For the past two years, the entire globe has suffered. The physical, mental, and emotional tolls from 2020 and 2021 were significant. These past two “pandemic years” have been incredibly chaotic.             

The class of 2025 has had a particularly difficult start to the school year, having lost almost all of their middle school experience and undergoing a rough transition to high school. Sophie Mercado, a freshman at Wilton High School, speaks about her challenges as a student and athlete.

“I fell behind in a lot of my classes,” Mercado said. 

Many students can relate to Mercado on a personal level. In the very gloomy and dark COVID era, many students lacked effort, ambition, mental strength, and physical endurance to accomplish their schoolwork. Due to the long period of isolation, individuals don’t believe they can sustain the work effort while juggling everything else. 

Like the freshmen class, the class of 2024 had a rocky start to high school as well. Sophomore Maddie O’Neil feels that she was unable to partake in many of the traditional high school experiences others experienced their freshman year.

“I couldn’t see my friends at school and it was just so different going into the school year and not being able to learn like I usually do,” O’Neil said. 

The relaxation and peace of the two week break last March brought many a state of serenity. But look where the world lies today. Complete lockdown was the last thing on many students’ minds, and many kids have experienced significant burnout as a result of this experience. 

O’Neil points out that not being able to see a classmate or study in the same manner as physically being at school, brings many challenges on a variety of levels. 

Apart from the general murkiness that has impacted the Wilton High School community, these unpleasant events have bonded the students closer than ever. A particular mention goes to the senior class of 2022; this group of students have been through it all and still come out on top. Students are involved in a variety of activities and are supportive of each other’s school sports teams and academics. As a result of the loss of regular school traditions, everyone is taking the time to appreciate each day and each other’s company. 

Some students feel that they need to have a quick response to everything. Many kids are concerned about missing out. This is a fairly prevalent worry among teens, particularly in high school. 

One of Wilton’s most loved teachers, Matt Deforest, brings joy, humor, and enthusiasm to his students both through lecture and social connection. Entering his classroom sparks endless joy.

“Well, it’s not necessarily a school tradition, and nobody else knows about this news except for Dr. O’Donnell. We will be bringing back the staff and faculty chili cook-off competition,” Deforest said. “I don’t think students know it existed, but we did it two years in a row and we are excited to bring it back!”

Through the ups and downs that each student or instructor has gone through, there is a brighter side. Every learning encounter in the last year has generated fresh discoveries and thoughts.

Being present in the moment and accepting everything as is, is an incredibly important aspect of life and school. There is always a lesson to be learned and a value to be discovered.