The isolation diaries: Taking a look at our lockdown lifestyles (teacher/administrator edition)

 

By: Emelia Richling

The switch from physical classrooms to Google classrooms is a transition that is more than just difficult for students. Teachers and administrators have constructed an online schooling system, facilitating the shift in the way learning is amassed by the masses of students who feel like they are now attending Zoom University.

Melanie Haith, an English and French teacher, weighed in on the recent switch to online teaching, describing some unique challenges she has faced as a foreign language teacher.

“French is a special challenge,” Haith said. “I try to find short, effective YouTube videos to help explain new concepts, so it’s more like having a mini class with a teacher presenting the information.”

In addition to the education aspect, Haith also discussed how the quarantine has been difficult in other ways. With no definitive end to the pandemic, she described how there is a lot of uncertainty about when life will resume.

“There is no timeline,” Haith commented. “That’s been one of the hardest things to wrap my head around. I want a quarantine countdown!”

Haith concluded by reminding students that, although this is a time of great sacrifice for many, she hopes we learn that life can change in an instant, so “don’t take anything or anyone in your life for granted.”

However, it isn’t just the teachers who have had to adjust. The administrators have also been working hard to ensure that the transition occurring in education is as seamless as possible.

Tim Krupicka, the principal, discussed how the recent events have been extremely difficult to adjust to, adding that he has been following the lead of many people around him who have been doing a good job of making adjustments to the way education is delivered and received in the era of the coronavirus.

“I still go to school almost every day,” Krupicka said. “I am not at school for as many hours, so I try to organize what I need to do at school so I can be more productive.”

When he isn’t at school, Krupicka said that he has been staying at home, working on projects such as mowing the lawn and walking his dog. However, he added that he is definitely a people person, so he has missed seeing students and teachers, getting the chance to have conversations with them and building relationships.

With social distancing and quarantine restrictions, building relationships and having conversations is more difficult than ever, but Krupicka also offered some valuable advice for the tough times that we are currently going through.

“We can choose to complain about it and do nothing, or we can make positive changes from this experience. Out of struggles can come opportunities. Those who best utilize these opportunities are the ones who will be well-rounded individuals when the pandemic is over.”

Lately, we have all faced unprecedented struggles, but taking a chance to look at the lives of our teachers and administrators is one way we can be together while we are apart.

*Photo Courtesy of Emily Krupicka

Virus prompts exchange students to leave early

 

By: Emily Krupicka

Amidst the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, students are being asked to limit travel and stay away from others; however, the foreign exchange students attending Northwest High School have been asked to return to their home countries, cutting their stay in Grand Island short.

Gera Baltasar, a junior, arrived in the United States at the beginning of August. While stepping foot into a new country, she was hopeful about her stay in Nebraska, and, after returning home, she relished in her memories of her time in the Midwest.

“I truly enjoyed my time in America. My favorite memory was going to watch the show choir in Omaha at one of their competitions.”

Baltasar, as well as the other exchange students, made many lifelong memories here, but she was hoping to make even more in the coming months.

The students were scheduled to return back to their home countries a week after the school year ended. However, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the exchange agency requested them to return home earlier than expected. Even though the ubiquity of the outbreak has been proven perilous, the abrupt ending to their American studies was still unexpected.

“More than disappointed, I was sad and frustrated about not getting to spend more time with my friends in Grand Island, but I understood what a difficult decision the exchange agency had to make,” Baltasar said,

When she was sent back to her home country of Spain, which, at the time, was a global hotspot for the outbreak, many were saddened by her leave. Many were also worried for her overall well-being.

“I wish that I could explain to her how much her being my best friend changed my life. I hope she’s doing okay there,” said Sophomore Danyka Galvan.

In a video commemorating their time spent together, Galvan recalled the fond memories she and her friend had made during her stay.

Baltasar’s impact made a profound impact on the lives of many in Nebraska. As she battles with the abnormality of transitioning to life back in Spain, she leaves behind a promise of return.

“I will visit the U.S. again, and I can’t wait to go back and see everyone.”

*Photo Courtesy of Gera Baltasar

The isolation diaries: Taking a look at our lockdown lifestyles (student edition)

By: Emelia Richling

Across the country, schools are being shut down and self-quarantining is becoming the new norm. Even just a few months ago, none of us could have ever imagined such extreme measures. However, now that the measures are in place, people are reacting to the quarantine restrictions differently, from those who are using the extra hours for sleeping to those who are trying to be more productive.

Sydney Fisher, a sophomore, said that she has actually been more productive, managing school in the mornings and working on her business, Sydney’s Scrunchies, in the afternoon.

“Whether it’s posting on Instagram or sewing scrunchies, it keeps me busy almost every day,” Fisher said.

For some students, including Fisher, the challenge isn’t necessarily being productive but finding a quiet place to work. With siblings home from college and many parents working from home, a lot of families are now under the same roof again, creating a louder and more distracting atmosphere.

“I’ve walked in on a Zoom call more than once,” Fisher added. “It can be tough to stay focused and not get distracted.”

Amidst the challenge of staying productive and focused, there have also been a different set of challenges that some students have had to face. Activities, such as cheerleading, generally hold tryouts during this time of year, but, with the quarantine restrictions in place, they have had to find a different way to give students the same opportunity.

“This year, we had to do virtual cheer tryouts,” said Lauren Morrow, a junior. “It was difficult because we weren’t able to work with other people on the stunting and cheers.”

Morrow also discussed how she has been less productive, adding that she has definitely spent more time on social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, but she also mentioned how she has been trying to stay productive by working on homework, spending time outside and completing household projects, such as cleaning.

The past several weeks have been difficult as we adjust to the new era of uncertainty settling around us, but getting the chance to take a look at the lockdown lifestyles of our peers can make us feel more together, even if we are miles apart.

*Photo Courtesy of Sydney Fisher