Every year I’m so inspired by the teens I get to meet. Today’s youth are smart, kind, humble, energetic and so full of hope and promise. Every Spring I love getting to celebrate the accomplishments of one graduating class and the excitement of meeting the next class.
This year is so different. My Class of 2020 Seniors; your world has changed abruptly. The unknowns are so many, the challenges almost impossible to imagine and hard to comprehend.
I know you are missing out on so many things. Events you have worked for and dreamed of your entire high school career. I’m so sorry things aren’t going the way you expected. As parents, as siblings, as family members and as communities we want you to know this; We HEAR you; We SEE you; and We CELEBRATE you.
I’ve been asked by so many what my thoughts are for the Class of 2020 Seniors and I’ve put together 10 suggestions to make the most of your Senior Year.
1 – Plan the party. We don’t know what will go on with graduation at this time but as your friends and family we want to celebrate your accomplishments. You can always postpone it if you need too. We hope we don’t have to wait until August as we prepare to send you to college but if we do, it’s going to be awesome bash.
2 – Document this time of your life. Start a daily written or video diary. Talk about what you’re feeling, what you are excited about in the future, what your favorite things have been about high school or your growing up years. We want to hear from you. What you have to say is SO valuable. Your family loves to hear your thoughts. Someday your kids and grandkids will treasure reading or hearing your memories.
3 – Get excited about the future. I can’t wait to see what you accomplish in life and we all want to help you succeed. If you don’t know what you want to major be or what type of work you want to do reach out to adults. We’d love to FaceTime or message you about what we’ve gone through in our careers that might help you. If you DO know what direction you’d like to take your career reach out and we’d love to help you fulfill those dreams. Please don’t be embarrassed. There are NO stupid questions and we’ve all been there.
4 – Take a Virtual Tour. Do you know where you are planning to go to school? Check it out more in depth, order a sweatshirt. See what clubs they have, what events they do annually or what traditions are unique to that school. If you don’t know take virtual tours and schedule a visit for later this year.
5 – Revisit an old hobby or start a new one. Did you used to play the piano or guitar? Spend some time playing again. Does Grandma knit or crochet? Jump on FaceTime with her and learn a new skill. Check out YouTube and get more in-depth on something you enjoy.
6 – Cook a new recipe. Your family will be SO impressed if you make something new. It’s a great way to change up the routine during a time when you are bored. It’s always good to have a good date night recipe to impress someone with. This is one of my personal favorites. It's really easy and very flavorful! Feel free to give it a try.
7 – Spend some quality time with your family. I know. We’ve maybe all gotten a little on each others nerves but your younger siblings and your parents are going to miss you more than you realize. Do an at home spa day with a younger sibling, get a board game or a puzzle going. Ask Dad to show you how to do something cool that he’s good at. In just a few short months you’ll be gone. These extra moments are small gifts.
8 – Send a letter. It’s so old school, it’s cool again. It will mean SO much to a special teacher, coach, family member or friend. Over the years I’ve looked back on meaningful letters from people I’ve been close too and I’ve had friends reach out with ones I’ve sent. Even some from from my friends from our high school days and I’ve both laughed and cried from the memories.
9 – Plan a family trip. Maybe it’s just a day trip somewhere close; a weekend to the Cities or Omaha (we had a great time there with a fabulous group of girls last year!); a week in the Hills, Okoboji or Northern Minnesota; or a dream vacation to Hawaii. Work together on exactly where you’d like to go and what you’d like to see. Do some virtual tours to check out the parks and activities in the area. If you book something be sure to get travel insurance.
10 – Smile and get ready to Celebrate. Plan your Cap and Gown session. Schedule a family portrait session. For the first time ever I’m going to do add FREE Formal Prom/Tux sessions for our 2020 and 2021 seniors. These will be in the studio or on location as soon as things get a little safer. We still want to see you dressed up and celebrate your awesome accomplishments. They will be forever documented in the images captured during this time. You will not be forgotten.
Class of 2020. Thank you. For being incredible role models. For being so gracious. For being warriors in a faceless battle.
We cherish you. We are so proud of you. We look forward to CELEBRATING you.
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