For four years, you all have worked so hard. For four years, you all have sacrificed so much, while having a strong support from family and friends to get you to complete all your credits. For four years, you went through the emotions of it all to finally feel like you finally came out on top. However, in this tragic reality, walking across that stage to receive that diploma/degree won’t happen.

While many seniors are scrambling to see if there’s a possibility of having a drive through graduation ceremony, others have faced the fact that this moment was basically robbed from them. You all have every right to feel whatever it is that you’re feeling right now. This moment was supposed to be yours. You should be right now feeling the excitement, and getting things in order for the commencement exercise. Not only are the graduating seniors feeling it, so are the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, the “village” that’s robbed of seeing and capturing that moment with them. It’s so much to take in.

College seniors: you all have sacrificed and been through so much in your life changing four years. The sweet taste of victory of getting that degree and having the job, based on the major you studied hard for, now seems vague. You can still reflect on the times that was pre-COVID 19, when you partied, studied, spring break trips when you could travel and other fun times. It’s those memories you can cherish, escaping what’s really happening at this given moment.

High school seniors: you all were the ones that were born the year when 9/11 occurred. It seems highly ironic how you were born into something tragic, and now witnessing yet something tragic again. Because of this, making you all miss out on such a once in a lifetime opportunity. In hindsight, you will get to hopefully get this moment back should some of you decided to pursue further education into a college or university.

Pre-K graduates: yes, you, precious little ones. Although you may not be fully aware of what’s happening, parents of preschoolers are feeling a bit emotional that they won’t see their little ones in a cap and gown. They won’t get to cry tears of joy, seeing them sing a theme song, take pictures and videos. I am one of those parents. Being that I am a mother of an autistic child, I am a bit saddened that I won’t get to have that moment with my daughter. She worked so hard to get to where she is now, Kindergarten ready as she’ll ever be. But, there’s no need in crying over spilt milk, as the saying goes.

Now’s the time to be creative and still make the moment special, social distancing edition. Many have submitted their cap and grown photos to news stations, and they’ve been airing it. Hopefully many schools across the country have a drive through graduation, or a virtual graduation. Yes, it won’t be the same as walking across the stage; however, it doesn’t mean we still can’t celebrate you! You did it! You made it! I already have an alternative plan for my little Pre-K graduate set in motion. So, families of a proud graduate, now’s the time for you to get creative and come up with something too, to make the Class of 2020 feel special.

I know you guys will remember this for many years to come. You guys will be the ultimate game changers and will change the world one day. Sky’s the limit. Congratulations!