2020 high school graduates speak on post pandemic college graduation

WEST MONROE, La (KTVE/KARD) – In 2020, the world experienced a global pandemic that caused public areas to close or put restrictions in place. Those guidelines made an impact on the graduating class of 2020. Many high school seniors were unable to attend prom, plan a senior trip, or even have a normal graduation.

KTVE/KARD spoke with 2024 college graduates who reflected on their journey during the peak of the pandemic.

I was angry when Covid started. If I’m being completely honest, I was angry. I did not get a prom ever, I didn’t get my real graduation, I didn’t get a chance to say bye to so many people that I didn’t get to see again because we all left for college finally at the end of the summer. Like I said, it taught me a lot of valuable lessons, I changed within myself going through it and I’m grateful for it.

Nariah Matthews, 2024 Louisiana Tech University Graduate

Another graduate spoke on what it means to have a proper graduation this spring in a normal environment and how it differed from completing high school during a period of isolation.

We did get to do a high school graduation, but it was outside with just the graduates and our parents. So my family got to watch on like a live stream or whatever, but graduating this year from ULM has literally been everything and more. It was awesome to just like see everyone in there celebrating one another.

Kylie Lebas, 2024 University of Louisiana Monroe Graduate

Both graduates also detailed how they felt their unique college experience impacted and prepared them for the transition into the workforce.

I think it’s beneficial going into the workforce because yea I don’t know what the future lies. If you would have ask me ten years ago what covid was, if I believed there was going to be an epidemic or pandemic or something like that, I would have been like no we’re fine we’re cool and then it happened and then I was by myself and I was able to handle it.

Nariah Matthews, 2024 Louisiana Tech University Graduate

I am 100% ready to jump in. I’m actually taking a gap year to study for the MCAT and shadow different doctors and everything like that cause I want to apply to medical school. But I’m super excited to get in there and see what it’s all about.

Kylie Lebas, 2024 University of Louisiana Monroe Graduate

The graduating class of 2024 is the first class that began their college career during the spread of the coronavirus. KTVE/KARD would like to say congratulations to all of this years graduates!