Dear Ella:
I found your post “Graduating in a Pandemic” to be relatable because I’m a part of the class of 2021. I know that this virus hit everyone unexpectedly because no one was ready for it. We all just assumed we would be back at school in a few weeks, but that never happened as we are still currently learning through online classes. It’s a weird way of learning because not every student is comfortable with this new learning style in which we have to adapt due to our current situation. Not only do some students find these Zoom classes uncomfortable, but our teachers are also struggling with them. Our first semester is supposed to be just online classes and we are expected to return back in January to school. From this point to our graduation date who knows what’s to come. Who knows if we’ll even return back to school? But like you said we should stay positive and be thankful for what we have right now as we can at least see each other through online classes. Hopefully, things can get better soon and I wish the best for the class of 2020, 2021, and the next upcoming classes. Thank you for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because I like your optimism even through hard times like these.
-Yamile

Dear Ella,

I am discouraged by reading your post, “Graduating in a Pandemic,” because I started senior year online and it has been such a difficult time trying to adjust to this new way of learning. Things have not been the same since this pandemic took place and who knows when it will come to an end. Throughout this whole quarantine, it has been very difficult for me. I had planned my future which was to graduate from East High and attend the University of U in Salt Lake City, Utah. Unfortunately, I have to think of a back up plan just in case if we don’t return back to school.

Something you wrote that stood out to me is: “I realized that being sad will not/can not change the events at hand. What is important is to remember all the good things that happened during my high school experience.” I think this is true because we have to keep moving through the obstacles of life and not dwell on what could’ve happened. I am fortunate that I had so many fun moments with my friends, teachers, and other classmates throughout these past three years. I am hoping that we return back to school at least for a semester and get to live that senior experience.

Thank you for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next, because many graduates and soon to be graduates can relate.

Melissa Aguilar

Dear Ella:

I find your post, “Graduating in a Pandemic” relatable because this senior is something I was looking forward to. I quickly realized at the beginning of this school year, the potential of my graduation being online or not as memorable as it should be is very possible. This pandemic is something that has made many people, especially the youth, realize that the social aspect of going to school and communicating with others face to face, is something that played a great part in their daily lives, but now that daily aspect of their lives is gone. These depressing thoughts have gone through everyone’s mind, so rather than dwelling on such thoughts, many have used the time we’ve had in this pandemic as an opportunity to self improve, develop new hobbies, learn new skills, or grow mentally and physically.

One sentence that caught my eye is: “After all these years spent together, we don’t get to finish it together.” This is heartbreaking to think about, because of all the relationships that we’ve created and the people we’ve stuck by since the beginning of this four-year journey is something that can’t finish the same way it began. I’m fortunate enough to have the ability to communicate with some of the people who I started this journey with.

I truly am grateful for your writing. I’m looking forward to what you have stored for the future. Reading this was refreshing for me because you seem like a relatable person and your writing is very authentic and doesn’t try to sound overindulgent. Keep up the great work!

-Matthew Meza

I really enjoyed how you had both sides of why and why not, that gave a good perspective on you topic about climate change. I loved the way you presented both sides, I do lean towards one side more. I personally think we should teach kids about climate change. But, your research shows a lot of good and reasonable reasons on why we shouldn’t teach it.

Hi Ella, I like your idea about the climate change.
As the growth of the industrail, the climate is becoming worse. With the wildfire of Australia recently and the fire of Amazon forest. It’s even worse. 2020 is a year with horrible beginning, we have to stop the heavy pollution right now.
Here is some thoughts might help you:
https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/