This is my senior year in high school. I was not planning on having my senior year at home, working alone. Since the beginning of the school year, I have felt stressed, anxious, and depressed. I know I am not the only one who feels that way. It is not easy learning full time online. The coronavirus has taken away what I love about school: eating lunch with my friends, listening, talking, and joking with teachers, and going to school dances.
COVID-19 has been rampant for the past six or seven months. It has affected all of us in different ways. The virus continues to infect people. People are getting sick and dying because of carelessness. Please wear masks and social distance!
I mow my grandmother’s yard every week, and it hurts my heart to not be able to give her a hug every time I see her. She lives alone. I don’t see my friends very often, but when we do get together, we have to be six feet apart. My brother lives in Oregon and I am not sure when the next time I see him will be. These are the things that have taken a toll on my mental health. I know that I am privileged. My parents still have their jobs and don’t have to work directly with the public, so they are not in contact with hundreds of people a day. Unemployment is high and businesses are struggling or have had to shut down.
The coronavirus isn’t just another disease. Everyone needs to do their part to beat this. We all want to go back to normal, but normal isn’t coming back soon. To overcome this, we need to work together. We need to wear masks or stand six feet apart in group settings. If you feel unwell, stay home. If it gets worse, get tested. Do as much work as you can from home. Also, don’t forget to live life. Walk, bike, or exercise the way you like. Spend time with the people in your bubble, and if you live alone, call, or video call family and friends. Send a letter to that one friend you’ve been meaning to get in contact with. Pick up a hobby you have always wanted to try. Most importantly remember you are not alone in this. We are all struggling in some way. The more careful we are, the more quickly the coronavirus will dissipate.
Please. I want to see my brother again. I want to go back to school. I want to hug my grandma.
Thank you to all front line workers. You are true heroes.
Annaka Lockard
Anchorage
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