Quarantine became a reality as of March 2020. As the nation approaches a one-year anniversary of Covid-19 entering its borders, it’s interesting to look back at all that has happened. Even with all of the negative going on, in some ways, this pandemic created new opportunities disguised through alone time and Zoom calls.
Coronavirus placed high school students in a tough situation this past year as many struggled with a change of routines—no more going to school in person, no dances or prom, no hanging out with friends in person, no playing big sports and no traveling. Quarantine definitely took its toll on all students, but high schoolers missed out on arguably some of the best years of their lives.
Dr. Nazish Imran, a professor and researcher wrote in a journal article that “the uncertainties regarding pandemic itself, strict social distancing measures, widespread and prolonged school closures, parental stressors, and loss of loved ones are likely to affect children and adolescent’s well being in addition to specific psychological effects of quarantine and isolation.”
Even though quarantine made many obstacles, it also created ample time to start up new hobbies, play more video games or learn a new skill. Teens have displayed their new skills on many different platforms, like TikTok or Instagram.
Gonzaga senior Jack Wood talked about how Covid-19 helped him learn a new instrument.
“The free time allowed me to teach myself how to play the electric guitar, which I have really enjoyed because I never took lessons as a kid. I figure it will be useful in college, too,” Wood said.
Gonzaga freshman Tomas Ergueta shared that Covid-19 helped him find out one of his new favorite hobbies.
“Over this pandemic, I have learned to fish and have enjoyed it a lot. In fact, I have fished multiple times a month since the beginning of the summer. It is a new hobby that I discovered during the pandemic and will keep enjoying it even after the pandemic,” Ergueta said.
The positive outcomes of quarantine don’t only reach Gonzaga, though. A student from Northern High School in Owings, Maryland described lockdown as a gateway to something he’d never done before.
Alex Younkers, junior, had a similar lockdown to Ergueta.
“The amount of time in my house with my family definitely drove me crazy. I decided one day that I’d go to the lake close to my house and fish for the first time. I didn’t expect to love it so much, but now it seems like it’s a daily routine to go out and fish,” Younkers said.
While some kids take the extra time to play video games or sleep, others focus on personal improvement. Senior Wade Wahlig from Falmouth High School in Falmouth, Maine opened up about his quarantine lifestyle.
“Ever since Covid-19 caused Maine to lockdown, I used the extra time to read books, such as The Lord of the Rings. On top of that, I’ve also been able to work more on my fitness goals by working out every day and eating right,” Wahlig said.
Obviously 2020 didn’t go the way anyone expected it. With terrible tragedies and a global pandemic, worry and fear sparked in every country. The outcome of this almost yearlong lockdown is in the hands of each individual. New hobbies and skills are right around the corner that anyone can achieve.