COVID-19 Impacts Across Grades
Maya Kim
Opinions Editor
Everybody across the globe is worried about the COVID-19 outbreak. Right now, it is impacting practically every aspect of life. One massive result of the virus has been the closing of schools, some even for the rest of the year. High school, in particular, is known to be a stressful and significant time in life, and this prolonged break has been concerning for freshmen and seniors alike. That being said, the concerns vary by grade, as each year of high school pertains to a different experience.
Freshman year marks a huge change. Not only is there a massive shift to a brand new school with hundreds of unfamiliar faces, but also the promise of more responsibility, options, and experiences. According to Newton South freshman Elle McDonald, her biggest concerns are the opportunities she will be missing. Some of those include, “missing the opportunities to continue to get to know my fellow classmates, to play a spring sport at South for the first time, and missing end of year social events,” says McDonald.
Sophomore year, despite not having a distinguished reputation, is still important to the overall high school experience. “Two of my biggest concerns are that it will ruin my summer before junior year and that we will be unprepared in our academics for next year,” worries Sophomore Liv Gigliodirga. The amount of content that students will be missing definitely raises issues for next year.
The year notorious for hard work and sleepless nights is junior year. Juniors are constantly reminded of the extra attention they need to put into grades and extracurriculars, as it is a vital year for college preparation. “As a junior, my worry is over the uncertainty of the SAT and what will happen to our grades, given that we’re going to have a shorter school year,” voices junior Zach Hayden. This unexpected break has left many juniors wondering about their grades and college applications next fall.
Finally, COVID-19 has left seniors devastated about losing their already limited time left in high school. Precious time with family and friends before the departure to college has also been cut short. Senior Mia Kamen fears that she will miss many anticipated high school moments. “My biggest concerns as a senior are that I will not get to go back and see my teachers and friends again. I’m hoping to have a prom and be able to graduate on a stage (and not via Zoom),” says Kamen. She continues to explain, “I’m worried that all the events I’ve been looking forward to for the past four years will be canceled…”
Despite highlighting valid personal concerns that each grade faces, many students also voiced their general worry for everyone affected by the virus and hoped for a return to normalcy. It is important to do everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe during such an unprecedented time.
