Letters: Congratulations, seniors

I want to offer my sincere congratulations to our community’s high school seniors graduating this year. Unquestionably, COVID-19 has reshaped every aspect of our society, and education has been among those impacted the greatest. I recognize that when starting this school year, none of you imagined your final months in high school would conclude in this fashion. Senior year is normally filled with celebrations with classmates, teachers, coaches, and family. That this pandemic robbed you of these is deeply unfortunate. I can only hope that in the years and decades to come, you will be able to look back upon this time as one that shaped your spirit of perseverance and that you will go on to new accomplishments to be celebrated.

Whether graduating during a pandemic or during normal times, one thing is consistent: this event represents turning to a new chapter in your life, of which you are the author. Your destiny now rests in your hands. While you will undoubtedly come across roadblocks individually, your resiliency in the face of these challenges will ultimately determine your success. Recent current events have highlighted other difficulties facing our society, too. As the next generation of leaders, you will have the potential — and frankly, a responsibility — to address the injustices too many in our country face.

No matter your next step, whether education at a college or university, learning a skilled trade (as a painter for 40-plus years I can speak to the value of this path), or directly entering the workforce, be committed to success, but also be flexible. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s the fact life can change on a dime and we have to be able to adapt.

Again, congratulations on reaching this milestone, and best wishes for whatever may come next. The road ahead might not be as clear as any of us would like it to be, but there is plenty of opportunity out there; you just need the determination to find it and the will to grasp it. If I can be helpful along the way, please let me know.

State Rep. Mike Sundin, District 11A, Esko