By Ambar Paniagua

This world-wide epidemic has shaken up the world in unimaginable ways. Who would have thought how easily the world could change? It is in times like these that we sometimes forget about small problems that still can impact a person’s life. Things that people would normally be doing are completely changed.

High school seniors are being greatly affected by this pandemic. In many ways this may seem superficial or somewhat selfish, but in reality they have spent over twelve years of their life working hard to graduate. Many seniors throughout the country and especially in Passaic will probably not have a prom. Even smaller things that really change people’s lives, like spending their last few months of high school with their friends.

As a junior, I have been affected as well, but  it it hard to imagine how this is affecting the senior class of 2020. Not only are good grades being affected but many freshmen and sophomores will not be able to take the PARCC assessment. All grades are affected by this terrible pandemic, but that is just one small concern and all we can do is wait. It is like a whole year is being wasted. The quarantine this year will have an affect on the rest of our high school career.

What I’ve heard through social media from friends, and listening to what seniors I know talking about, they are questioning whether they are going to graduate on time or maybe even graduate at all. It is making all of us uneasy, but it is making seniors really nervous. The craziness that is going on could make any of us nervous, due to the amount of hours and time put in by many seniors just for them not being able to graduate on time.

The seniors I have spoken to are saying that they understand that this is a severe situation, that people are dying and the economy is being affected. However, they know that the senior class will have to give a lending hand to everyone who is in trouble during these times. Maybe this outbreak will stop tomorrow or maybe in one year, but that uncertainty is what keeps a lot of seniors and even juniors questioning, “what is going to happen next?”.

Many of the seniors are saying that they understand that these times are unprecedented, but that they still want to have as normal as possible a time to graduate and be kids, who have worked hard and now are graduating. They do feel a little guilty that the times are tough, but they also want to try and be as normal as possible.

Many look for the good in small things. Who would have ever thought that we we could go to school without even getting out of bed? To be honest I would rather go to school and I know many others who would rather go to school too.  Students would joke about not having school for days due to snow blizzards and joke how we need a few days off, but this is not the way any of us ever imagined a break would be. It is definitely a scary time to be alive. However, I know that the students of PHS are doing our part, by practicing social distancing. Every day the risk will lessen and each day we will be one day closer to getting out and going to school and basically be back to normal. The problem is some people are still going out, not out of necessity, and also not taking the proper precautions.

To all the seniors who are home right now, reading this paper to get a chance of knowing what is going on in PHS, even though we are home, take this time to look into your future career or maybe find a hobby that could help further yourself. Take this time to evaluate what your want to do with your life.

So, will we ever be going back to school to finish this year? This can be worrying because there is so much we still have to learn that cannot be taught through online school. Also, seniors in particular, need their recommendation letters from their teachers, and support to further their schooling after they graduate, even if they do not walk the grass. There is just a big mess and no answers at this moment.

As a student, I understand the fear of the senior, but worrying will truly not make anything better, only worse. So, take this time to find yourself. Maybe this is the chance that you never had time to pursue to just explore the possibilities. Also, teachers and other school staff is still working to help you. If you have questions or concern, ask them! We will get through this together. See you when school finally opens!