Virus could never curtail ‘sisterhood’

June 10, 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!

Mea Morrell, Cabrini High

My experience with distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic was not a negative one; it was just something I’m not used to.

My biggest challenge having to transition to online learning was not being in the classroom with my classmates and teachers.

In the classroom, I am the type of student who likes to interact and be very present with what is going on. So, it was hard transitioning to me being by myself in a comfortable space in my house doing schoolwork. In senior year, especially, a lot of my classes were discussion-based. It was difficult having to put my thoughts into words for assignments when I would usually just say what came to mind about the daily topic we were discussing.

Faith has gotten me through this difficult time because, at the end of the day, I realized God has a greater plan that we do not know. There have been times when I have felt overwhelmed by the changes brought on by COVID-19. Prayer helped me calm down and regroup. Keeping positivity and strong faith was important because the pandemic affected some part of everyone’s life. It was all about keeping perspective and praying that better days are ahead as hard as times may be currently.

This crisis has taught me a lot of things – the most important being to truly enjoy the good times in our lives, to not take the little things for granted, to keep a good sense of faith and to appreciate all the things we have in our lives, big or small, because life as you know it can change in an instant.

I will now cherish all the memories I made in high school and future memories 100% more than I do because I know the true value of them. I have learned very quickly that time waits for no one, so savor everything in the moment.

This crisis gave me a new sense of strength within myself because I learned to overcome any adversity that comes my way.

The situation the Class of 2020 is facing is far from ideal. I now truly realize life sometimes takes unexpected turns, but I know that I will be able to adapt any situation.

No matter what, this virus can never and will never take away the sisterhood, love, friendships and memories my Cabrini sisters and I shared together during the past five years.

I am excited about my future, going to college and truly starting my life. I am one step closer to achieving all the goals I have set forth for myself. Although I will miss the Cabrini High School community immensely, I am ready to start fresh, make new memories and see what my future has in store for me.