York Catholic Senior, Ariyanna Fisher, wrote the following essay that was printed in the York Daily Record today:
My grandpa was diagnosed with skin cancer. He was always out working in the sun and developed it on his ears. The cancer was cut off, but he continued to work outside. Continued to go out in the sun and work for hours. He had to wear a ridiculously big hat.
I joked with him saying, "you're risking everything out there old man. I don't want you to die on me yet."
One day, he stopped and really looked at me and then replied,"I refuse to leave this earth until the day I see you graduate. And until then I will be here." That day I didn't really stop and think about the what if's. I'm not completely sure he remembers saying it, but I do. That was years ago but I can still see the expression on his face; I can still hear his voice.
It is 5:24 am on March 31st, 2020. The world is in the midst of a pandemic-- the Coronavirus. It has killed thousands of people. It has shut down businesses. It has paused the entire world. It has caused panic in the hearts of billions. It has made everyone fear the unknown.
No one knows how to cure the virus or tame its spread. No one knows when they might cross paths with it as it lies dormant. No one knows how many more lives it will take. No one knows when their favorite stores or restaurants will open again. No one knows when grocery stores will be able to keep even basic products from flying off of the shelves. No one knows if in a few weeks they will be employed and able to pay their bills. No one knows anything right now.
I am a high school senior of the class of 2020.
I have known no personal loss from the virus.
I have no bills to pay.
I have no children to take care of.
I have no business to keep alive.
I have no health issues.
I do not have the Coronavirus.
Though I am so different from so many of the people suffering under those burdens, we share much in common:
I too have felt heartbreak because of this pandemic.
I too have felt powerless in the world around me.
I too have felt panic because of what I hear in the media.
I too have felt pain because of loss.
I too have cried tears of pain and rage.
I too fear the unknown.
Many have called the seniors of the class of 2020 selfish, inconsiderate, and heartless, because of what we consider our loss.
Maybe it seems ridiculous to other people who are not walking in our shoes. Maybe it seems as if we are disrespectful. Maybe it seems as if we are simply teenagers whining about one day.
But it is not just one day.
It is not just about graduation.
It is not just about senior year.
It is about twelve years of our lives:
Twelve years of learning, friendship, growth, and discovery.
Twelve years of sweat, blood, tears, and uphill climbs.
Twelve years of mistakes, failures, and success.
Twelve years of meeting people who shaped our lives.
Twelve years of growing into who we are as young adults.
Twelve years to reach this pinnacle.
One last year to say goodbye to the last twelve.
It was 67 days till graduation on March 13, the last day we were in school.
It should have been one week of preparation and final festivities in May.
It should have been one day that would change our lives on May 19.
It would have been one moment for 96 seniors-- one that would mean nothing to anyone not connected to our lives, but everything to us.
It would have been the award's ceremony where we would celebrate our fellow classmates' successes.
It would have been the senior breakfast where we would laugh with friends and family while sharing one last meal together as a class.
It would have been the Baccalaureate Mass where we would come together as a faith community one last time.
It would have been the day of graduation where we would take our final walk as high school students.
It would have formally marked the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.
It should have been the day we would see our parents to let them know everything they have done for us has paid off.
It should have been the day we would thank our teachers for pushing us to be more than average.
It should have been the day we would embrace classmates who grew up alongside us, some of them for the last time.
It should have been the day we would celebrate the past and the promise of what the future would bring.
It was going to be the day my grandpa lived to see.
To the class of 2020:
Do not lose hope.
To my grandpa:
Though I still have hope that day might still come, I know it might not. Regardless, thank you for sticking by my side. You're my hero.
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