning a future event, reunion, or even “important senior stuff” such as prom or the senior grill-out to look forward to might be a good idea. “This could give you guys the closure you need and deserve,” she said. Nelson added, “A lot of you got opportunities and plans taken away from you, but there are always alternatives.”
Evelyn Terpstra had a rather interesting perspective, saying “As long as you can say ‘Hey, I may miss my prom, but how fun was homecoming sophomore year? Remember when…’” Terpstra also said, “Right now this may seem like it’s the end of the world; missing prom, graduation, parties, and more, but memories can happen at any moment.” Hailey Stenzel had a similar message, adding that it is important to “Cherish the time you all had together, but know that it isn’t the end. You have so many more memories to make as seniors even if it isn’t in school.” Dylan Mosher added, “You still have the summer to hang out with your friends and make great memories.” Nelson said, “Like everything else, this will go away and life will go back to normal.” Jazzlyn Johnson provided a hopeful message as well, saying, “I’m so sorry you are being robbed of everything that your lives have been leading up to, but there is something way better coming.”
“Personally, my senior year was my favorite part of high school, but all the other years that my class and I experienced together made those precious moments possible,” commented Jayna Finseth. She encouraged the class of 2020 to, “Acknowledge all that you’ve done in high school,” and, “Don’t dwell on the memories you are missing out on right now.” Karenna Strom encouraged this year’s seniors to, “Take this as a life lesson,” and that, “Not everything is going to go the way you expect, but it’s important to still make the most of it.” She added, “It’s important to keep finding positives or you’ll just stay disappointed. That’s not a great way to end such a big era of your life.” Finseth also noted the importance of cherishing what you’ve been given. She said, “Your future holds so many possibilities to have fun and create even greater memories.” Finseth concluded her message by saying, “Stay strong class of 2020, and remember that you have an abundance of years to make up for this small portion of lost time.”
Similarly, Jager Beck stated, “I understand your senior year has not been the greatest time with all of the changes life has brought,” but that, “There is no other time when your life is ripe with so many possibilities.” Jacob Schuller added, “We all feel for you,” and, “I encourage everyone to keep their heads up.” Krista Myers stated that this was a “mile marker” for the class of 2020 and that she implored the class to “Surround yourself with positive energy for a hopeful future.” Mariah Posey offered a message of hope, stating that, “No matter what, everything will be okay,” and that, “Graduating from high school won’t be the biggest accomplishment you make in life.” She said, “There are so many opportunities waiting for you.” Wobschall offered a glimpse into these future opportunities by saying, “You’ll have job opportunities, kids, and traveling to look forward to.”
Regarding graduation, Catlin Goette said, “My biggest hope for you is that you’ll still be able to sit together in those chairs in your caps and gowns as you celebrate all of your memories and accomplishments.”
Myers wanted the seniors to know that people are proud of them, stating, “You lost sleep, you’ve probably cried, and you grew up throughout this whole thing. You deserve to feel proud of yourselves.” Wobschall said, “As a high school senior, practically your whole life you have been working towards getting that diploma. That’s all you’ve known.” Lawren Deml encouraged the class of 2020 to, “Cherish the moments and memories that you were able to make, look forward to the ones you are going to make, and take pride that even though your last months of high school were taken away from you, you were still able to make it out and graduate.” She added, “You did your best to make the best out of the worst!” Goette concluded her message by saying, “Your next chapter still awaits and I know you’ll make the most of it.”
“By quarantining yourselves, you are helping save lives of an exponential number of people who aren’t as able-bodied as you are,” said Mackayla Knutson. Mosher said, “It might be difficult, but sometimes that’s when the best things happen.” Terpstra explained, “This is definitely a learning experience.” Rebecca Peterson’s message to the class of 2020 was to stay strong and know that “It will get better.” She said, “I hope you all stay safe during these times.”
Knutson added, “Losing these memories is something none of you deserve,” and encouraged the class of 2020 to, “Take solace in the fact that you’ll make many more memories in the future.” Michiah VanSyckel said, “Keep your heads up and remember that graduating high school isn’t the ending of anything, but the beginning of the rest of your lives.” With everything going on, it is very easy to lose perspective and that seemed to be the central message each of my classmates was trying to convey. “Even though now seems very scary and heartbreaking, there is a bright side,” said Knutson. VanSyckel added, “The people you love will still be here when this is all over. In a few years that is what you will remember about high school.” His message, along with all of our messages, seem to have a few common threads.
First of all, we want the class of 2020 to know that their sacrifice is helping save lives. Secondly, it seems quite apparent that each of us wants to encourage seniors to look at the bigger picture and see that although this is definitely a loss, it is not a complete loss. Memories from earlier years, friendships made throughout, and any other high school experiences that have brought the senior class of 2020 to this moment are still important to remember and cherish. Even more important is the optimism we all hope to convey in relation to the futures of every single individual in NRHEG’s 2020 graduating class.
Remember those words from NRHEG's 2018-2019 yearbook: "Special times, special places, special friends together.” Even though it may seem as if a large piece of your senior year has been taken from you, you still have a lot of memories to look back on. People never forget their senior year because it is a time when everything gets put into perspective. All those years come to one epic and exciting conclusion. We are all so sorry for your losses, but remember that your conclusion can still be epic even if you aren’t together. I remember all my lasts and I remember my senior year, but high school and graduation are about so much more than those. Graduation is about reflecting on memories and moving forward. To the class of 2020, please don’t let this coronavirus take away your epic conclusion. Stay safe, find happiness and acceptance, hug your friends when this is all over, and know that we are all supporting you in your journey.