5 Ways to Support Graduating Seniors During the Pandemic
No one is immune to the devastating impact of COVID-19 as it ripples across the country. The effects seem to be endless, with people completely transforming their daily lives into a “new normal”. One group of people that has been frequently mentioned is the high school graduating class of 2020. While there is no good time for a pandemic, the graduating seniors likely find the timing of the coronavirus outbreak to be particularly inconvenient.
Some may minimize the losses these seniors are facing, in comparison to people who are facing job loss, homelessness, illness, or even death, but the feelings the seniors are experiencing are real and legitimate. They are missing out on once-in-a-lifetime events that they have anticipated for many years- prom, graduation, special senior functions, their remaining time with high school friends, the last opportunities to prepare for college, their final extracurricular events- their chance to be team captain, or direct a play, or perform a solo, or be president of their club. They walked out of their high school one day without even realizing that they would not return as a student.
While it is necessary to continue to follow government protocols and recommendations for the safety and well-being of all people, including the graduating seniors, here’s some ways that you can support them through this challenging time.
Allow them to grieve and have space for their emotions. Acknowledge and validate their loss. Normalize their feelings- anger, anxiety, sadness, grief, frustration, even relief- they’re all normal, and it is okay to feel them, even when other people might be “suffering more”. Allow them to process the loss at their own pace.
Plan to celebrate at a later time. For cancelled events such as prom or graduation, make a plan to celebrate later when it is completely safe to do so.
Do something special to mark the occasion. Plan something for the day of a cancelled special event. While it won’t make up for the actual event, it allows for an acknowledgement of the loss and recognition of how special it is. Have loved ones send cards or letters. Create a photo collage or video. Arrange for family and friends to drive by with signs. Plan a video chat with family and friends. Film a silly video in cap and gown or in prom attire. Organize a neighborhood parade (with everyone staying in their own yards). Have fun with it and be creative!
Ask them how you can best support them. Do they need to talk about it? Do they need some space? What could help them the most during this time? They might not have an answer right away, but give them some time to think about it. This allows them to have a voice and gives them the opportunity to evaluate their needs.
Encourage them to practice self-care. Self-care is important for everyone during the pandemic, as it can help reduce the negative effects of stress and increase positive emotions. Some of the graduating seniors may have never faced a serious loss, or may lack the coping skills to handle the stressful circumstances. Model healthy self-care behaviors and encourage them to find self-care behaviors that work for them. Check out my previous blog post on Self-Care During the Coronavirus Outbreak.
What are ways that you’re supporting the graduating seniors in your life? Share your ideas in the comments!
Sending strength, support, and peace to the Class of 2020.
This post is dedicated to my cousin Kaitlyn, a senior graduating from Johnson High School. I’m so proud of you!
