Middle school is a mess no matter what, but starting middle school at a new campus where you don’t know anyone during a pandemic? That’s a slice of hell on earth.

Lockdown was tough for Lilith, but they met the challenge courageously. They’re an only child, so there were no siblings to spend time with, and because of our situation, we couldn’t form a “pod” like some other families did. Although they spent time with friends online, it wasn’t the same as in-person connection.

They were lonely, and they knew that other kids were lonely, too.

So many of Lilith’s peers were in the same boat: new school and almost zero prospects for meeting the people in your classes. Lilith was baffled that there were no online meetups, no online social events, no online clubs, so they tried to change that, and the opportunity to do something constructive came in the form of student council.

Lilith ran, Lilith won, and they were Student Body Vice President for the 2020-2021 school year. I couldn’t be prouder. I promised them that they could count on me to be one of their campaign aids for their congressional run.

A scent of triumph and connection: French lavender, warm ambrette seed, wildflower honey, and orange zest.