As the COVID-19 pandemic reshapes our daily lives, many traditional events have been canceled or transformed into something unrecognizable. Weddings, family reunions, vacations, and countless other milestones have been postponed or altered to fit the current reality. Among the most significant casualties are the high school and college graduation ceremonies that 2020 graduates looked forward to for years.
Many seniors are grappling with the harsh reality that their long-anticipated graduation ceremonies are no longer happening as planned. Surprisingly, some adults are suggesting that these young people should just accept this disappointment without complaint. Is this really how we treat our youth during such a pivotal moment in their lives?
A recent article highlighted the heartbreak felt by students who are missing out on the graduation ceremonies they had envisioned. While schools are finding creative ways to celebrate—such as virtual ceremonies or socially distanced gatherings with live streaming—these alternatives simply cannot replicate the experience of walking across the stage in front of friends and family. It’s a tough pill to swallow for teens who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone.
Critics argue that teens should simply “get over it.” Comments like “Life is full of disappointments” or “At least no one died!” reflect a misunderstanding of the emotional weight that graduation holds for many young adults. Yes, there are varying levels of grief, but that doesn’t minimize the genuine disappointment of missing out on such a significant life event.
I know several graduating seniors personally, and while they are understandably upset, they are handling this situation with a resilience that I, quite frankly, did not possess during my own graduation in 2000. The parents of these seniors are sharing poignant photos of their children dressed in prom attire they never got to wear, or proudly displaying their caps and gowns in front of their schools. These moments, although bittersweet, show their ability to find joy amidst disappointment.
So, if you find yourself dismissing a friend’s concerns about their child’s missed graduation, take a moment to consider the impact of such a loss. Instead of offering platitudes like “it could be worse,” let’s just listen and support.
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In summary, teens are absolutely justified in feeling upset about missing their graduation ceremonies. Their disappointment is valid, and it’s essential for adults to acknowledge and support them rather than diminish their feelings.
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