“COVID-19 will reshape our world. We don’t yet know when the crisis will end. But we can be sure that by the time it does, our world will look very different”
-Josep Borrell
COVID-19 has been a tough time for us all. We have had to deal with schools closing, lost jobs, remote learning, the inability to go out, and more. We have had to adapt in these hard times and do things we ordinarily wouldn’t do. We have discovered new hobbies, watched a ton of shows, and learned new things about ourselves. For a closer look into how people have coped during these times, I’ve interviewed individuals about their experience during the pandemic.
Interview 1:
A high school student named Lisbeth Santos. She is a close friend of mine, who had contracted COVID-19. She’ll provide a perspective we usually wouldn’t hear from—a regular teen.
Did you or your loved ones catch COVID-19?
Yes, we all did. Everybody from my grandmother to my aunts and me and my mom.
What preventative measures did you take?
We quarantined and only went out when it was necessary.
What was the longest amount of time that you did not go outside during the pandemic?
I went about three to four months without going out.
How would you describe this year?
One word: rollercoaster.
Do you think we should go on another lockdown?
I definitely think we should.
Interview 2:
Kenneth Javier is a recent high school graduate and a close friend of mine. He just launched his clothing brand KEHR during the pandemic and gives us the perspective of a young entrepreneur.
Favorite thing that happened during the pandemic?
Favorite thing that happened to me during quarantine was that I got to release my clothing line KEHR. It’s my passion and what I’m putting time into.
Did you or your loved ones catch COVID-19?
I had Corona way at the beginning actually, like December, but I thought I had a normal flu until Corona became more known.
What was the longest amount of time you did not go outside during the pandemic?
The longest amount of time I didn’t go outside was about 3 months. After that, I thought that if I wasn’t with anybody then I’d be good. I started running in the morning as a hobby.
How would you describe this year?
I would describe this year as a blessing regardless of all the bad things happening. I’m still alive and made things happen that will continue to benefit me going into the future. So this year has definitely been a blessing.
The interviewees both share similar perspectives even though they have different experiences and have had very different years. This made me realize no matter what position we are all in, we are all in the same boat. This year has been eye opening for a lot of us and even though we may not struggle in the same ways, we still all have a struggle.
For many, this year has been tough. From students who had to deal with remote learning to the faculty that had to ensure a learning system that would support students of all academic backgrounds. Parents who had to deal with the stress of not being able to provide for their families. Small business owners who had to shut down due to lack of funds. This year has definitely not been what we had hoped for or could’ve ever imagined. As we are almost done with it, I want you to reflect on how this year has been. However, I encourage you to not only look at the negative. Instead, think about all the people who have been there for you. Think about how you have overcome a tough time and continue to build for your future. Remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Untold Uptown 