Like high school seniors across the country, I’m disappointed and sad that I don’t have the chance to complete my senior year with my classmates and teachers.
The novel “fun” of being at home has ended. I would rather be at school, doing what most seniors do during the final weeks of high school. Our class will miss out on college signing night, a scavenger hunt downtown, senior night and prom. I’m sad to miss these moments, since the few friends I have are going to be moving away to school outside Chicago. I honestly just wanted a normal senior year.
Graduation is something we look forward to, and it feels like others don’t understand its importance to us. The Class of 2020 won’t get to celebrate with our friends and families. Unfortunately, the pandemic will be what people remember — not our hard work and success.
During this time, internet access is super important. It allows us to stay connected, learn outside the classroom, and, when possible, celebrate with our classmates.
The mayor has announced that we’re having a citywide “virtual” graduation, but people who don’t have internet access will feel very disconnected, not able to attend something meant to help them feel appreciated. Internet access is important, for this event in particular and also in general.
Evelyn Mendoza, Back of the Yards
Read Evelyn's Letter to the Editor in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Learn more about Chicago's digital divide in our issue brief, and sign up to get involved.
Parent Leader Reflection, Jose Quiles
Jose, a K1C parent champion, reflects on a lifetime of working with families, immigrants, and young people — finding that true fulfillment was never found in titles or recognition, but in the quiet, lasting transformation of those he served. Rooted in faith, his legacy lives on in every life that moved forward because someone chose to stop and help them rise.
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