Rediscovered my family, joys of life

June 6, 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!

Sean Hightower, St. Paul's School

For all the times I wished I would just graduate high school already, I now find myself pining for just a few more days at my school home for the last five years.

After five years of having last-minute study sessions in the library; walking, barely awake, through campus at 7 a.m. to consult with a teacher; and not getting home until late at night due to numerous extracurriculars, the conclusion of my high school experience has been hijacked by online classes and video calls.

Although the new way of educating during the COVID-19 pandemic gets the job done, it lacks the personal connection that I have grown so used to at a place like St. Paul’s School in Covington.

This separation from society has given me a newfound appreciation for gathering at school. The constant attachment to a computer screen for hours at a time, completing assignment after assignment, has proven to be discouraging and monotonous.

However, there is a bright side to all of this, at least for those willing and able to capitalize on their opportunities.

The stay-at-home and social-distancing orders have given many people time to do things they never could have done otherwise.

For example, two of my siblings would be in college right now, but since they are home, we are able to spend time together watching movies, playing board games and just talking about life. Spending this time with my family has been a blessing because we are all growing up and heading our separate ways, so the opportunity might not happen again for a few more months together.

I have also used this time for self-reflection and improvement. I have started every day with a prayer, keeping my faith alive while we are not able to attend Mass.

Staying at home with my family has been perhaps a bigger challenge than living out my faith in the community, but patience and prayer have been crucial in maintaining healthy relationships with my siblings and parents.

In addition to my faith life, I have used this time to expand my hobbies and everyday activities. During the first week of quarantine, I started running almost every day. The time I spend running each day allows me to clear my head and stay in shape, despite the circumstances.

Trying to find ways to fill my time, I also rode my bike down the street recently for the first time in years, and I decided that I wanted to go on more bike rides. I took time watching YouTube videos and struggled to fix our bikes to get them working again. Now, my brothers and I ride them every day through the neighborhood.

It is things like watching movies with my siblings, running and riding bikes again that bring me hope during this time, and I plan to continue these habits as best I can after the quarantine.