Victor’s Thoughts: Post #3 — #GraduationTogether

Like millions of other high school seniors graduating in 2020, yesterday, I watched a star-studded graduation special, airing on nearly every major news outlet: Graduation Together. Witnessing my peers share their stories and listening to icons like President Obama subtly take jabs at Donald Trump, my emotions went on a roller coaster, from deep nostalgia (especially seeing the Jonas Brothers perform) to joy looking forward to the next four years in college.

Graduation Together represented a moment for all high school seniors, regardless of background, political ideology, or socioeconomic status, to unite and celebrate the past four years of hard work, persistence, and hardship. Immediately, with the first video showing the progression of our lives, I recalled walking into my high school, with a student body of over 4,000 students, overwhelmed at what was presented before me. I was a small fish in a big pond, weaving my way through the hallways and getting lost while doing so.

However, throughout the video — and the next four years — I took new classes, met new friends, interacted with passionate teachers, survived the college application process, and most importantly, found an identity that loves politics and values meaningful connections. To me, that is what high school is about. As much as the pressures of taking as many AP courses…