Being a teenager is difficult enough; why not throw in a Global Pandemic?

BY JONELL PANTLITZ

The spread of the coronavirus took us all by surprise. No one expected a pandemic to begin when this virus was first discovered. Most countries now have a handle on the virus or are figuring out ways to combat the situation. That being said, I think we can all agree that one of the major impacts this pandemic has had is how it negatively affected teenagers and the education system. Life as a teenager is difficult on its own without a global pandemic.

Have you wondered what it is like for teenagers at this particular time, and how they are coping? Having to manoeuvre from day to day norm to now being restricted and navigating online classes. As a community newspaper, we are concerned with what is happening in our community, and we are determined to stay connected with them on all levels. So, they asked me to contact teenagers in high school and also some who have graduated. Here is what they had to say.

Rushawna  (17-year-old senior in high school)
“I was happy to get a break from school, then the Coronavirus started getting worse and that’s when I got anxious. I am worried about what’s going to happen if I don’t understand the work online because I learn better when I’m in the classroom. This might affect my grades. I was also excited for prom. I was even planning everything, I just always wanted to experience what it would be like. Now, I don’t really have any routines I just watch movies and practice my piano skills and go to bed at 3 am. But I’m ok, I think.”

Rayon (19-year-old high school graduate)
“Since everything has started my hours at work have shortened, and I feel like I’m on house arrest. I’m not at all an inside person. Still, this pandemic has made me happy that I’m not in school because I would’ve been side-tracked. The thing is, sometimes I feel stagnant. I feel pretty good about the quarantine because I’ve been: eating healthier, finally reading and I even started meditating. I still have anxiety about how long this virus is going to last, and how many people it’s going to affect or kill before it ends. At least I’m sleeping more.”

Indira (18-year-old college student)
“Ever since the coronavirus started, it has been a disaster. I don’t have a normal life anymore. I’m consistently in fear when I’m around crowds or when someone coughs. It’s crazy knowing that this virus is around and there’s no cure. Most days I even get side-tracked and watch Netflix, I’m no longer motivated to do homework anymore.

 Honestly, I have been trying to take precautions to protect my family and myself. I started to wear gloves and a mask and I sanitize everything in my workplace. The coronavirus outbreak has also made me less motivated to go to work. I would rather call in, because when working I do not feel protected. I am just angry.”

Kristiana (18-year-old high school senior)
“I was upset when school was initially closed, but ultimately it was a good decision for our health and safety. Personally I’m worried about the status of all graduates, with the workload and due dates, and also when we will get back to our everyday lives.

 This situation has affected my ability to be social and network for my upcoming competition and to see my other families more often. During everything that has been going on, I feel grateful for everything because we as Canadians have been given a lot of privileges.

 Apart from that, I do find myself sleeping less and at different hours. I am on social media and Netflix more often then I would like. Overall, I do think this break has given me the time I needed, but I am hoping this doesn’t last too long because this entire situation has made me anxious.”

You heard it Toronto! We are having a difficult time out here as well. We are looking for our elders to step up and make themselves available to us young people. The time is now!