Teens show maturity beyond years

Our youth — children and teenagers — are expected to take cues from the adults in their lives.

Maybe it should be the other way around.

Students from preschool through college have been dealt a difficult hand this year.

Their schools were shut down in March. Classes were moved online. Sports seasons, art exhibits, concerts, plays and a variety of other events have been canceled.

The summer band season is over before it began.

Prom has been postponed. Plans are being made for a graduation ceremony that will be far different from what is customary.

Yet, here are some of the thoughts Jay County youth have shared over the course of the week:

“At first I was really upset about it because I kind of felt like we were entitled to have a prom and a regular commencement. And I just felt like the odds were against us and it was something that was very unfair to us. But I took some time to think about it, and it made me appreciate the senior class and the people I have been around my whole life way more than I think I would have if this didn’t happen. So, it’s definitely been an adjustment, but it’s one that I think there is a lot of positivity to come from it.” — Jay County High School senior student council representative Mikele Suman on the changes to her senior year

“It’s been hard. There’s definitely not a sense of closure. It feels like we’re running into the next chapter of our lives without having the final moments that we were all kind of looking forward to. But I think our class has done pretty well. We have an understanding that the world is hurting right now, not just us. This is just a side effect of everything that’s happening.” — JCHS senior class president Devan Bennett on the school closure

“I kind of saw it coming. I didn’t really want to believe it at first, but it needed to be done. We’ve done so much hard work that I really wanted a senior year. I understand the situation we’re in, but it’s just really hard to deal with it.” — Jay County High School junior Griffin Lennartz on the cancellation of the summer band season

“I’m just excited that we’re having something. I know that a lot of schools are just saying, ‘Here’s your diploma, we’ll mail it to you.’ There’s no ceremony or anything at all. We’re still getting something at least. They’re doing the best that they can for us.” — JCHS senior class vice president Chase McFarland on drive-in graduation plans

“I just really want everyone to realize that something doesn’t have to go perfect for it still to be beautiful. It doesn’t have to be the same thing that everyone else has done for years and years and years for it still to work out for all of us and for it still to be memorable.” — Suman again, on graduation

Thoughtful.

Resilient.

Understanding.

Realistic.

Wise.

Their comments show all of those things and more.

These teenagers are hurting, there is no doubt, because some of the experiences they expected are just not possible because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But they’re also showing tremendous maturity, adaptability and grace.

These are trying times for everyone. It is in dealing with such adversity that true character is revealed.

Our youth are providing an example for all of us to follow.

We could not be more proud. — R.C.