Graphic by Sesame Gaetsaloe/The Choate News
While this unconventional school year has presented challenges for all, it has especially affected the sixth-formers, who entered their final year of high school empty of the expected traditions.
Tilden Jackson ’21 said, “Being a prefect and tutor has been really difficult this year because both require pretty close contact. Prefecting behind a screen is not the same because forming tight bonds and connections is more difficult.”
Jackson added that one of the hardest aspects of being a senior this year was the increased uncertainty. “We never know what is going to happen — so much more than just Covid has caused our schedules to shift. Applying to colleges this year already creates that uncertainty, but with everything else going on, it has been much harder.”
In addition to a modified school year, the pandemic has also led to an unprecedented college admissions season. “I think the most difficult part of being a senior right now in terms of the college process is that we don’t have the opportunity to visit college campuses. It’s scary for a lot of seniors,” said Taylor Mitchell ’21.
Despite the challenges, many members of the Class of 2021 have recognized the silver linings in their current situations. Patrick Finnerty ’21 said, “I knew I would be a day student prefect before senior year started, and I remembered from my freshman year that the prefect meetings wouldn’t have that many people show up — it would be ten-minute talks before everyone went their separate ways. But, now, after being online, my prefect group has really built a strong bond with each other over Zoom.”
Finnerty added, “I’ve also definitely been able to get more involved in some clubs and get to know a lot of different people better since I have more time on my hands with remote learning. Even though it isn’t a year everybody expected, the mindset among a lot of seniors right now is to make the most of our last few months.”
Many seniors who returned to campus for hybrid learning in the fall appreciated the opportunity to be on campus. “The thing I enjoyed the most was being with my friends,” said Justin González Cruz ’21. “Being with them physically really makes a big difference emotionally.”
Other seniors have also tried to take advantage of the unusual chance to stay at home for a much longer period of time. Natarsha Yan ’21 said, “Having lived at Choate for the past three years, I have really enjoyed being home this year as I have been able to spend so much more time with my family.”
As they reflected, several seniors shared words of advice. “To the younger students, my advice would be to prioritize your well-being,” said Jaime Gonzalez ’21. “There will be days where you will feel exhausted or drained, and that’s okay. It happens to everyone. So, take a break and do what you love. Hang out with your buddies, listen to music, read a book, start a Netflix series, or take up a new hobby. The important thing here is that you give yourself some space so you can bounce back stronger.”
Bradley Wang ’21 noted that his Choate experience passed much more quickly than anticipated. He said, “Even though I was told this countless times when I was an underclassmen, I still am surprised at how fast these four years have passed. As Mr. [John] Cobb said, ‘Days pass slow, weeks pass fast, months even faster.’ Before you know it, you’ll be a senior as well.”
Wang added, “Cherish the little moments, whether it be that one night in the dining hall surrounded by friends or the afternoon on Mem Field kicking or throwing around a ball until the sun sets. Those are the little moments that make the Choate experience memorable.”
