Change in routine set me up for college

Soaring above a global crisis

The world changed in March – and one group uniquely affected was the high school graduating Class of 2020. In a moment’s notice, it seemed, Catholic high schools closed their physical campuses as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, sending thousands of students home to begin online classes.

For the seniors of the 22 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the final two months of their high school lives were turned upside down. But the amazing thing is how God worked quietly through this crisis. Over the next several pages, see how the Quarantine Class of 2020 used the support of their parents, teachers and faith to shine despite difficult circumstances. The Clarion Herald asked seniors to reflect on how they used their time of quarantine and handled the challenges of a global pandemic during one of the milestone moments of their lives.

Get ready to be inspired!

Bryce Pellegrin, Brother Martin High

Having just returned from the Mardi Gras break of my senior year, I was excited. Like many Crusader seniors, I realized we were nearing the end of our senior year and beginning to count down the days until the end of school.

Two weeks after returning from the Mardi Gras break, the lockdown began for COVID-19, and, for the remainder of senior year, the Class of 2020 would spend it in our homes.

During the lockdown, I quickly learned to adjust to the new, online learning process with help from the Brother Martin teachers. It was a learning process for both sides. From trying to join a conference online for the first time to using a new recording system for class presentations, it demanded a quick learning curve. However, Brother Martin’s teachers spent hours of time over many days helping us adjust to the new online systems.

Through this crisis, I’ve learned about time management and initiative. At home, it’s much harder for teachers to hold students accountable for turning in work on time, for working on projects and for staying active. In the lockdown, I’ve learned how to focus on my work and push away unnecessary distractions.

Also, I’ve learned to take initiative and be more active and productive on my own. Both of these lessons have made me stronger and have prepared me for college, where I am certain to face similar challenges that will make these skills useful.

Finally, this crisis prepared me for my future. Next year, I am joining the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, and this lockdown has provided me with more time to exercise and prepare for my “fish year.” I’ve been able to exercise every day and prepare myself for the challenges ahead of me, physically and mentally.

However, perhaps more importantly, over the past six years, Brother Martin has prepared me for my future, and its impact has never been more apparent than now. Brother Martin first taught me how to take initiative, how to hold myself accountable, how to take responsibility and how to make a life.

Regardless of how my senior year ended, the time I’ve spent, the people I’ve met, the clubs I’ve joined and the joys I’ve had being a Crusader at Brother Martin far outweigh anything that this lockdown could bring.