When the Fair Grove High School students hear “COVID-19” six years later, words like quarantined, face mask, isolation, social distancing, six feet apart, toilet paper shortages, games like Among Us and trendy TikTok dances come to mind.
For each person the pandemic meant something different. Some remembered it as a time of unexpected fun and peak prime time of life, while others recall feelings of uncertainty and fear, as if the world might end.
During COVID-19 pandemics, students’ memories of the school are marked by dramatic changes and challenges. Many recalled wearing masks all the time and only seeing eyes and up. Even physical education challenged many students. The sudden shift to from in a classroom learning with peers to online learning platforms like Google Classroom and zoom, brought new routines and tough times. Students had to complete assignments from home and send pictures to teachers to show them their work.
When students were asked about online classes and not being able to interact with friends or other students, many recalled feeling isolated, bored, and disconnected. Some also complained about not being able to talk to anyone face to face. Social butterfly students especially, struggled with the lack of in-person interaction as they found their mental health challenged daily. Senior Alivia Cooper stated, “I am the type of person that needs to be around people and around my friends and to be trapped inside in the house all day was horrible.”
For others who prefer to be alone, the shift wasn’t as difficult, some even appreciated the social distance and flexibility of online classes. However, most students would agree that while online classes felt great at first, overtime, school was starting to be missed. Sophomore John Harp shared, “After the two weeks got pushed back, I started to miss my friends, and I actually missed school.” Not only did several students struggle with the absence of social interaction, but also with keeping up with school and the multitude of unanswered questions. Cooper stated, “The hardest part of the pandemic was just not knowing how bad COVID was going to be and not knowing when and if it was going to end. Everyone was making it seem like the end of the world, and being a twelve-year-old stuck inside always freaked me out hearing people talk about it.”
Six years later, and many students are missing the freedom to sleep in and stay home stress free. Online classes were easier, and there was always time for playing video games like Fornite and Among US with friends online. Some appreciated spending more time with family and created stronger connections with the people stuck inside the house with them. Many found new hobbies and social media activities. Overall, lots of students miss having more opportunities for freedom and time alone.
Daily routines changed drastically during the pandemic as well. Instead of students rushing to get on the bus or drive to school, students logged into their chromebooks from their bedrooms, often still in pajamas. Although they enjoyed not going to school and having the freedom at home, many still struggled to learn online. Freshman Adley McMillian enjoyed the time she had back at home but still doesn’t have an idea on how to do long division. Some found it difficult to stay motivated without the structure of the normal school day. For many, the lack of face to face interactions made it harder to feel engaged and learn. Many students were always isolated and felt locked in their room constantly.
Six years later, many things have stayed the same but several things have changed as well. Students are back in school and have returned to normal daily life but with more awareness about sickness and germs and how important it is to cherish those moments.
