I'm currently a junior in high school and honestly, it might be ignorant to say but, I feel like this pandemic has brought numerous advantages to me academically. I'm currently taking 3 AP classes this year, and honestly, I was feeling a little bit overwhelmed this AP season. let's say I wasn't really looking forward to hours of grueling mental torture. Now AP tests breezed by, only taking up around 50 minutes of my time. Everything is easily available to search up online, and only a tiny portion of everything we've learned in class is included, and someone who didn't even study can get a good grade. For AP US history, there was only one DBQ with 5 short documents. One doesn't even need much historical backing in order to write a thesis and weave all the prepared documents into one coherent essay, which could easily get someone a passing grade. For AP language and composition, it was one rhetorical analysis essay, which again, is one of the easier types of writing since you're merely explaining what techniques the author uses to present their argument. For AP psychology, all of the terms could be easily found online.Of course I wouldn't want thousands of people dying just so I could get some AP credit, but since it's already happening, I might as well spread some minor positive vibes around here.

An uplifting podcast, the daily smile, distinctly chooses to bring joy to others during the COVID-19 pandemic. The May 28, 2020 episode is entitled "Best Teacher Ever." As the title, suggests, the podcast profiles how an exceptional educator has adapted to the new reality of teaching during a pandemic. Amidst the constant criticisms, demands, and pressures placed upon teachers today, the podcast refreshingly celebrates how teachers are adapting in this environment to do what they always do best, support, love and nurture our children. The podcast also highlights how teachers are not shying away from the challenges presented by COVID-19 but are instead leaning into them and finding ways to connect with their students in new and interesting ways. From creating pre-recorded lessons to conducting weekly video check-ins with each student, teachers are doing their best to support students academically, socially and emotionally. At one point in the podcast, the profiled teacher tells a story from her childhood. Despite adequately preparing for a test, she failed her. Her teacher asked her "Did you put your best effort forward?" When she responded "Yes" her teacher told her "That's all that really matters." Perhaps, as a society, we need to see more of the good in what our teachers are doing during this difficult time. They are clearly putting their best efforts forward, and all of themselves into their roles as educators, for the benefit of our children.

Because of social distancing guidelines, many pools are closed. This forced many competitive swimmers like me to get creative in order to stay fit. In this photo, I am practicing in a pool with a cord suspending me because my backyard pool is less than half the length of the pool I usually practice in. As fortunate as I am to have a backyard pool, many other competitive swimmers who do not have access to a pool have to make the best of their resources in order to stay in shape. When pools begin opening up again and competitions start taking place, competitive swimmers have to be prepared to return and race other swimmers although they have been dealt different resources and advantages or disadvantages.

Episode 5 of Wondery's Fighting Coronavirus podcast, entitled "Taking Care of Our Kids," tackles the problems facing today's youth as a direct result of school shutdowns under nationwide shelter-in-place orders. Interestingly, of the major concerns surrounding children during this pandemic, learning does not enter the top 3. Instead, experts are more concerned with food security, student safety, and the long term social and emotional impact of the overall pandemic experience. The podcast also discuss the potential structural changes to America's education system as a result of the uncertain future of the pandemic and shift to remote learning. The conversation around remote learning is sure to continue as educational systems determine how best to proceed in the coming months. There are many calls throughout the country to reopen schools in the pre-pandemic format. This podcast suggests a complete different reality.

While my friends lamented about how bored they were over text, I was trying to keep myself busy with new hobbies. I didn't want to sit still and stare at a screen all day, and soon enough I was filled with a passion to not become bored. I decided to go back to an old hobby of mine- crocheting. I had an untouched pile of yarn and some crochet needles sitting in my room, collecting dust. With the help of a few YouTube tutorials, I was back on track with the basics and started crocheting new things every day. The rhythm and repeated actions of crocheting were soothing and gave me time to reflect on life. As a result, I ran out of all my yarn and quickly went to buy some more online. Crocheting gave me a temporary purpose and was a good source of entertainment in my isolated life.

