Learning through Covid-19
All it took was one email. I am separated from my friends, I have to wear a mask, and the typical high school experience was snatched from me. I am living in a pandemic. I am a student at Hinckley - Big Rock High School wishing to flourish. I can either accept that, or I can get to work. May not be the same, but I am choosing to make the best out of the situation I didn’t choose to be in. I know I am not alone - I speak for the entire HBR High School student body. We will get through this with the help of our community.
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| (Left - HBR Student, Avery Zabel) (Right - Me, HBR Student, Lexi Zabel) |
The starting difference
Normally, everyone has a locker and a full schedule. However, this year there are no lockers and shorter schedules. Next, you see all of the familiar faces, halls filled with conversation, and clubs being promoted. Well, this year you get to see the same couple classmates everyday from a distance, the halls are quiet, and the only school spirit we can have is through Google Classroom or Google Meets. The clubs, classes, and private meetings all happen on the internet. HBR is trying to keep all students connected by providing them with a Chromebook.
A day in my life
Based on your personal schedule, you get to pick what time you go to school during the day. I chose P.M. With this being said, here is a little sneak peek in my school life. First, I have to complete a survey to answer Covid-19 based questions in order to be allowed in the school building. Every morning, I get to sleep in, because I don’t go to school until the afternoon session. I eat lunch at home before going to school, because our school no longer can have all of the students eating in the cafeteria.
Soon enough, the bus picks me up. I walk out to the bus with my mask on, and a HBR staff member steps off the bus to take my temperature. I have to sit in the second next empty seat after the next kid.
Once we arrive at the high school, I step off to see two teachers completing temperature checks on the other students that are lined up six feet apart. I walk into the school to hear nothing, but the people breathing into their masks and their backpacks shifting from side to side. Wearing a mask all day makes your face sweaty, itchy, and everything but comfortable. The main hallway is structured as a highway, and the sides are separated by hand sanitizer stands. I walk into my first class to see some chairs taped off to insist on the six feet apart rule. Bell after bell, all just to make a direct route to the next class. Once school is out for the day, I have at least an hour of homework from each class. The next day, I repeat it all over again.
Sticking together
I have no choice, and the school has no choice. We all wear our masks, we all complete the surveys, and we all stick together. The parents, teachers, staff members, students, and our loved ones all have to help stay safe while acquiring our education. The more we follow the rules - the faster we can go back to normal. Right now, there are people in the world that need our help. The least we can do is help each other and follow the safety guidelines.
I know my sophomore year won’t be how I imagined it, but I am still proud that our school is pushing through these difficult times. Thank you HBR for helping all of your students stay safe, and continue with our education.
Until next time,
Lexi Zabel