As I’m sure you’re all aware, due to COVID-19, most (if not all) graduation ceremonies have been canceled. As a college senior that was set to graduate in a few days, my heart truly goes out to everyone who’s in the same boat as me. Thus, I’ve decided to write an open letter to the graduating class. I hope you can find some peace as we stand together in solidarity.
Dear Class of 2020,
First and foremost, congratulations! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Hamy Huynh and I go to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Whether or paths have crossed or not, I need to express how incredibly proud I am of each and every one of you for being so strong and resilient as we’ve had to transition to online learning and finished our college careers via “Zoom University.”
My heart sincerely goes out to you, my fellow graduates. Especially to those who are first-generation students like me, for not being able to go across a physical stage and receive our diplomas nor take a million photos with our friends and family members due to social distancing. There’s currently so much uncertainty in the air, but one thing is for sure: Class of 2020, we DESERVE to be celebrated for accomplishing such a HUGE milestone in our lives.
We’ve managed to get through endless hours of studying for exams, attending lectures, completing assignments, and I’ll even admit, shedding a few tears here and there. We’ve worked incredibly hard to earn our college degrees and nothing, not even COVID-19 can take that away from us.
In terms of finding and securing a job after graduation amid COVID-19, something that has made me feel better is knowing that I’m not alone. We have to remember that most people’s careers are on pause right now and not just ours. The graduates of 2020 have a legitimate excuse to be unemployed and from what I’m hearing from recruiters and hiring managers, they want to help us the most. Once this pandemic blows over, there will be a bigger demand for employment and when that happens, Class of 2020, someone will be lucky enough to hire you.
However much this situation sucks, just remember that whatever is meant to be yours, will be yours. So with that in mind, as you submit your last assignments and take your final exams, I wish you the very best.
The Clothing Statement 