Changing Our Narrative Class of 2021
By Dave Devereaux
As we introduce a new generation to life after obtaining a college degree, the question looms of whether they are prepared for the unprecedented responsibilities that follow in a hugely different world after a pandemic. These students have survived the most dramatic events of a generation, while maintaining their studies and braving the possibilities to still hope and dream.
The activities surrounding college life are a distraction, but these young people had to adjust to school life in front of a computer screen while trying to glean some sense of a true experience. The fact that 18 months ago many of them packed their immediate belongings and returned home at the request of the colleges and universities or more importantly their families, is almost inconceivable. The whole idea of college is to experience independence, learn greater socialization skills, and the mastery of their chosen disciplines. Yet these students were shortchanged in the most egregious way.
The pandemic has been a mental health nightmare for these young people. Their inability to socialize and have direct contact with their friends has taken a great toll on them. It left an indelible sense of loneliness and isolation that many young people were not capable of comprehending. From my experience as an educator, young people need socialization to ground them. The statistics are still in, but I would venture to say that there was an increased number of suicidal ideations and attempts due to these factors. Who knows what long term effect the pandemic will have on this generation.
My niece received her Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California and I witnessed first hand the challenges that she and her parents faced due to COVID. But I also saw her resilience and determination to complete her studies and keep a healthy mental state, thanks to her mom, dad and grandmother. In the end, she graduated with honors last week and is working on a plan for beyond USC. She may be an exception to the rule, but she had to maintain zoom classes from her home in Texas and was still responsible for her apartment here in Los Angeles as did many of her peers. Most kids would have been overwhelmed, but she and her friends did quite well at focusing on the issues as they arrived. I cannot express how proud of her and her parents for their continued efforts to focus on the big picture and not get lost in it. I look at it as if she was brave enough to continue with her intended goal without becoming a casualty of circumstances and excuses beyond her control.
My friend Greg received his MBA form The University of Redlands during this pandemic as well. To successfully navigate a Master’s program requires an even higher level of concentration due to the way most postgraduate programs are set up. Without the ability of face to face with advisers, takes away a sense of security that grad students need to proceed with project based ideas. Having to work in groups is always a challenge with learning personalities and other’s work ethics, now toss in the fact that much of the work is done by the individual but put together to create one body of work and you have an even greater challenge. I saw how Greg worked with other students and became frustrated that they were not pulling their weight, but yet expected the grade of the group as if they had put in as much work and time. These behaviors usually are avoided when a person knows they have to be in the presence of the group and they cannot filibuster their participation. He not only mastered his learning, but came away with a greater sense of his own strengths in areas that he may see a need for improvement. I saw how it affected his personality and discovered how incredibly brilliant he is. I would venture to say that he is one of the smartest people I know today. Oh, but I failed to mention that he also works full time for a University and had a double dose of the modified school environment by working and going to school full time. He too chose bravery over bravado by not letting such a daunting task of graduate school and full time work dissuade him from achieving his goal. He began to formulate ideas of what his next steps look like and is honing his skills to offer his talents in an area that will help others as well.
As we look back on 2020 and early 2021, and hope to never experience anything like that again, it has to be acknowledged that there are those who did not let the fear of a pandemic or failure cloud their ambitions. They all exemplified bravery and conviction over intimidation. Many came out of this without the intention of impressing anyone, but with the idea of being accomplished for some higher calling they had set out to achieve. Most graduates that I have spoken to expressed a purpose of being able to give back. Perhaps this pandemic has ushered in a new era of self awareness and change of ideas; one that may take us well into the next decade on a more positive note.
Above all, this group of learners and achievers are far more equipped to handle any emergency interruption that they may be faced with in the future. The adjustments that they have had to operate and function under for the past 18 months have proven their steadfast abilities to adapt under the most strenuous circumstances. If I ever worried about a professional force of people who would be ready to run the world, my concerns have been put to rest.
I wish each and every graduate, whether it is from primary school K12, to undergraduate degree earners to postgraduate degree awardees of Masters and Doctoral levels, the most successful walk into life and careers. The 2020 and 2021 graduates deserve a huge round of applause for persevering and coming out of this safely and sanely. The unimaginable loss and interruption of normalcy that we all have experienced will never be fixed, but the ability to rise above it while maintaining your goals is an accomplishment for the ages. CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! May you all achieve your future endeavors with the same tenacity and fervor that you conquered with this one.
