Starting high school was like being dropped off in the woods with a backpack full of nothing. Ending high school is like flying out with paper wings tied to the mended straps. That’s what I wrote in my Common App essay, anyway.
Ending high school is a little different these days. School is online, clubs are over zoom, and its pajama time all day every day. I liked it at first. I’m an introvert and home is my happy place. For the first few months, I was totally content. But after a while, I started to get lonely. Really lonely. I used to see my friends in person every day, so I was used to not needing to make plans to see them. Now, I can’t see them at all. At least I had my cat, right?
I was taking more classes than ever before and my social interactions were limited to my family. We got closer, but we also drove each other crazy. I remember last October when we all had an argument about scented hand soaps. Really. Mom was sick of buying lavender, I loved lavender, and my little brother wanted sandalwood. My dad stayed out of it. We ended up getting one called ocean breeze.
I got into my dream school last December. I can confidently say that it was the best day of my life. I spent that semester working hard, crafting the perfect essays, trying to get good grades, and having no fun at all. Getting into my dream college made me realize that. I hadn’t felt relaxed or happy in a long time. That’s why I decided to enjoy my last few months of high school, however short. I still try to get good grades, but I also picked up knitting. I still write essays for scholarships, but afterwards, I watch SNL with my dad. Being a student during the Covid pandemic requires balance between work and play. When you’re unhappy, take a break. Let ending high school be like flying out with paper wings tied to the mended straps of your backpack.
Submit your story HERE.
(https://www.virtualcollegecounselors.com/class-of-covid)
Spread your paper wings,
Olivia Porta
C.I.A. (Creative Intern Assistant)
NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study
Class of 2025
