Student Stories during COVID-19

 Just a few weeks ago, Wakefield High School student peer leaders took over SIOV’s social media accounts to show how they’re using Sources of Strength at home during distance learning.  Check out all the amazing videos on our Instagram page! 

 

 

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A post shared by Strength In Our Voices (@strengthinourvoices) on May 11, 2020 at 6:48am PDT

 

Student Leader Sophie

We hope you enjoy this blog showcasing Peer Leader Sophie’s student perspective on what it’s been like to transition to remote learning. Check out this parenting perspective for a different point of view and access more resources for COVID-19!

In this article, she speaks to the ways she’s learned to keep in touch with her loved ones, stick to a schedule for school and extracurriculars, and how to find balance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Hi! My name is Sophie, I am a junior and peer leader for Sources of Strength at Wakefield High School. During normal circumstances, I am a full-time athlete and student. I’m a gymnast, and I normally spend 18 practice hours per week. 

Over the past three years I’ve been in high school, I have mastered this same routine. My time management skills have improved along the way. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and started, however, now I’m without practice and without school. 

Defining a Set Routine for Students

After a few days of floundering with no schedule, I defined a set routine. Having this schedule in place has helped keep me sane. This quarantine has led me to a lot of interesting discoveries and I’m honestly having a lot of fun. Today, I’m going to share with you what I have been doing and have learned along the way. 

My daily schedule usually begins around 8:00 AM. I wake up, get coffee, and have some breakfast. Most days, I work out first thing after breakfast. I usually do an hour each day, and rotate through different types of workouts throughout the week. Maintaining fitness during the quarantine is very important.

Maintain Variety by Dedicating Each Day to Specific Activities

Every Tuesday and Thursday I have a set workout at 11:00 AM with a trainer via Zoom, so I sleep in a little bit later. Between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM, I usually eat some sort of snack. I also use this time to:

• Make my bed every day
• Tidy up my room
• Do some laundry
• Take care of any chores that need to be done that day

 From 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM I do classwork and exam prep. This has become intense leading up to AP Exams.

After 5:00 PM, I will usually catch up with a friend or do a movie date with my boyfriend. To be honest though, after 7 PM my schedule goes out the window. 

How Students Can Maximize Free Time During COVID-19

I’ve found that during this unprecedented period in my life, free time is a wonderful thing. I’ve used that time to read at length. I’ve been corresponding with my grandfather and I’ve discovered a plethora of literary knowledge in him. 

Like any typical high school student, I am also a big proponent of Netflix at the moment. I’ve taken a fair amount of time to binge Avatar: The Last Airbender and Criminal Minds. There has definitely been a need for a routine though, without it I might lose it. 

Be Gentle With Yourself and Make Time to Connect

During this time, I’ve definitely felt the weight of feeling isolated and stagnant. I feel like I should be doing more and like I’m losing academic and athletic progress. I’ve also seen the strain in my relationships. Not seeing people in person has made it really hard at times to stay connected, as a student, friend, and family member.

While this time has tested me, I will say that it has also made many of my relationships infinitely stronger. Quarantine has mandated a confrontation of my troubles with online communication. 

When I can’t see people in person, I tend to become kind of a recluse. During social distancing, I’ve learned how to connect with people in new ways. This unprecedented experience has also taught me a lot about how I like to communicate: 

• I love talking in person most…
• …but I’m learning to connect with people better over text! 

While this time has been really hard, I think there’s also been a lot of opportunity for introspection that will be beneficial moving forward. 

Top 2 Lessons I’ve Learned as a Student in Quarantine:

Lesson #1: Learning to spend extended periods alone

Lesson #2: Learning to be curious

I know everyone is having a hard time right now, but the challenges also provide a sort of solidarity. Almost everyone is craving interaction, so if you feel a specific desire to reach out, do it! Even if you don’t feel like it, do it anyway! You could be pleasantly surprised. 

Staying connected with people will definitely help to stay grounded and in touch, so my best advice is just be friendly and be open, everyone needs a little extra love right now too.