Dear Students,
If I had realized that Friday in March was the final day I would see you in person, I would have embraced those last 46 minutes with you in a completely different way. Rather than rushing to gather textbooks, collect rubrics, and anxiously prepare for what I thought would be just a short hiatus, I would have shared something much more meaningful.
You are embarking on a significant journey into high school, a pivotal moment in your young lives, all while navigating a global crisis that even the brightest minds struggle to comprehend. When you left that Friday, filled with excitement for what seemed like a well-deserved break, little did you know that life as you knew it would change dramatically. It was as if the tablecloth had been yanked away, leaving the essential parts of your world intact—your family, your home, and your school-issued iPad—yet a vital layer of your life vanished.
Unlike previous graduating classes, you won’t have the traditional ceremony with the celebratory outfits, caps, and handshakes. You missed out on the chance to acclimate to high school, participate in spring sports, enjoy gatherings with friends, or celebrate the end of your 8th grade year in the way you deserved. You also face an uncertain future, a daunting reality that weighs heavily on us all.
Had I known that Friday would be our last face-to-face interaction, I would have emphasized how crucial your perspectives and creativity are in this challenging time. I’ve seen your resilience, humor, and compassion shine through in your writing and insights, and I am confident you will play a vital role in shaping a brighter future. You will adapt and rise to the occasion, leading the way for your generation in ways we can’t yet imagine.
If I had known, I would have held onto those handouts and notebooks you didn’t need, and I would have reminded you of your remarkable strength and intelligence. I would have encouraged you to seize every moment of your childhood, to relish one last joyful experience in your familiar world.
If only I had known.
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Summary:
In this heartfelt letter, a teacher reflects on the unexpected end of in-person learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She expresses her regrets about not being able to properly say goodbye and encourages her students to embrace their resilience and creativity as they move forward into high school during these uncertain times.