To the editor:
Resilience is a trait that in life is critical in order to have any success. We must be resilient in the face of adversity in order to grow and become better people.
For most adults, at some point we have needed to show this attribute. Whether we are faced with a death in the family, financial difficulties or even relationship struggles, being resilient is an important character trait that will help us get through these problems. Resilience is learned over time and gained through life experience.
Our students in the Lynn Public Schools (LPS) community have learned resilience over the time of this pandemic. Especially our seniors: The Class of 2021 has had more than its share of struggles. They have, for the most part, had their final year being physically present in their schools, socializing in the cafeteria or in the hallways between classes taken from them.
They have had performances and other extracurricular activities that they had been so looking forward to canceled. Our student-athletes will not get to experience a final traditional Thanksgiving game on the gridiron, a last at bat in the Clancy Tournament, or a final lap in the pool during a traditional city meet. They have lost their proms (both junior and senior). The list goes on and on.
Through it all, though, they have been resilient. This special group of kids throughout our fine city have shared a common experience. One that maybe, in the future, will bond them in a way that many of us will never know.
Ten years from now, when they return to come together from wherever life has brought them, maybe, just maybe they will share a laugh about how this all went down. Maybe they will talk about how the struggle of this year, in the long run, made them better people and citizens of the world.
With graduation coming up and one last time for us to celebrate this special group, let’s do just that. Instead of reminding them of all the things they lost — I’m sure they are well aware — let’s remind them that they, possibly more than any of us, have had to show resilience.
They have learned a valuable life lesson that will carry them into bright and successful futures! So I give my congratulations to the Class of 2021 and I wish them nothing but the best as they begin on the road of life, the road of resilience.
Eric Dugan
Candidate for Lynn School Committee