A short clip of what I did during quarantine. Essentially, as we were put in quarantine, it didn't affect me much besides the fact that AP testing were still continued which had caused an uproar on all social media platforms. Furthermore, my quarantine life was spent 12 hours a day on some sort of device; whether it be my phone, laptop, or the switch. Everyone expected 2020 to be the year of an adventure of a lifetime, symbolizing growth into adulthood as us juniors looked forward to opportunities and moving forward in life. The reality is far from just not being able to go to school. We can't go anywhere in fear of contamination and while the world feels like it's on pause, it's not. It is sad to think about the what if's and what could've been but this is how it has to be. This experience has truly humbled a lot of people I know to live out their lives as well as teaching us about hardships and having to say goodbye.

This pandemic had completely changed my lifestyle, but I'm not complaining entirely. Yes, staying at home is difficult but it has made my relationship with my parents much better as we often spend more time with each other instead of being caught of with work, school, or other activities. It would definitely be nice to get out and not have to worry about our favorite restaurants being closed or simple errands. Being at home also changed the usual rigor of an AP student as courses, lessons, and projects have to accommodate "at-home-learning". Just really hoping my loved ones remain safe and that the pandemic would end soon so we could focus our attention on more pressing domestic issues. #BLM

it’s funny to think how this all started as a joke. i always knew that this was real and it was happening, but no one really took it seriously, no one thought that i could really happen to them. however, over the past months, it has become clear how the virus has affected us, in a way that no one ever really thought it would. the past few months for me have been, for lack of a better word, different. with all the uncertainty and all the time, i find myself questioning it all. it was like waking up from a dream, i second guess myself, wondering if it was all really happening. but then, i look at the movie tickets pinned to my wall, expired; my backpack, sitting in the corner of my room, untouched; and my textbooks lying on my desk, collecting dust. and i realize, yes, this was really happening. i don’t know if anything i have said holds any significance or meaning, or even if it makes and sense. but this is a time of senselessness, so i guess it fits right in.

This is about the things I've missed in choir because of the pandemic. Because of coronavirus, my choir and I couldn't go do our festivals which we could've meet other choirs. We were supposed to go to Knotts Berry farm and Universal Studios. We were supposed to sing one of my favorite songs, Hey Jude, in our last concert. This pandemic has taken a lot from many students, not only us. I can't help but feel bad for our seniors in choir especially those who were in choir for all fours years of their highschool life.

The object that I've uploaded says that the pandemic will have a long-term effect on the entire world economy. The global GDP will go down, businesses will close, and millions of people will be left without a job. So unless there is a vaccine found faster, each month people are not working and society is going back to normal, the recovery time will only grow. I'm pretty sure this is obvious stuff to know but I guess that's what I'm most worried about the pandemic.

This quarantine experience so far has left me with many mixed emotions. Seeing and spending time with my family everyday allowed me to grow closer to them, but at the same time, it can be annoying sometimes. School closure was one of the many results of the pandemic. Online learning is rough, there is no interaction with teachers or classmates, but it has taught me to manage my time better. I miss seeing my teachers and hanging out with my friends. But, during this quarantine period, I was able to catch up on TV shows and spend countless hours watching anime. I also have time to get fit and develop useful skills like cooking, or simply just adopting a new hobby. I may miss my friends a lot, but I now have time to spend time with my family and work on improving myself and also watch a lot of Netflix. I also developed a tiktok addiction, which isn't healthy.

In the picture, I have my laptop and notebooks next to me. I am sitting on the kitchen table, which I share with two brothers as we do not have private spaces to work. Countless students, including myself, are feeling disadvantaged in quarantine. Succeeding academically, as well as balancing school and outside responsibilities, is especially difficult when there is no physical separation between home and school.

Due to Covid-19, our school was unable to have an in-person prom so we had a virtual one on zoom. I was chosen as a nominee for prom prince and so I took the first picture dressed up to announce my nomination. Our virtual prom was on the 30th of May where I actually won and received a studded face mask as well as some snacks from a teacher.

