GRADUATES OF A REMARKABLE YEAR
THE end of the 2020 school year brings significant changes to the usual celebrations.
Traditionally, it has been the moment students and parents have been waiting for – the end of the school year, with a long summer break not far away.
For many, it is the end of the high school years, a poignant punctuation that marks another milestone before heading to work, university, or to learn a trade. For some it is a gap year to explore the world and decide what to do next – although that’s probably on hold for many with overseas travel almost impossible. COVID-19 has altered everything.
With exams about to start, it signals a year unparalleled for all students. Home-learning and studying online through guided tutorial – it’s not how many imagined their school year, separated from friends and teachers.
For those in their final year of school, it has been a challenging time, with added stress and a very different end-of-year celebration. Looking forward to the formal graduation will be a unique experience that will be history-making for this year’s graduates – social distancing and possibly no dancing.
As parents, we are experiencing flashbacks to the first day these young fledglings started school with backpacks larger than their entire body, and now we are crossing our fingers in the hope that their learnings at school and our guidance over the years will equip them for their next step – the real world.
While we share in their anxiety awaiting the outcome of their academic results, we are also in a deeply reflective mode, quizzing ourselves as to whether we have imparted the necessary life skills that will be their moral compass and guide them when they leave home to take their next step.
Sure, some may stay at home, but either way, their level of independence has just accelerated. Once the celebrations are over, it is vital that we, as parents or grandparents, make the time to engage in open and frank conversations with our precious young and ambitious souls.
What advice would we give to our younger self, knowing we are living in different times and in an environment that has vastly changed since we were young? My first advice would be open your eyes to the existing situation of world conditions and look deeply at what the future is going to bring.
Be prepared to make choices. Don’t be scared to share your opinion. You will be judged, but don’t be scared of judgment.
Not every choice will be the right decision. Don’t be scared to fail. I know that it seems counterintuitive, but without failure there won’t be success. Failure builds character.
You may pick the wrong job, or the wrong degree – it doesn’t matter. Believe in your heart that you will learn from everything you do. Every decision you make is a stepping stone.
It is a privilege to learn and you should learn constantly from everyone around you. Where possible, find a mentor. The most important things I have learnt in my life have been from people from whom I thought I had nothing to learn. Always keep your mind open and heed the words of wisdom from those who care about you the most.
Find balance in your life; it is vital to achieving equilibrium. Help those in need and assist strangers. Treat all humanity with kindness and respect.
Lastly, have faith in your own ability. We are all born with unique talents and capacities. We just need to tap into them and let these natural skills guide us to our true purpose in life.
No matter which path our young ones choose to follow, this year will reshape their views on how they approach and contribute to a better world that will look vastly different in the decade ahead. A future shaped by a pandemic that has recast all “normalities”, including how students celebrate their final year and transition to a bold new journey ahead.
To the Class of 2020 – best wishes and congratulations. You have played a part in one of the most unique years in which to graduate.