It finally happened. The day I yearned for all year was the day I ugly cried because I dreaded it. I’m talking about the last day of school before summer break.

Ok, so let me give y’all a little perspective. I work at a public high school in Minnesota as a paraprofessional. The last day of school was today. Throughout the morning & afternoon, I saw so many students (soon to be former) walking around in their cap and gowns. Many had big hopes & dreams when asked about their future plan: to study at a university or college; to earn a trade certificate; the need to earn money at a job to help parents. Some students had even loftier goals: just sleep in bed.

Sounds like a plan to me!

As absurd as this may sound, sleep isn’t such a bad idea right now for both staff & students. It has been one hell of a year both personally and professionally from my perspective.

Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis

I moved to Minnesota from Chicago in November of 2025. After years of dating, my partner & I made the big decision to move in together. Because they have a job that doesn’t provide much flexibility for moving, I decided to relocate. I was blessed to get a job as a paraprofessional one month after my move (lucky me).

I worked for Chicago Public Schools at the time. Also, Immigrations Customs Enforcement a.k.a ICE was making the rounds. The violence & trauma they inflicted on the community was heinous if not daunting.

Then they made their way to Minnesota. In my opinion, the situation was waaaaayyy worse than in Illinois.

A Difficult Year for Many Families

ICE was ruthless (in my kindest word). We all know how bad it got with Renee Good & Alex Preti. Enough said. It was also heart breaking & infuriating to watch ICE agents sit in unmarked SUVs in the school parking lots & profile students to stop, frisk, & send to detention camps (Yes, I’m bitter & forever will not forgive those bastards).

Despite it all, we all found community in the inhumanity. I watched neighbors help each other in ways I just could not imagine in 2026. Folks went out & helped feed families with what little money they had. Strangers went & picked up prescription medicines for those who felt unsafe to leave the house. I saw random people hug each other because they knew that hug made a difference between feeling hopeless and enough motivation to make it through the day.

Community+Love=Always Wins

The sense of community eventually made its way in the public schools. I saw teens care for their elderly neighbors. I watch kids with shaky self esteem advocate for others with power & agency for others who could not. I was so proud of them.

And that is why I ugly cried today.

Not because school was ending. Not because I need a break (although I definitely do). I cried because these students reminded me what hope looks like when the world gives you every reason to lose it.

Over the past year, I watched them carry burdens that many adults would struggle to handle. Yet they still showed up. They still learned. They still laughed. They still found ways to care for one another.

As they walked across the stage in their caps and gowns, I realized something: they are leaving this school better than they found it. Their kindness, courage, and willingness to stand up for others changed their community—and, if I’m being honest, they changed me too.

So to the Class of 2026: thank you. Thank you for reminding me that empathy is powerful, that community matters, and that hope is something we build together.

Now go get some sleep.

You’ve earned it.

And, apparently, so have I.