Well actually, thank you for listening.

Many times during these past two semesters, there were difficult occasions where a new rule or a new regulation had been placed. Of course this was a much bigger issue for the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19; however, it was the work of both the administration, faculty and the students that still made this past year worthwhile. 

Some of these regulations (specifically the no fans/parents for graduation and outdoor sporting events) felt unreasonable to students, and the administration worked closely with those responsible to make accommodations in order to meet the needs of the people affected. 

It feels good to be heard. An important part about communication is not only speaking up, but also listening and acknowledging that person or identity. When Piedmont boasts about the family atmosphere and the support that students receive, it’s rewarding knowing that it’s true and not just for face. 

On the new Piedmont University website under the Piedmont Promise, it states that Piedmont allows you to “pursue what inspires you in a vibrant culture where we celebrate, encourage and serve each other,” but it’s important that it’s true. Together, Piedmont held Symposium, all 22 sports and their sporting events (in a single semester), theater performances, musical performances, art shows and CAB events on the regular. For a year so heavily impacted by COVID-19, the culture and community never left Piedmont.

Through these difficult times, Piedmont has proven that they care about and listen to what the students have to say whether it’s the new name of a dormitory or how we can get family members to watch our seniors graduate and walk confidently into their next stage of life. 

Difficult as it was, this past school year was absolutely worth the hardships we faced as a student-body – scratch that – as Piedmont Lions. It’s hard to believe that in a few short weeks we will be separated by life change, some of us hundreds of miles apart, welcoming the warmth and adventure that summer brings. Many of us will be back for next year in August, seeing many new faces (hopefully without masks or COVID-19 worries) and missing the old ones that we might not ever see again. Regardless of the life stage following the 2020-2021 school year, it was a good ride Piedmont College – sorry – Piedmont University. Got to get the hang of that.