By Thomas Sellers Jr.
What color dress should I wear?
Do I have to invite my uncle and aunt to graduation? Did I turn in that financial aid information for college? These are some of the typical questions a high school senior has coming into April.
Even a few have this question in mind, “Will I make graduation?” For the first time in recent history, a vast majority of 12th graders have that query racing through their minds. The feeling of uncertainty is also here in Millington with seniors like Briana Fields.
One of the most active members of the Class of 2020, Fields was racing toward her scheduled May 14 commencement at Millington Central High School. Then the world as she knows it changed the night of March 11 with her beloved basketball.
The longtime team manager for Millington Trojan Basketball got word that the NBA’s Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. A couple of days later, Millington along with many other schools across the nation held the final day of school March 13.
“During this time my brain is has like full with mixed emotions,” Fields said. “One day I might be a little depressed and at other times I might laugh and talk with my family.”
The daughter of Simone and Bobby Fields could be defined as a “True Trojan.” The Millington senior has a 3.5 grade point average and has been the class president for four years. She is also the president of BETA club.
In addition to her participation with Trojan Athletics, Fields holds the vice president position in FCA. Other clubs that helped Fields maximize her time at MCHS were HOSA, PEP club, choir, yearbook and key club.
“The reason why I am very involved is because I want to make the most out of my high school years,” she said. “And I love sports and helping others.
“Yes, I feel as though I took advantage my senior year, I just wish I finish it strong,” Fields added.
Before the school closures, Fields was being tapped for the National Honor Society. All of her school activities came to a standstill when the coronavirus hit the States.
Now the final few days of her senior year are reduced to passing time with text messages to friends, coaches and family. She also has time to paint and squeeze in some video games.
News outlets are keeping Fields and the public informed about the latest on COVID-19. And some of the news coverage centers around speculations from when will sports come back to if the Class of 2020 will have a graduation.
“Not really concerned about anything because it seems clear,” Fields said. “I am basically sacrificing the best part of senior year due to the COVID-19 . I really just hope that my fellow classmates took advantage of the senior year while they still had it.”
Fields said she misses the little things like Standard English, Sails Bridge Math, Choir, U.S. History, Economics and even Physical Education.
“I hope I can have a prom and graduation,” she acknowledged. “We have to feel deprived of something we worked hard for. It’s like losing something real important to you. I just hope they will have the virus under control before 2021 so they will not feel this feeling.”
As one of the many seniors across the United States with a uncertain finish to their high school career, Fields said the Class of 2020 can make a lasting impact by helping spread the word to take the coronavirus seriously.
“Please stop making fun of the COVID-19,” she concluded. “And take it seriously so it can go away and stop hurting people.”
