2020. I remember New Year’s Eve, excited for the new year, and leave what I thought was the worst year of my life. In hindsight, I still believe 2019 was a dumpster fire BUT 2020 is pretty close. I’m not going to bore you with what you already know. COVID-19, the violent protests, the election – it’s all a mess. But let’s take a step back, or more like a thousand. As students of Franklin High School, I’m very sure that we all faced a massive dilemma: come to school in-person or virtually. While most opted for in-person learning, I also know many who have decided to stick to virtual mainly for their own safety. It’s been quite an adjustment, and unfortunately, it will be the new normal for a long time. I’m not trying to be a cynic, but being optimistic that the virus will magically disappear in one month is outlandish. We have to get used to it: the masks, hand-sanitizing, cleaning desks; we all have to do it no matter what. Some of us have to deal with all that while having to deal with the same old course load and stress. From my point of view, Junior year has been a lot, and it’s only October! Doing well in my classes, extracurriculars, the ACT, the constant whine of colleges; I have always thought that the upperclassmen from before complained too much but now I truly feel their pain. FHS this year has so far been a mixed bag. There has been SO much divisiveness and apathy among students. It’s as if no one was ready for the normal schedule of work and busy schedules with everything that has been going on.
Now, if you haven’t already realized, this is my opinion on everything that has been going on. Keep in mind that I am a Junior and there is heavy bias, however, I believe that Junior year is the worst time to go through a pandemic. Why? It’s the most inconvenient. Think about it, we Juniors have the most to lose if we cannot succeed in a time like this. What we do now will impact us later, and sadly it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. I know what you’re thinking: “I’m a freshman/sophomore/senior and my life is just as terrible”. Look, I understand that everyone is being affected. But for me, I look at how the pandemic affects each grade like this: the freshmen have just started high school and therefore there isn’t as much pressure for them to be worried about their high school experience (given that our situation won’t last for the next 4 years). The sophomores still have 2 years left of high school and still got to experience a normal school year (or at least how it should start) last year. The seniors, while yes their Prom and final homecoming was canceled, can move onto college and the rest of their lives in only a short amount of time. I am one of those who believe that no one should peak in high school. Yes, it’s a time in our lives which transitions us into adulthood and is the best time to have as much fun as possible and try new things. But high school is only 4 years of your life. I know that people who are way more active in the community (such as those who participate in sports) are at a disadvantage, but that doesn’t mean that they’re restricted to being active in high school. Life beyond high school is even more important and realizing that there’s more to do can keep your options open. I too have wanted to do many things, but one thing that everyone should all learn to do is to sacrifice. If I really can leave you with one piece of advice, learn to sacrifice your own self-interests for others. Especially with the pandemic, it’s only for some time and then it will all go back to normal if you simply learn the rules and follow them. For example, wear your mask. It may seem dumb and annoying to strap a piece of fabric to your face and have to talk in it, but this virus affects people other than yourself. Be courteous and understand that you are not the only one in for the ride. People you don’t even know can be negatively impacted by your actions. I can’t stress enough that you should be kind to one another, especially in these times where our opinions will clash. Regardless if you have differing opinions, learn from each other, and support one another. Look, this article may have been a bit off-beat and more serious, but we can still make this school year the best it can be despite the hardships we face right now. Stay safe and reasonable. Wear your mask, sanitize your hands, and most of all be the best possible person you can be.