About the pandemic - 3

The covid 19 pandemic has completely changed the way we live and the things we did on a daily basis. The lockdown has made us realise the importance of actually appreciating the things and people that we take for granted. It has come to show us that money and material things are not as important as human life and caring for each other in times of need.

    In my country, which is Romania, schools closed in March 2020 and the learning process has mostly moved online since, with schools and teachers little prepared to offer quality, inclusive education in an online environment.  Lots of kids lost almost one year of education because as school closed, remote learning was not equally accessible for all children.

    For us, teenagers, this pandemic might have changed what is supposed to be the best years of our lives. The restrictions have meant months of virtual learning, more time isolated from friends, and the canceling of important social activities like sports, school performances, graduations, and proms. Humans are made to socialize, and especially when you re an adolescent, you feel the need to communicate and to make friends.

    While we were in lockdown, it felt like being stuck in the present, combined with the inability to plan ahead. We didn’t know when we can see our loved ones again, or when we can go on holiday. It was hard to imagine a future that looked different than what we were living.

    We might’ve gone through difficult times, we felt hopeless and maybe we were afraid.. but I also think that this negative experience has it’s own good things :  With schools closed, the clock was not running our lives anymore. Lack of regimented routine has left room for expressiveness and ingenuity without the pressure of time. Also, flexibility has allowed time for family movies, board games, and spending more time with our parents who were very busy at work until the pandemic started. We also had more time to focus on our passions and hobbies.

    So afterall, I’m glad that things are starting to go back to normal , that we’re back to school and that we can go out and see our friends again. I’m really trying to stay positive, and see this whole thing as a learning experience.