By Lezmari Castrodad
Recently, I found out about the schools being closed for the remainder of the school year and will be starting up again next year. This came as a shock to me and ultimately left me feeling down because I enjoyed the time spent with all my teachers and want to keep working with them. This whole epidemic has slowly been changing me. I’d like to share what I’ve been feeling and how a 7th-grade girl is going about this whole experience with you.
Not only do I worry about how online learning will benefit me for the remaining months we still have of school, but I also have been worrying about how things will play out for me for the following year. My teachers are posting assignments for us, which helps in the long run, but I still rather be at school than sitting at home. School has always been a motivational space for me to work, so being stuck at home hasn’t been an easy feat for me.
Nevertheless, I’ve noticed when I do take some occasional walks around my neighborhood, I feel more appreciative of nature and the outside world. I remember last year, and all the years before that, I was never really concentrated on what goes on during the springtime, but after this whole pandemic, spring is a reason for me to get out and enjoy the beautiful natural changes Earth has to offer to us. My science teacher encourages us to open our arms for the changes of spring and to get out even during the crisis, which is a wonderful thing for us to do during times like these, but safely.
Of course, times like these are likely to bring distress and aggravation to most people all around the world. During this experience, I’ve felt nothing but an overwhelming pressure weighing down on my shoulders. Being stuck inside and running out of things to do can be troublesome for most, especially when it comes to students who prefer to be at school educating. Right now, though, the only thing I need to worry about is getting through this universal outbreak successfully with my family and friends.
Although, there are always positive notes for everything. Students like me have the time to finish up or start something that takes more time and effort. I’ve been using my free time to start writing a book based on the COVID-19. I’ve been able to embrace spring, even though it will be raining half of the time, but I’ve been learning and seeing more than I would have before. I’ve also been able to spend time with my mom, who is always busy working. I’m grateful for being able to experience and be a part of such a major historic event that will be recorded in time. It’s important for people to stay positive at such an arduous time and to be there for each other, as well as staying away.
Thank you for taking the time to read about how middle schoolers are enduring this time of difficulty and I wish all best of luck.
Lezmari Castrodad is a Peabody Higgins Middle School 7th grader.