With the COVID-19 pandemic that has lasted for a few months now, keeping in touch with my friends and family has been hard. We are all stuck inside and I can’t reach out to my friends and it’s hard to not feel connected in my social life. My friends and I stay connected by calling each other on Facetime at times. This picture was captured during one of our calls when we watched my friend Emely cut her hair. Even though we stay connected by calling each other on Facetime, it doesn’t feel the same and I miss in-person interaction. My daily-life isn’t as productive with school now being online based. I miss seeing my teachers who I love even though I was complain about not wanting to go to school. I miss being able to go outside without feeling suffocated in a mask. I miss going out to places with my friends. Being in quarantine has made me notice how not being at school for this long has affected me. Being by myself has made me feel discourage and I’ve realized that I rely on my friends to make my days happy. I’ve noticed that some friendships I made rely solely on common classes and in-person interaction and now that I can’t do that those friendships have started to fade. It’s sad that had happen, but at least I have some strong friendships that will last even when we hardly interact with one another. Even though it’s tough see my friends and my family, we should know that it’s important to keep social distancing. Going to eat with friend and going to beaches surrounded by a lot of people’s would just increase the number of cases. It doesn’t just out your own health at risk, but the people that you’ve come into contact with would be at risk as well. At this moment, it’s important to keep in mind that we need to take care of those you love by staying away. I know it may be hard, but it’s for the best !

After months of our parents not letting us see eachother due to COVID-19, me and my best friend decided to hang out in my front yard. She brought over boba and food from Ding Tea (our favorite), and we ate together 6 feet apart, as we watched the sun go down. When we decided to get near eachother for pictures, we were cautious and made sure to put on masks to be safe.

A few days before the official national lockdown, people were panic buying and clearing shelves at store. Non-perishable foods such as SPAM, pasta, and other canned foods were being taken off shelves. Essential items such as Clorox wipes, toilet paper, rice, and bottled water also seemed to be popular among panic-buyers. Here are photos of two large stores, Costco and Walmart, where shelves were cleared and people were almost fighting over items.

Looking at protests across the country, I've wondered what the implications are for the pandemic. This doctor explains the difference between pool parties and protests over racist violence, is that only one is necessary. I believe one of the best things white people can do right now is listen to black people about the importance of these protests and help advocate for necessary change.

Due to COVID-19, American Cancer Society, a high school club dedicated to raising awareness to cancer, held its Club Officer announcements through a Zoom call online rather than in person, following a Zoom interview.

During this scary time, I was able to create a youtube channel to channel my cooking skills and share it to the world. I was able to stay calm while cooking during this time, and I came up with loads of new recipes to cook, and my channel is called "Kooking With Khang"

My quarantine experience consists of online classes and assignments and I couldn't be more grateful. Online classes and assignments only take out a percentage of my day and after that I am free to do whatever I want. I'm grateful that all I have to do is homework because there are front line workers that are facing the very danger that has kept us inside. Their days are long and fearful while mine are in front of a screen.

This year was supposed to be my third year in swim season. Being in varsity swim since freshman year, I've always looked up to give everything I got in my races and maybe even try to break at least one record by my senior year. With COVID-19 cancelling our entire season of swim, I was shocked in many ways because I have never expected the sport I'm passionate about to be cancelled. Not only was this tragic, but also all the hard work that I put into to make CIF 2020 went down the drain. I don't even have a pool in my backyard and when the pool opens back up again, I will be as sluggish as ever. COVID-19 affected my physical abilities in general and as I attempt to exercise with different methods besides swimming such as the popular Chloe Ting's workout, I barely saw any result and gained 7 lbs in the process. Thank you COVID-19 for ruining my swim experience.

My story is a simple one. Day after day is an assignment from my online classes and I am extremely grateful, because my day is safe and secure. On the other hand, there are people on the front lines constantly exposed to the dangers that are keeping us all in.

So in the begging of the covid 19 we didn’t take it serious well I didn’t i felt this was going to blow over in a couple of weeks and we would be able to go back to school like if nothing happened. I never expected for the virus to explode the way it did. It has prevented me on finishing my first track season it has prevented me from going to see friends and family it has prevented me to go and learn and celebrate in school, and all this has me really conflicted i mean i know I’m not the only one but I’m frustrated that i can’t go out and live my best life, i can cant go and do hands on learning, i cant see my future as i did before i have been having some trouble learning everything is just crazy in the world right now.

All year my classmates and I have studied and worked in order to ace the AP tests. However due to quarantine we were unable to take the normal AP tests and had to take the online version. One year of work was graded with 1-2 essay(s) which is completely unfair. Due to the essays covering only a small portion of the year my classmates and I were annoyed. During the actual tests there were different prompts, all varying in difficulty, which is unfair. Many people often had trouble with the whole experience and there are several classmates that have to retake the test. The AP tests this year was a doozy yet I’m glad it is over. Hopefully a vaccine comes out soon and this pandemic ends because the future looks so hopeless.

