In a normal year, Sixth Formers thrive during their final weeks of school, completing unique graduation projects. Many students typically travel, obtain internships, or even pursue a personal study or interest. However, in a time in which everything has changed, COVID restrictions have left Haverford’s graduation projects more challenging than ever.
According to the student handbook, a Sixth Form student must have successfully completed a graduation project in order to graduate. This spring, Sixth Formers are adapting to new restrictions that coincide with the pandemic and graduation projects.
“I have no clue what I am doing,” Sixth Former Reed Halpert said. “Originally, I wanted to go on a long road trip and travel across the country, but the travel restrictions are stopping me.”
Halpert’s statement aligns with many Sixth Formers, even as the project proposal deadline looms.
“Unfortunately we are still in a pandemic, and I would predict that most offices will be unwilling to host interns,” Sixth Form Dean Mr. Tim Lengel said. “If those internships are not available, then students are going to have to be more creative this year.”
Mr. Lengel, who helps coordinate graduation projects, emphasized that students need to be more inventive than ever before. Lengel also reiterated that the proposal deadline is right around the corner, and Sixth Formers need to step it up.
“I have actually been planning this for a while,” Sixth Former Patrick Gilmartin said. “After Tom Farell, who founded The Workshop Content Studios, spoke to us last year in an assembly, I immediately asked him for a business card. If everything works out, I am going to be interning for his company.”
PAtrick gilmartin ’21
“I am hoping to intern at Diamond Baseball Academy, where I train, but I haven’t reached out to ask yet,” Sixth Former Jacob Stacey said.
Like the rest of the Sixth Form, Stacey should get moving.
While most are attempting to procrastinate, a select few Sixth Formers have been on the ball.
“I have actually been planning this for a while,” Sixth Former Patrick Gilmartin said. “After Tom Farell, who founded The Workshop Content Studios, spoke to us last year in an assembly, I immediately asked him for a business card. If everything works out, I am going to be interning for his company.”
Gilmartin is in rare company.
Although internships and other opportunities are extremely limited, Sixth Formers need to think more creatively.
The school is offering a brand new three-week course that helps students transition into the real world. The course includes a college-transition week, professional-experience week, and life-skills week.
The growing uncertainty across the country has stretched deep into the school community, and it has affected graduation projects this spring.
Mr. Lengel said, “It’s hard to predict how things are going to be in another two and a half months.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.