Be prepared: the class of 2022’s take on

school during Covid-19

By Lisee Crayton, Reporter

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on highschool students. The class of 2022 was and still is affected by the shutdowns and lack of structure that was an effect of online school. The class of 2022 shares advice for grades below: how to be prepared for the future, seek help when/if needed, and even to know that college is not the only option for the future.

Ella Halvorson-Gould, a senior at VHS, is choosing to go to a community college next year. The 2020-2021 school year was difficult for much of the student body, and Halvorson-Gould was one of the people to feel the effects online school had on her mental and academic health.

“I had to do all of my schoolwork in my room…. so it was really hard,” she said.

Online classes took a toll on her academic progress and ultimately changed the course of her future. Deciding to go to a community college was a hard decision, and was one that was strongly influenced by online schooling through the pandemic.

“I think I would’ve been on track to go to a 4-year college… my grades would’ve been better. I think it would’ve been really different,” Halvorson-Gould said.

Online school ensured that some students did not learn what they should have in their junior year. For such students, senior year is observed to be more of a repeat year than anything else.

“We’re basically re-learning everything we would’ve learned my sophomore year. A lot of people forgot how to be in a learning environment,” Halvorson-Gould said.

Preston Abner, also a member of the VHS class of 2022, decided to alter his post-highschool plans a few months ago. He, too, struggled with online school. The lack of structure made it hard for him to focus.

“Having it (school) all in my room made it almost impossible for me to concentrate. Being online is a very difficult thing to get right… Teachers aren’t able to connect with students as easily. There isn’t a better way to do online classes- it’s really difficult to get them to work,” Abner said.

Online class, while difficult to navigate, also made him realize that college was not the only option to get a high-paying job. He plans to work a full time job and teach parkour in gymnastics gyms. Abner couldn’t see himself graduating college, so decided to break away from the traditional path for one more suited to his needs.

With this information, what should the class of 2023 expect for next year?

“Get your service hours done,” Halvorson-Gould said.

Along with service hours and other graduation requirements, the class of 2023 also should keep on top of their schoolwork, a piece of advice shared by many seniors.

“Get ahead of it- realize that school’s important. Work hard and do your best, because everything counts,” Delila Higuera, class of 2022, said.

Most importantly, the class of 2023 should know that there are always options. A 4-year college might not be the only- or the best- option to ensure happiness. Doing what makes someone happy can ultimately be the most beneficial.

“Everyone navigates adult life differently… I watch my coworkers take gap years or go to community college and it’s so beneficial… you’re going to know what’s best for you,” Halvorson-Gould said.