With the class of 2019 being the last graduating high school class of the 2010’s, it is a fitting time to reflect on the decade—at its best and at its worst. From the civil war in Syria to the subsequent rise of ISIS, the re-election of President Obama and the controversial election of Donald Trump, the 2010’s has been one to talk about.

The decade in 3 words

This decade has been many things to many people. When asked how she would describe the decade in 3 words, English teacher Ms. Guerra said, “Turbulent, radical, and hopeful.” She explains, “The country has made so many steps forward yet so many backwards. Everyone has been drawn to their extremes.”

BETA president Lazaro Diaz said, “Gap, eventful, and shocking.” He explains, “The generation gap between kids today and kids from older decades is huge, because of technology and concepts surrounding morality—like the widespread acceptance of the LGBT community that wouldn’t have happened before.”

What makes us different?

When asked about differences between this generational decade and her own, world history teacher Ms. Delgado-Kow said, “This generation, thanks to social media, has a far greater opportunity to make big impacts. New ideas and opportunities spread publicly and rapidly.”

Principal Valdes said, “They’re definitely more informed. The internet bombards them with so much information, from all around the world, on a constant basis. They don’t live in a bubble.

Ms. Guerra agrees that teens today are not living as sheltered mentally as previous generations. “Everyone has become a nihilist,” she said. “They spread memes about depression, anxiety, war, and poverty. They feel as if the world is a violent and uncertain dumpster, but they want to make the best of it.”

Most significant events

People’s opinions about the most significant events of the decade vary. Junior Abigail Roque said, “The legalization of gay marriage made me cry. This is something that could only be possible in a decade as modern as ours.”

Math teacher Mr. Monteagudo said, “The election of Donald Trump, the Parkland shooting, and the explosion of social justice movements through social media will have profound effects on America that we will only know of in time.”

Junior Brianna Delisle said, “The Parkland shooting mobilized student bodies from all over the country around a common cause. It’s the first time our generation has had a moment like that.”

Senior and debate captain Angel Navas said, “The civil war in Syria and the mass migration of refugees into Europe is radicalizing many citizens and causing lots of violence.”

CSI instructor Mr. Miranda believes Miami High has had its own significant moment. “The transformation of the school from a C school to a B school was really inspiring. If we go on to become an A school, it really will be the result of all the bright minds in the class of 2019,” he said.

What comes next?

This decade was a vivid movement in American and world history, and it begs to wonder what the next decade may have in store. English teacher Ms. Berrios said, “The 2020s will be a time in which people will truly confront the consequences of participating so willingly in social media. Poor public decisions will come back to haunt them.”

Assistant principal Mr. Zabala believes the 2020s will be a time of even greater change. “Through social media,” he said, “this generation will be able to tackle tough issues, such as climate change, in ways my generation never could.”