91-year-old former teacher shares best advice for graduating seniors amid COVID-19
"You can party some, just don't let parties be your big emphasis."
"We know these students [will miss] graduation so we want to support them," 91-year-old Neola Waller told "Good Morning America." "I think this is exciting. Our residents are a well-educated group, and I think our residents are excited about it too."
Waller and others who live at Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay Retirement Community have been connecting with students at Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Senior Alexandria Pezzano was paired with Waller as her mentor after filling out a questionnaire which matched the two together.
"[Mrs. Waller] gave me really honest advice and didn't hold back," Pezzano, 18, told "GMA." "It helped not only with my social life but being driven in my career."
"She told me my smile will heal a lot of people which really touched me," she added.
Pezzano will attend Old Dominion University and plans to major in nursing and work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) caring for babies.
Due to social distancing, Waller speaks with Pezzano via video chat using a Birdsong tablet -- a device friendly for aging seniors.
Waller is mother to two children and four grandchildren. She taught mathematics for 30 years at Cox High School, where Pezzano attends.
As a former educator with life experience, Waller shared her tips for graduating seniors.
Keep your hobbies, but be sure to have a marketable skill.
"When you graduate, just remember you'll be working a long time," she said. "You should enjoy going work."
It's OK to return to college. It's OK switch careers.
"If you make a mistake, don't be afraid to make a change."
Learn first, socialize later and never cut class.
Especially if someone else is paying for your schooling, Waller said. "You can party some, just don't let parties be your big emphasis."
Choose your friends wisely.
"Get in with the good crowd who share the same values you have."
When it's safe to have visitors, Waller hopes to have a sit-down lunch with Pezzano, she said.