High school graduation season has arrived! Graduates and their loved ones have been anticipating this event for years. Yes, years! Graduating from high school is a noteworthy achievement. It is the culmination of thirteen years of commitment and personal growth. It is the hopeful beginning of adulthood. Traditionally, we acknowledge this milestone with a whirlwind of parties, family, friends, gowns, tuxedos, decorations, and that highly anticipated, proud walk across the stage. Memories are built, many of which last a lifetime.
And yet, here we are, in June 2021, still living through a global pandemic. Because of this, something that is very important to many of us has been disrupted. Oh, our young people are still graduating; the milestone will be met. However, the traditions we’ve grown to love and anticipate – the ceremonies and celebrations themselves – all are in disarray. Although there will be variations, the majority of us will experience some type of watered-down version of the events we have been long anticipating. It is now more apparent than ever, that ceremony and celebration are an important part of our cultural framework. They provide us with connection and pleasure, and they are an integral part of a healthy community. Given their importance, the absence of them can feel like a loss. This is a legitimate challenge that 2021 high school graduates and their families are facing.
There will be times during this season, despite the challenges, when we may feel excited, proud, hopeful, and even happy. But we may also feel wistful, confused, frustrated, overwhelmed, sad, and disappointed. It’s ok to feel all of these things. Lean into these feelings. They are valid, authentic, and appropriate. We are simultaneously enjoying an accomplishment and experiencing the loss of a long dreamed celebration. We are feeling all of this on top of an already challenging reality. It’s a lot to manage!
So, how do we make it through? We talk, listen, support, and accept support. We practice patience – with ourselves and with others. We laugh and we cry. We celebrate when we can, how we can. We take our graduates for an impromptu outdoor photoshoot. We order in our favorite dinner and talk about our graduate’s future. We buy the dress anyway. If permitted, we invite small family groups over for a socially distanced, outdoor visit. We take pleasure in the smallest of ideas, things, and experiences. We muddle through the best way we can and if it’s messy, that’s ok. Because despite everything, the milestone has still been achieved. In the words of Elle Woods: “WE DID IT!”.
We at Synergy understand how challenging these times can be. If you are needing further support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are ready and available to help.