In a nod to the high school seniors of 2020 whose milestones were overshadowed by the pandemic, many adults in their 30s and 40s are sharing their own senior photos on social media. It’s a trend that brings back fond memories of youth, often accompanied by laughter over outdated fashion choices and nostalgia for days gone by. While I appreciate the intention behind these posts—showing support for students who lost significant experiences—I find myself opting out of this social media ritual.
First off, let’s be real: do today’s high school seniors really care about the old pictures of their parents or their parents’ friends? Most of them aren’t even on Facebook anymore! Instead, they’re busy creating content on TikTok, engaging on Houseparty, or chatting on Discord. The class of 2020 is navigating their own challenges and doesn’t need to see our throwback photos as reminders of what they’ve missed out on.
Honestly, the connection between our nostalgic snapshots and their lost opportunities feels tenuous at best. For many of us, including myself, high school wasn’t exactly a golden era. I spent my senior year in a difficult situation—navigating an abusive home environment and grappling with my identity. I was a scared kid, struggling with mental health issues and the aftermath of bullying over my appearance. While I wore a smile in my letterman’s jacket, I was far from okay.
My senior photo exists somewhere in a yearbook I can’t access, as the tangible memories vanished when my parents divorced. I don’t long for that version of myself. I remember that 18-year-old, but I’ve moved on. I’m no longer that person—thankfully, I’ve embraced my true self as a queer, transgender parent of three. Life has brought me new love, new experiences, and a new body. Now, I’d rather share a picture of who I am today, reflecting my journey of recovery from alcoholism and personal growth.
You might think it hypocritical for me to critique others for sharing their photos while focusing on my reasons for not sharing mine. However, I believe the primary audience should be the high school seniors who feel like their best moments have been erased. It’s like expecting someone who’s just been heartbroken to find comfort in photos of happy couples. They don’t need that right now; they need space to process their own emotions.
As we navigate these unprecedented times, I hope the pandemic brings forth new memories and moments of joy for this generation. While I can’t relate to the experience of being a senior in 2020, I trust that they are seeking connection in ways that resonate with their current reality.
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In summary, sharing senior pictures may seem like a fun way to connect with younger generations, but I choose to focus on the present and the future rather than reliving a past that was far from perfect. It’s essential to recognize and respect the experiences of today’s seniors, allowing them the space to create their own memories during this challenging time.
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