Overcoming adversity is a lifetime gift

June 3, 2020

Soaring above a global crisis

The world changed in March – and one group uniquely affected was the high school graduating Class of 2020. In a moment’s notice, it seemed, Catholic high schools closed their physical campuses as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, sending thousands of students home to begin online classes.

For the seniors of the 22 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the final two months of their high school lives were turned upside down. But the amazing thing is how God worked quietly through this crisis. Over the next several pages, see how the Quarantine Class of 2020 used the support of their parents, teachers and faith to shine despite difficult circumstances. The Clarion Herald asked seniors to reflect on how they used their time of quarantine and handled the challenges of a global pandemic during one of the milestone moments of their lives.

Get ready to be inspired!

David Michael Ker III, St. Augustine High

My experience during COVID-19 distance learning has been a rather difficult and tedious one. Remote learning requires much more self-discipline and time management.

It may seem effortless because all you have to do is submit assignments online. However, you have to deal with continuous tasks without the assistance of your teachers. If you have a poor internet connection, it can make learning much harder.

Personally, my biggest challenge has been managing my assignments. It is easy to maintain good grades when you are at school, taking classes one by one and having work assigned to you in each class period.

But at home, all of your assignments come at once, and there is usually more than one assignment per class. When all of your assignments are due simultaneously, it can be stressful to stay focused and determined.

Throughout my adolescence, I have been taught the theological and cardinal virtues. My faith, hope, love, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance have aided me in becoming a young man who overcomes adversity. My faith has kept me motivated to complete my assignments and graduate.

I have been a student at St. Augustine High School since sixth grade, and I refuse to let a virus and its effects stop me from graduating. I worked through seven long years to get to where I am today, and through my faith, I will stay just as motivated in my future endeavors.

I’ve seen many different courses of action throughout this pandemic. I’ve witnessed people protest a virus; I’ve seen the top 1% of this country grow in wealth; and I’ve viewed countless other negative actions in our world.

Yet, I continually see hope. I see hope through our essential workers who put their health and well-being on the line for others. I see hope in nonprofit organizations that are determined to ensure that those less fortunate or disabled can still receive food.

In the heart of negativity, I can see hope shining like a star.
Michelle Obama once said, “You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.”

We should not view this pandemic as a disadvantage. Instead, we should see it as an opportunity to help a family, friend or someone in need. It is a chance to halt the chaos of life and be a beacon of hope for those in your community.

Finally, it is a chance to spread God’s love to one another through our actions and words.