If I had known last March what I know now, rest be assured that I currently would be rolling in cash. My college education would be fully funded from well-timed investments in Zoom and Moderna stock. Unfortunately, all those jokes made last January at the start of the New Year about no one having 20/20 vision turned out to hit a little too close to home.
Over the past year, everyone was challenged in some way by the pandemic. Swaths of social life and serious events were cancelled in the blink of an eye. Students and teachers had to make an abrupt pivot to online learning. Summer plans were wiped away. And for Grimsley students, online learning has continued through the first semester and it seems likely that our proposed return to in-person classes will be pushed back yet again.
But despite the at times endless setbacks, Grimsley students have found new ways to keep connected, give back to our community, and grow as people. What makes Grimsley the school it is has always been the people, and you'll be hard-pressed to find any place with a more committed, accomplished student body. To highlight some of our peers' quarantined accomplishments and successes, I reached out to Grimsley students to hear about the positives that emerged in their lives over the past year.
Charlotte Van Shaack (Class of 2021)
What was an important experience you had in 2020? What did you learn from it?
In February, I laid under a piano with my mom and some friends. The pianist played Clare de Lune, and as I felt the music in my chest, I felt like I was seeing my life flash before my eyes. Earlier in the day, I had received some very bad news, but those few minutes under the piano took away from the distress. I felt like it taught me the beauty of the small moments. Sometimes the seemingly simplest of things can bring you much needed joy when in a cloud of sorrow.
What’s the best thing to come out of this year? How come?
The best thing to happen for me personally this year was that I grew much closer with a group of friends from my sophomore year whom I had not seen much during junior year. We started texting again and watching movies together online. The connection between us all just became so much stronger than ever before.
Nico Gleason (Class of 2021)
What was an important experience you had in 2020? What did you learn from it?
Being able to learn more and read more was really transformative. Some books I enjoyed were Viral by Anne Cassbaum; When We Fight, We Win by Greg Jobin-Leeds; Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis; and Blood and Money by David McNally.
What’s the best thing to come out of this year? How come?
I think the best thing to come out of this year was how the pandemic peeled back the curtain on our societal failures and has opened the door to solving those systemic issues.
Ayemhenre Isikhuemhen (Class of 2024)
What was an important experience you had in 2020? What did you learn from it?
After a personal falling out with myself, I learned how to master my desires and problems as a person while learning about the gray areas around circumstance and interpersonal relationships.
What’s the best thing to come out of this year? How come?
The best thing to come from this year is the refinement of projects like the PPM system and infrastructure plans. I also started the creation of an interesting book.
Isaiah Sellers (Class of 2021)
What was an important experience you had in 2020? What did you learn from it?
The best experience I had in 2020 was when me and my family got together and just fellowshipped for most of the day. We laughed, played games, and just enjoyed each other’s company. I learned that family is actually important, and having a good time with those I love helps relieve mental stress.
What’s the best thing to come out of this year? How come?
The best thing to come out of this year was my personal growth. I learned a lot of lessons and also gained a lot of determination. I’ve had this hard working mindset since COVID took a toll on my life and have learned a lot from keeping it.
Sachi Rego (Class of 2022)
What was an important experience you had in 2020? What did you learn from it?
We need to love and appreciate all the things our body does for us. If you want to change, change to make yourself stronger, not to conform to diet cultures and standards of beauty. Nourish your body, and take care of yourself.
What’s the best thing to come out of this year? How come?
I think I’ve had the chance to experience some bad decisions I’ve made and to understand them. I now have a deeper connection with myself and family members too.
Emily McReynolds (Class of 2021)
What was an important experience you had in 2020? What did you learn from it?
An important experience I had in 2020 was picking up a new extracurricular activity with Girls Love Mail. Through this organization, I’ve made handmade cards to send to breast cancer patients. Even though I haven’t directly met the women, it’s been such an inspiring experience during these unprecedented times.
What’s the best thing to come out of this year? How come?
I think the best thing to come out of this year is the COVID-19 vaccine, for sure! It’s also been comforting to know that everyone is--to some extent--going through the same thing. On a non-pandemic note, I’ve been so excited to have finished my IB Extended Essay and college applications!
Maia Barrow (Class of 2022)
What was an important experience you had in 2020? What did you learn from it?
My most important experience in 2020 was becoming the Lead Graphics Producer for my church’s presentations. I’ve learned a lot about creating graphics and animations in the short-term and about the significance of spontaneously stepping into the unknown in regards to the long-term. As someone who’s always wanted to be perfect and plan everything ahead, having an experience like that where I had no idea what I was doing--but kept doing it and getting better--made me realize that the best things in life are pursued by opportunity, not written out by premonition.
What’s the best thing to come out of this year? How come?
The best thing to come out of this year is probably my license! I sucked at driving during Driver’s Education while getting my permit, and then I refused to drive with it for the longest time. Eventually, once a few of my friends got their own licenses, I decided to face my fears, and now I’m able to drive on my own!
Mallie Roley (Class of 2021)
What was an important experience you had in 2020? What did you learn from it?
I connected with the Distinguished Young Women of North Carolina Class of 2021. Even in a time of immense isolation, people are finding new ways to connect. It’s been fun to be able to connect with these girls virtually!
What’s the best thing to come out of this year? How come?
The best thing to happen this year was hearing Mr. Post read Harry Potter to our class in a Scottish accent!
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