Robert Ferguson
Period 5
On Monday, March 13th, we rejoiced at the thought of an extra two weeks added to our spring breaks to accommodate the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's safety guidelines regarding the new and slightly unsettling "Coronavirus." Six months later, beginning a new year of school in an unprecedented, entirely-virtual learning format, attitudes have imminently shifted.
What may at surface value sound like a stress-free, relaxing six-month vacation, the dream of any introverted high-schooler, has proven to be a legitimate challenge for America. Aside from the massive economic ramifications of the national lockdown, the one of the biggest hardships for kids is the complete social isolation. Forced to acclimate to the changing circumstances, we've experienced it all: online get-togethers with friends and family, no public outings, and the feeling that every day feels twenty times longer than a regular day.
Online school is another challenge that was far harder than we imagined. It's often hard to stare at a computer screen for hours without losing focus or getting bored, spend even more time after school working on a heavy homework load, and even getting out of bed for another day of virtual school in the morning.
However, the worst part of the lockdown is the not knowing. Not knowing when you'll be able to see your friends at lunch again, not knowing when you will be able to visit your grandparents, not knowing how many more people will die, and not knowing what our country is going to do to recover.
It's easy to forget what's easy in these uncertain times: unity and perseverance. We need to stay optimistic, because as long as we keep going and stay safe, we will return to normalcy again.
I like how even though you referenced how this has been a struggle for our country, you heavily acknowledged the strain staying completely online has had on student's mental health. It has been more noticed in recent times especially in starting a new school year, but previously the strikingly direct and obvious affect it had on everyone's health was the only thing discussed.
ReplyDeleteThe not knowing is the hardest part. In the spring we were filled with constant anxiety because we were unsure of everything from school to whether or not the grocery stores were safe. I hope we get back to normalcy sooner than later.
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