By Cheryl Smith
It’s hard to imagine what members of the Class of 2022 are feeling.
And that was also pretty much the case with the members of the Class of 2020 and 2021 who were not forewarned that a time they were working toward was going to be drastically altered, disrupted and many elements totally voided.
No one could prepare them because so few if any were around for previous pandemics. And no other pandemics were quite as devastating, but if they were, folks didn’t know because there were no televisions or telephones; you just had “tell a friend.”
Today, depending on your status and fan base, telling a friend could equate to telling millions, thanks to social media. It’s kind of hard to tell the Class of 2022 that “this too shall pass.”
They are living in the here and now where there is plenty of despair and sadness to go around.
That is if we let it.
Instead we must be positive. We have to support each other without being overindulgent. After all, we see what happens when we overindulge. We must also provide encouragement and exhibit resilience.
I only hope that this pandemic will be the worst pain and suffering that they all endure. With that in mind, though, they have to be equipped with survival tools: mentally, financially, emotionally and physically.
We’re trying to get through this together. It would be so great however if this class could be known for ushering in a period of love because we have definitely had enough hate for an eternity.
Go forth class of 2022, with love, respect, compassion, justice and faith. Work hard. Lift as you climb. Dispense with the sense of entitlement and sometimes disrespect. Learn better, know better and do better. Lastly, bring receipts! Don’t come to the table talking about what you need and you don’t have anything to offer. Those days are over. Being a responsible adult looks entirely different.
Congrats and best wishes!
