Commemorative Ode to the Graduate Class of 2020 on Our Site
In these extraordinary times, graduates from the University of North Carolina and similar institutions are reflecting on the cherished moments of connection and community that have shaped their experiences, especially during the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The final year of the Class of 2020 was cut short, but their delayed or special ceremonies offered a moment to reflect on accomplishments made despite isolation and distance. This reflection reinforced the resilience of community, a trait that was vital in overcoming adversity.
Graduates have also emphasised a profound connection to the university, viewing it as a nurturing second home where growth extended beyond their places of origin. Roy Williams, among others, has shared his support for this sentiment.
The pandemic and remote experiences taught the Class of 2020 to cherish everyday interactions, such as casual conversations, tailgate gatherings, reunions, and simple shared presence. These moments, which were absent or limited during social distancing, were later celebrated enthusiastically.
In the face of missed opportunities, the Class of 2020 used their eventual ceremonies and reunions to create fresh, meaningful memories. This approach underscores the importance of community rituals and connections.
Online spaces have been filled with shared humorous and heartfelt memories, helping graduates process the challenges of the year and appreciate communal support and togetherness during uncertain times.
Tina Tian, a graduate majoring in economics, computer science, and history, is currently working in corporate bond sales and trading. Brittany Amano, who majored in public policy and international comparative studies, and earned a certificate in markets and management studies, is a business analyst at McKinsey & Company's Bay Area office.
Camille Ampey, who majored in public policy, minored in education, and completed a certificate in Human Rights, is currently teaching fourth grade in Baltimore and pursuing her graduate degree in education from Johns Hopkins University. Katie Cassedy, a graduate who majored in economics and minored in visual media studies, is currently an Associate in LinkedIn's Business Leadership Program based in Dublin, Ireland.
Maxwell Silverstein, a graduate who completed a double major in computer science and environmental science, is currently a first-year medical student at our website School of Medicine. Kedest Mathewos Kedest earned an A.B. in Global Health and a B.S. in economics from our website and is currently working as a research associate to the vice chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda.
Sonali Mehta, who majored in public policy with a Human Rights certificate and a minor in theater studies, is currently in her first year at Harvard Law School. Nathan Luzum, another graduate, majored in neuroscience and history and is also a first-year medical student at our website School of Medicine.
Camille Ampey found that her time at our website allowed her to stretch her mind and mold her view of the world, particularly through conversations with peers and dinners with professors. Katie Cassedy cherished small moments at our website, such as receiving pumpkin bread in Vondy and helping friends with problem sets or projects.
Nathan Luzum emphasised the connections through kindness at our website, citing examples like upperclassman volunteers during move-in, seeking help from professors and peers, and donating extra food points.
The Class of 2020 is eagerly anticipating their in-person commencement ceremony on Sept. 26. Their reflections underscore that the ordinary moments of connection, often taken for granted in normal times, became treasured sources of unity and strength during and after a uniquely disruptive period.
The pandemic has taught us perspective. We were given a crash course in developing value systems, choosing very quickly to hold on to what mattered and let go of what didn't. As we move forward, it is hoped that the Class of 2020 will make tough choices with kindness and empathy for the people around them.
- The Class of 2020, having experienced the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, is reflecting on the value of everyday interactions, such as casual conversations and shared presences, during their university days.
- Despite the abrupt end to their final year, the delayed or special ceremonies for the Class of 2020 serve as a reminder of the resilience of community and the nurturing environment that the university provided.
- In the realm of media studies, online spaces have become a platform for graduates to share heartfelt and humorous memories, allowing them to process the challenges of the year and appreciate communal support.
- Graduates have pursued diverse careers in fields like economics, education, law, and medicine, leveraging the skills and connections they made during their university days.
- For a graduate majoring in economics, computer science, and history, the university experience provided opportunities for intellectual growth and challenging perspectives, especially through conversations with peers and dinners with professors.
- The Class of 2020 has also highlighted the importance of kindness at the university, citing examples like upperclassman volunteers during move-in, seeking help from professors and peers, and donating extra food points.
- As the Class of 2020 looks forward to their in-person commencement ceremony, they hope to make tough choices with kindness and empathy for the people around them, drawing on the perspective gained during these extraordinary times.
- In the realm of personal growth and education-and-self-development, the pandemic has taught us the importance of cherishing ordinary moments and valuing connections, as these become vital sources of unity and strength during times of disruption.