An apocalyptic event straight out of a science fiction novel wasn’t what anyone was expecting when the 2020-21 school year started; nonetheless, students took the Covid-19 pandemic in stride, lounging in their pajamas, sleeping during class or battling real (and sometimes imaginary) technical difficulties.
Consequently, Taylor Swift’s “Folklore” and “Evermore” weren’t the only things that dropped during the pandemic era. According to the National Library of Medicine, student achievement—which their study measured through objective indicators such as test scores—decreased, with a larger learning deficit in areas like math and science compared to other subjects. As much as it pains me to admit, those endless hours spent struggling on and crying over Mathspace didn’t pay off after all.
Furthermore, due to the initial uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 and its short and long term impacts, we collectively decided to avoid public places like the plague (pun intended). This decision, coupled with the abrupt transition to a virtual classroom environment, led to feelings of isolation amongst students that were more widespread and incessant than hand washing reminders .
As a result of the pandemic, many students missed out on making social connections that are often a defining part of high school experiences, in addition to being a vital part in helping them pursue opportunity and human flourishing, per The Fordham Institute.
The Class of 2024 was also the first—and hopefully last— graduating class to experience both a neverending virtual freshman year and time flying by at a concerning rate once in-person schooling resumed. In the blink of an eye, this year’s graduating class went from eighth graders experiencing existential crises to high school seniors who are still experiencing existential crises, thank you very much.
Ultimately, experiencing the ups-and-downs of the pandemic throughout freshman year did not stop the Class of 2024 from making the most of their four years in high school. Undeterred by their rocky start, which featured maskne, extremely glitchy digital platforms, learning losses, toilet paper shortages, panic buying and painfully awkward Zoom calls with friends and family, the Class of 2024 is only a few short weeks from graduating and the best part is the event will not be virtual, saving us all from the horror of a community-wide Zoom call (two words: the lag).
However, considering the fact that sneakers, sandals and other comfortable footwear are prohibited at graduation, an in-person ceremony just means a few thousand people will witness me inevitably falling face first onto the stage in high heels moments before I receive my diploma. Congratulations, Class of 2024!
