Lessons from the Class of 2020 - A Letter to You

Dear Class of 2020,

First off, BIG congratulations to all of you graduating seniors (and 8th graders, kinders, and preschoolers too)! Such a huge accomplishment, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.

For many of you, this week should have been filled with all the fun senior activities leading up to Graduation Day.

Alexa - Class of 2020, San Ramon Valley High School
Senior-Portrait-Girl-Danville-CACustom high school senior portrait taken at Oak Hill Park in Danville, California by San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman.

My first reaction was to feel sorry for you. I remember how exciting and fun my last week of Senior year was. Such a special time!

Being a Senior Portrait photographer here in the San Francisco Bay Area, I've had the opportunity to talk with many of you (and your parents) about how you've handled the disappointments.

I have to say, I've been SO impressed by the Class of 2020!

In fact, I think you are handling it better than us parents! We don't always give you enough credit for your resilience and ability to adapt to change because WE want to fix everything. While there's no way to take away the disappointments, most of you have accepted the things you cannot change, and found new ways to celebrate. 

Maddie - Class of 2020, Monte Vista High School

Senior-Portrait-Girl-in-PlaidHigh school senior portrait of a girl dressed in red and black plaid. Taken in Danville, California by San Francisco Bay Area Senior photographer Cheryl Bigman at Hap Magee Ranch Park.

The Class of 2020 Advantage

Always remember that even though it wasn't what you expected, graduating in the Class of 2020 is actually a HUGE advantage. You have learned really important life lessons in a way that no other graduating class has learned.

• How to deal with major disappointment
• How to adjust expectations
• How to adapt to change
• How to persevere through adversity to reach your goals

These lessons will serve you well in college, your future career, and throughout your adult life!

Alysa - Class of 2020, Granada High School

Senior-Portrait-GirlRustic high school senior portrait of a girl under the arch of an old adobe building at Alviso Adobe Park in Pleasanton, California. By San Francisco Bay Area photographer Cheryl Bigman.

While there is still uncertainty about college campuses opening up in the Fall, hopefully you'll all be able to move on to the next chapter in your journeys as planned. I have NO DOUBT that whatever happens, you will adapt just fine. You have already proven your resilience and determination in the face of adversity!
 

So again, BIG congrats!!! I wish you all the very best, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you!

Virtual Hugs,

Cheryl