The photo represents the experience of privileged white people during this pandemic and their selfishness. Personally this upsets me because these people have worms for brains and are protesting something that cannot be resisted; disease isn’t something you can literally protest an end for, you have to wait and hope like the rest of it.

Due to quarantine, we can no longer hangout with our friends to see each other without the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. The only way we can all hangout and see each other is through a screen. Instead of looking forward to seeing our friends on the weekend, we have to resort a zoom call to see each other. This picture shows all my friends all together in one zoom call to celebrate my friend's birthday.

This is important to me because I haven't even touched a sketchbook in so long despite wanting to learn how to draw.

How I felt and reacted to the situation

The most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus are potentially being failed by society with restrictions and reopening. There may be a lack of resources allocated the "improve the prospects for this population".

An article discussing the fraud and scams that are an additional concern for the elderly during the pandemic. Usually a key demographic for scammers to target, the elderly are dealing with unscrupulous people who would commit fraud during the pandemic.

Dr. Neil Skolnik describes his interactions with nursing home residents during check ups during the COVID-19 pandemic and how isolation is negatively affecting them. He discusses the emotional pain caused by being unable to have regular visits from family members and how there should be some thought into how to allow visitations while keeping residents safe.

An article discussing the adverse effects that social distancing and isolation has had on the elderly, especially those with dementia and in Elder Care facilities.

One of the main constants during shut down has been the ability to still work out. My barre studio has gone above and beyond, converting their in class studios to daily virtual classes over zoom and continually checking in making challenges to motivate everyone to continue to stay healthy, even at home. My daily barre class has become an important part of my day, where I don’t think about work responsibilities, parenting, the state of the world or anything else that can become overwhelming. And my muscles have never looked better!

Relatives from Mexico were supposed to visit during the summer since they were finally granted access to visit the United States. Unfortunately, those plans have been canceled and it is truly upsetting. They've never experienced a fun day at the beach due to how they live in the very center of Mexico, the city, and we wanted to make the most out of this opportunity they were given.

For my son’s drive-by birthday, we wanted something fun for people to do as they drove by, but without exiting their cars. We decided it would be fun to have people try to “beat the virus,” so I made a Coronavirus piñata. After the birthday parade, the birthday boy and his big sister finished it off. To keep any guests from thinking it was a traditional piñata, with candies and prizes inside, I made sure everyone knew that the piñata was where I put some of his birthday presents (in this case, legos).

This is happening in my county, which is primarily white. Residents are upset because the Tooele Health Department issued an order warning residents not to attend a local concert that was being planned in accordance with social distancing measures instituted by the Utah state government. Juxtaposing this with the issues marginalized communities are facing during the pandemic really highlights the issues at stake here for different people. People in an overwhelmingly white community are protesting the right to attend a concert during a pandemic, while black Americans are protesting for their right to live. This is a fascinating juxtaposition that really demonstrates the epitome of white privilege.

Elder/Youth Talking Circle, held online via lifesize videoconferencing

So before this whole global pandemic struck, my friend, I shall refer to him as Johnny. Johnny had a crush on this girl we'll refer to her as Emily, this is all happening during our junior year as of 2020. Anyways so Johnny and Emily worked on a particular project together most if not every school calls it the year book. So Johnny has a dilemma, he wants to ask Emily out, but he wants to keep things "professional" in the work place. And so being the great friend I was, I said to him, "Ask her out, what's the worse that could happen?" For about two weeks he holds off, talks to her, texts her, you know the usual. So the day he was going to ask her out was the day that the schools were shutting down for the pandemic. We were having shawarma, and Johnny was going to ask her out after our group meal. Unfortunately we get this email saying that schools are on lock down along with small businesses and other entertainment/activities. Unfortunately he didn't ever ask her out because of the lock down and barely even messages his crush. Honestly if the virus didn't hit Johnny might now be in a happy relationship, but unfortunately he isn't. I really feel for him, he mustered up all his courage to ask his crush out and the virus was like nope. Poor guy

This picture shows the essentials I have to bring now whenever I leave my house as a result of this pandemic.

