For high school seniors bound for college, the COVID-19 pandemic struck at a pivotal time in life — as they finish one chapter and prepare to start a new one.

They may be safe at home but will not finish their high school careers as expected, missing out on some memorable times in life: rites of passages like prom, senior day and graduation.

Some people are resilient and able to make meaning, hope and opportunity out of an experience like this, while others may have a much harder time of it, she says.

Stowe has advice for students leaving high school, and those about to start college, on bringing closure to their K-12 experience and preparing to move forward with their lives.

Some schools are offering special cap and gown pickup, gatherings that keep people in their cars, or other ways to encourage celebration.