Dear Seniors,

Alexa Halpern, Editor|March 31, 2020

Dear Seniors,

I don’t know how many of these “inspiring” letters you’ve read already. I don’t know how many articles your mom saw on Facebook and went to show you. I don’t know how many people have reposted videos on Instagram and Snapchat and, out of boredom, you watched. I don’t know. Just like I don’t know when this craze will end. I don’t know how many days of school we’ll miss, or what the end of this semester will look like, or whether or not toilet paper will stop being hoarded.

I don’t know.

Isn’t that what this whole scenario feels like? A big “I don’t know.” No one seems to know anything right now—not the doctors, the government, the scientists, or anyone. That might be the most frustrating part.

This was supposed to be our year. We were looking forward to prom and graduation. We were aching to play our last performances and participate in our last games, meets, and rallies. We’ve seen so many students before us experience all this and more, but once it was our turn, it was ripped away from us.

You’ve heard all this before. Well, unlike those other articles you’ve read and videos you’ve watched, that is not what this is.

For those who need to laugh:

I’ve compiled several memes for you. If there’s one good thing that came out of the coronavirus, it’s the memes. Humor is a great way to cope, and I say that you should milk it.

Don’t like the ones I’ve chosen? There are thousands more online! Check your favorite social media page, and you’ll have enough memes to last you until the end of quarantine.

For those who need to cry:

Do it. Cry big, ugly, crocodile tears. No one can blame you. Cry until you have no more tears left, and just when you think you’re done, cry some more. No one is here to see you cry, and even if they saw, no one would stop you anyway.

According to a Time article called “The Science of Crying,” there are several theories as to why humans cry. Some scientists believe that tears trigger social bonding and human connection. Others have found evidence that “emotional tears are chemically different than the ones people shed while chopping onions—which may help explain why crying sends such a strong emotional signal to others. In addition to the enzymes, lipids, metabolites, and electrolytes that make up tears, emotional tears contain more protein.”

Whatever the reason is, it feels good to cry.

So let it out.

For those who need to rant:

One of the best things you can do right now is talk to your friends, and I’m sure they’re just as angry as you are. Right now, talk to them. Rant to them. Your mental health will thank you for it.

“But Alexa…we’re social distancing right now, remember?”

Of course, I remember! You know what else I remember? That this is an online newspaper, and whatever device you’re using right now to read this (whether that’s a phone, laptop, or tablet) can also be used to contact your friends.

Social media, Facetime/Skype, texts, emails, and phone calls all exist. If you don’t have Internet at your house, write a letter! Not only will it help you get out your emotions, but it reminds your friends that you’re still thinking about them, that you care, and that you miss them.

Talk to your friends! They need you just as much as you need them.

For those who need a distraction:

You have so much free time right now. Don’t lie. I know you do. Now is the perfect time to complete some of those old New Years Resolutions that you promised yourself you’d follow. Who cares if you’re a few months late? Better late than never!

Work out! Just because the gyms are closed doesn’t mean that you can’t work out at home. Do some squats, sit ups, or push ups on your bedroom floor. Do some jumping jacks or go for a run. This is especially helpful if you’re feeling depressed. According to Harvard, exercise can be just as effective as medications when fighting depression.

If you don’t like that option, learn a new language! Duolingo is a free platform that can teach you a language. There’s a website and an app, so whatever your needs are, Duolingo has you covered! Plus, there are over thirty languages for you to choose from!

Another idea is to learn to play an instrument. Some people have an old piano or guitar at their house. Look up some lessons on YouTube and try to learn a new skill. Maybe one of your family members was in band. Ask for a quick lesson. Who knows? Maybe you’ll like it more than you think!

It’s springtime, meaning all the plants are growing and flowers are blossoming. Get into gardening!

Read a book! Even if you don’t have any at home, you can find books online (eBooks and PDFs).

There are so many ways to be productive while simultaneously receiving that distraction. You have so much time on your hands, so now is the best time to try something new.

For those who need to punch something:

Okay, suit yourself. Get out that anger. I’d highly suggest punching those pillows you’ve got scattered around your house, the ones on the beds and couches. I mean, if you need to be violent, you may as well be productive and fluff up the pillows while you’re at it.

Just don’t break anything and don’t hurt anyone. Keep your fists SOLELY on the pillows.

Dear Seniors,

I know this is dreadful. There was so much you wanted to do, and now, it seems like you can’t do any of it. However, keep in mind that there are so many silver linings!

You can wake up later.
You have an hour and a half for lunch instead of just thirty minutes (including standing in line).
School ends earlier.
You can stay in your pajamas all day.
Washing your hair daily? What’s that?
Some teachers record their lessons. If you don’t understand it, you can rewind the video and watch it again.
AP tests are way shorter and less time-consuming than they usually are.
We WILL have a prom.
We WILL have a graduation.
Cunningham keeps posting bad dad jokes, which she doesn’t do any other time of the year.