By Juan Tellez
As you may have heard, there is this COVID-19 virus that is deadly because it attacks the respiratory system, causing death to people who are either really young and really old or have some other pre-existing health condition. This virus originated in China, has spread throughout the world and people have raised awareness about the virus and are trying to fight back.
Even companies that you would not ordinarily think would have anything to do with public announcements, like for example Netflix. They made a whole series about what to do when a pandemic like this happens. Also President Trump and Governor Murphy have been providing information about how to tackle this disease, telling people what to do in regards to our safety.
The best way to help yourself or others to stop the spread of the virus is to wash your hands, don’t touch your face and stay home if you feel like you have it. If you are sick, tell your parents to be aware at the store that they aren’t the only ones trying to survive, meaning that people need to buy the things they need not forever. Don’t hoard stuff.
Information about the state and national scene is important, but what are the students of our own community saying? Carlos Aguilar said, “The virus has affected our everyday lives. The schools were closed and some of us can’t even live in our houses. I want to step free out of my house without people fearing the virus. It gets boring staying in one place 24/7. School life online is manageable but waking up early is just a pain even though that is something we regularly do. Who knows what the long term effects of the virus will leave us?”
Jocelyn Martinez was feeling frustrated when she said, “ It’s really bad [not having school] and the APEX isn’t really helping because I feel like it’s taking more time and some teachers keep marking us absent even though we are doing the work.” A source who is a teacher said, just let teachers know, this is new to all of us.
Juan Ortiz wanted to go back to school, even though he is not having any issues with attendance. “ I hate being in my house. Not a lot of collaboration with anyone, I miss my friends and teachers, I feel more trapped here than I do over there at school.”
Missing the comradery of friends, Denise Lopez said, “It really sucks because I have too much time on my hands and I don’t get to see my friends. On top of that online school is ridiculous since some students learn better with the teacher instead of on their own.” The distance learning requirement will only be in effect for as long as is necessary to curb the spread of the virus. Then we will all be back in school.
Jeremiah Tirado said, “It’s unfortunate that this had to happen especially in the beginning of a new decade.” Let us hope that this is not the way the rest of the decade will be. 2020 has been a had full.
Raul Luna stated, “Yeah it sounds pretty epic at first, like oh wow, two weeks with no school and now it’s just boring I wish I’d go back.” This sentiment of wanting to get back to school and get back to some normalcy is common among all the students I spoke to. It seems that everyone misses each other, and wants to get back to normal.
Mariana Nunez has learned something new about herself, saying, “I hadn’t realized this before, but I really hate the indoors. I want to go outside so bad. It’s so hard to cope with.” With a little encouragement she added, “At least I can binge watch my shows and do other activities I want to do.”
On a group chat Jeffry Hernandez and Angel Montiel got to talking about the quarantine. Jeffry said “Okay, so like it’s boring my dude and I feel trapped and stuck,” Angel says. “It is fun for me because I’m not even doing anything and because I’m working instead of doing school work.” Just kidding, he is working AND doing his schoolwork.
The virus quarantine is pushing many of us to do things that we never thought would happen, Jennifer Hernandez said, “I feel stupid, because I feel bored most of the time. The most I can do to distract myself is help my mom around or doing my work online which is something we’re all new at.” Helping mom around the house is one good way to stay connected.
This whole pandemic situation is new to everyone. Some people find it as a way to relax and some people find it stressful. From my own observations, this whole situation is terrible because I know people who have the virus and are fighting for their lives. I want to wish them well.
It is also so cruel to see people suffering and see other people start to act like savages in the supermarket, everyone trying to grab supplies they need for their family and leaving people who need it the most with nothing. It is all enough to shake up anyone’s faith in humanity.
This has affected my life personally because now I have online school and I´m just trying to keep up with everything and instead of being outside I spend most of my day looking at a Chromebook screen trying to finish my assignments and do the next one. But to me it’s funny how all these people that said they hate school are posting on social media saying they miss it. These certainly are trying times. Maybe when all of this settles down we will not take school for granted. Maybe students who acted out and now look at you all bored in the house, still doing schoolwork without friends, will realize that school is a good place because it is filled with good people.
I really hope that everyone learns from this whole pandemic and will take things more seriously in their personal lives and take school more seriously too. This situation should teach everyone, as it has me, not to take anything they have for granted because one thing could happen and you could lose it all.
To all my friends, teachers and classmates, be safe and keep doing the three tips, and follow CDC guidelines. We do not need any more people getting this virus, so be careful out there guys. We WILL get through this like we always have and will see our friends as soon as this is over. Just remember to do your schoolwork and try to work with your teachers and it’s okay to take breaks once and awhile guys so you don’t overload yourself with work.
