Many young generations have been shaped by the global crises they faced—Depression-era poverty, Cold War nuclear fears. Add to them the COVID generation. Ms. Jennie Dang, fourth grade teacher at Murdock Elementary School, asked her students to share their perspectives on what they learned during the COVID pandemic like: mask mandates, online learning, grandparents kept at a distance, and canceled summer camps, to name a few consequences. But as the following responses from these young students show, they also have grown and learned, gained maturity and wisdom.
The most important thing I learned from COVID is the importance of family. Before COVID I would always play with my friends, and do schoolwork. It’s gotten a lot better now but at the beginning of COVID I was spending a lot of time at home plus virtual school. We would watch shows, and play games. I’m at school now (in person) and I’m very grateful for that. During this time, I’ve gotten a lot closer with my mom, dad, and my cat, Tessa!
– Caris Buonavita
If you think that virtual learning is better for kids, I disagree. One reason I think students should be face to face is virtual kids could not focus if there is noise in the house or outside. Another reason, is if their connection is bad they can’t hear the teacher. If you are face-to-face that won’t happen. Also, parents won’t have to keep driving to pick up papers, so they can finish their work. Lastly, face- to-face is better because the student can see a kid their age more often. Which is basically social interaction.
– Aadyn Soriano
The most important thing I learned during the COVID-19 pandemic is the value of sports. When I’ve been playing sports I’ve made friends here and there. When I wasn’t playing sports I had one or two friends. In addition, during the pandemic originally for the first couple of months I was lazy, out of shape, and fat. Well now, from playing sports I’m healthy and in shape. Lastly, when I wasn’t playing sports during the pandemic I was sad.
– Hudson Underriner
Wearing a mask is horrible. Now you may think differently, but we are talking about me. I think wearing a mask is horrible because it hurts your ears, it is hard to hear people because they are wearing a mask, and when you are running or doing some thing that makes you tired and you can barely breathe because of it! Even though it’s horrible you have to wear it because it protects you from COVID-19. So you should wear a mask even though it’s annoying.
– Caroline Warren
Patience is the key to surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. To begin, if you get COVID tested you have to be patient and wait about three days. Another thing, you have to listen to the news to see if you can go back to school. I know that these things take a lot of time and they have changed me and the people around me.
– Jordan Nathan
COVID-19 has been very stressful for all of us. However, I think I have a solution to the stress. I believe that chanting Nam-Myo- ho Renge-Kyo (Nawm-Mee-oh- ho-Rain-gay-kee-oh) can help reduce the stress of COVID-19. Whenever I chant, I feel at peace. It’s like all my problems melt away … I feel freshened. Whenever you feel stressed out about COVID-19, chant for happiness.
– Eden Setterland
In my opinion, remote learning is the best thing ever! Remote learning rocks because you don’t go to school, you don’t have to learn 7-8 hours, and you get to stay comfy. It’s just like a free day!
– Tony Intriago
The most important thing I’ve learned during COVID-19 is how easy working at home is. I think it’s nice that I can eat whenever I want, and have all my classes right in front of me . . . [And] my dad will get me almost anything I want for lunch. Since all my classes are right in front of me, all you have to do to get to your next class is click the class you want to be in, and you’re in it!
– Andrew Feeley
In my opinion, during the pandemic, the most important thing I learned is that patience is needed, a lot. To start out, it had taken a lot of patience to wait for a vaccine. Also, it was key to wait for 2020 to end.
– Gabe Adrian
The most important thing I’ve learned during COVID is the value of socializing. One reason is it helps us to express ourselves. Also you would be lonely. You would be on electronics all day. Most importantly, friends help you in times of need. If you’re sad they’ll talk to you.
– Landon Chitnis
This article originally appeared in the EAST COBBER July/August issue. You can access the digital edition HERE.
What do you think of the Murdock children’s lessons learned? What have you learned during the pandemic?
