Hello Class of 2020, Your year, 2020 will become one of those points in time that all the world will relate to as a demarkation of memory and how the world was before and after this moment. I know, not having the big celebration day (or week for that matter) is a huge disappointment for you. But honestly the details of that week will fade over time, but what won’t fade is the possible impact each of you individually, and you all collectively, as a class can make on how all this pans out.
You are the scientists, leaders, economists, writers, caregivers, artists and innovators of the future. You can lead us and harness this pandemic to bend the arc of history to a great next chapter. When in history did the whole world, all at once experience the same challenge at the very same moment in time? When more than now can empathy be harnessed or the idea of wholesale change change be so doable? How about a shelter in place a week a month? Or a month a year? Or if another pandemic hits how fast can society be mobilized, or new therapies disseminated. How will this impact climate? healthcare delivery? the flow of goods and services? fashion? exercise? endless categories ripe for innovation and change management.
You have been invited to lead radical change. This is a GIFT to your class. You are the next “greatest” generation. Rev your engines, we are pulling for you!
-Jodi A.