As freshmen, it was hard to imagine ourselves as the graduating class, the top of the high school food chain. We went to our biology and human geography courses and glorified the seniors that got to sit in the front row at football games, go to prom, participate in senior events and throw their caps in the air at graduation.

And then, it was here. It was 2019, the start of our senior year. We were the class the freshmen were jealous of standing on the rails at the rivalry football game. We were the class that met during almost every advisory to discuss the special things we had earned after the past three years. We were the class that was competing as Warhorses and Arabians for the last time. We were the class that would be graduating high school.

And then, it was gone. Spring break lasted twelve weeks when it was only supposed to be one. At first, we were happy to have a longer needed break from school. But as the extra days turned into weeks, the realization began to set in: we had experienced all of our lasts at school without even knowing it.

Spring athletes participated in their last games at the start of their season. FCCLA presented their Star Event for the last time, despite qualifying for the state competition. FFA members competed in their last Career Development Events last spring instead of this spring. UIL competitors took their last test, wrote their last entry and received their last award at a practice meet instead of at the district, regional or state meet.

Now, we are stuck wondering about our last few moments as seniors. What about prom? What about the scholarship banquet? What about the ice cream social? What about the hobo party? What about the sock hop? What about graduation?

While it is important that we try to keep our heads up and our mentalities positive during this time, we need to keep in mind that it is okay to feel an abundance of emotions as well. It is okay to be sad and upset. It is okay to be frustrated and angry. It is okay to feel scared and disheartened. It is okay to feel.

Still, it is crucial that we remember our successes throughout the past three years at Devine High School. As a class, we had numerous wins; whether they were district championships in sports or academic events, good grades on dreaded assignments or getting through the school day even though we suffered with “senioritis,” we accomplished a lot. We must reflect on what we overcame in the past and choose to remember the good things the class of 2020 was proud to be a part of.

Additionally, we need to keep in mind the future we have ahead of us. As a lot of adults say, “high school is not everything,” and while it may be difficult for us to see this through the current fog of uncertainty in the world, it is key to keep in mind that we have the rest of our lives ahead of us. Now is the time for us to prepare to be college students, full-time workers and adults. Think of it as a miniature gap-year before we head off to be grown-ups. Take advantage of this time to work on self-growth, catch up on the sleep lost due to school schedules and prepare for the real world.

I think I speak for a lot of seniors when I say that we understand the seriousness of the current situation of the world, and in no way are we trying to take away anything from anyone. With that in mind, our difficulties are still prevalent. We lost a part of our teenage timeline due to an uncontrollable circumstance, and there is no one to be mad at or blame.

To underclassmen, community members and others reading this, please reach out to a senior to show them support. And to seniors reading this, I understand how it feels. We will get through this.

I never expected to give advice for dealing with a global pandemic that resulted in us walking on campus the last time without knowing it. To all high school students, my last piece of advice from a senior is to embrace the good, bad and everything in-between because life is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be extraordinary too.