This is an interview from May 29th 2020 with five-year-old Emily of rural Oklahoma about COVID-19. She talks about her doll she named "Corona Barbie" in which she used a high neck dress to cover the doll's mouth like a mask. Emily also talks about missing family vacations, missing school, and especially missing her teacher Mrs. Looper. Growing up in a rural area, she was most excited to be able to share videos of her chickens hatching via Facebook Messenger Kids during the pandemic. Photograph included that inspired the interview is of the actual "Corona Barbie" mentioned in the interview. The photograph was taken on March 16th, 2020. Submitted for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580. #HST580 #ASU

As elective surgeries are being cancelled to prioritize usage of PPE and in an effort to minimize the exposure to, and spread of, COVID-19, many hospitals are facing financial difficulties as a result of canceling these elective, and often high dollar, surgeries and procedures.

Doctors are seeing an increase in death and severe complications from otherwise treatable diseases as people are waiting until it is too late before seeking treatment, out of fear from catching COVID-19.

This picture if relevant to what is happening to Asian Americans, they face hate crimes almost everyday ever since the outbreak of COVID-19. As a young student who is proud to be an Asian, living in America suddenly sounds like a scary reality that we don't want to face, afraid to be suddenly attack by people who believe Asians are the reason there is a global pandemic.

The loss of social interaction has been one of the hardest parts of the pandemic. It's really hard for my 6yo who wants more than anything to see her friends again. Recently, her friend started a book club where 3-4 kids can get together on Zoom and discuss and share their favorite books. They explain what book they like and why. Today, Maya shared the book Potato Pants which is one that we always laugh at. She still misses her friends, and I have to keep promising that we'll see them soon. Fortunately she hasn't pushed for a concrete date, but she's constantly asking and frustrated that she spends everyday at home.

“Piestewa was 23 years old and a mother of two young children. She was Hopi and Mexican-American and the first Native American female killed in combat when her convoy was ambushed. For her actions, she was awarded the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medal… The annual sunrise service for Lori Piestewa and fallen heroes scheduled for March 23, which normally takes place at the base of Piestewa Peak, was cancelled because of the COVID-19 virus. However, some community members still hiked to the top of the peak in memory of Piestewa.”

It was back in February or March. I had told my friend, who was freaking out about COVID-19 coming to us here in Grove, that we'll be fine, that there is not anything to worry about. I mean China is so far away- but it came so fast. No one knew March 13, a Friday, would be our last time seeing each other for who knows how long. It has been more than 2 months now that no one has physically seen me except my family. Don't get me wrong though. I feel much less stress, I have a better sleep schedule (no more eye bags), and I have good relations with my family. Therefore, I can not say I want out because I hate being stuck here at home, but I want out because this is not how I want to live my life. But yet, there are those people out and about and who are so upset with this lockdown that they go out and protest to open America up again, that I have to continue living a life I rather not live. Someone like me, who is a daughter of an ER nurse working in the COVID-19 tents sometimes, stays home and follows the rule can get sick. Without even going out! So understand me if I am infuriated with people like them. I am only lucky that my dad can make it home safe and that he has not gotten sick either. I'm still young and I want to explore and hang out with my friends and laugh all day long and eat new foods. Summer is coming fast and then it'll be my senior year of highschool. I have had enough, but what can I change? Nothing really. But I guess for the time being, I will continue staying home, doing homework, watching anime, reading books, and playing games, hoping that I can go outside again and be free with friends and family.

We were invited to partake in a surprise Zoom call for a dear friend's 39th birthday. Our friend's partner asked all attendees to arrive to the virtual party 10 minutes before the official start time of 7 p.m. with a favorite celebratory drink in hand. Over 50 participants arrived on time for the call and stayed as long as 2.5 hours. Friends connected via the messaging chat function of Zoom, as well as through live video. Since we are unable to show our love for someone in person during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place, it is heartwarming that people still choose to show up the best they can for those they love.

This is a message to parents about what their kids are going through. As tough as things are in quarantine, parents must be mindful that it is equally as difficult for the children.

Homeschooling or remote learning was difficult for so many parents as well as their children. This student was assigned some math problems. His father turned his back, and his kid filled in the word "poop" for all of his answers. The father shared it on social media.

During the quarantine, people found themselves eating a lot and taking a few naps a day. Another popular activity was watching TV and playing video games. While homeschooling their kids, all the screen time rules went out the window. Parents also found it difficult to keep a school type of schedule.