The Hidden Faces Behind the Pandemic

I was grateful to be surrounded by supportive people even from a distance (family, friends, & etc). The pandemic made us realize how important and crucial certain jobs people have in helping our communities (like healthcare/frontline workers). And, luckily for me, I was still be able to teach and coach students virtually/in person, even if it was outside what a normal school year looks like.

“I miss going to the art room and not wearing a mask at school”

“The pandemic has forced me to readjust my work and life balance. Normally I would just compartmentalize my role as teacher and as mother — mother at home; teacher at school. But now that the walls between home and school are literally removed with remote instruction, being able to say to myself “okay, time to close the laptop and be mommy” was not an easy thing for me to do. It's taught me so...

“I haven’t been able to see my friends and family as often as I would like to. I’m also a freshman, so I’m missing out on the normal high school experience that I always looked forward to” 

“Although there are many isolating moments and times of sadness, anger, and frustration, it makes me realize how precious life is. I took so much for granted before all of this and would complain on how busy my life with young, involved children was. Now, I appreciate more quiet evenings … baking, watching Netflix, going on family walks and bike rides. I’m just looking forward to giving someo...

“The pandemic has taught me to appreciate those around me more and how important the connections I have with people are to my everyday life. I never realized how much I relied on my daily interactions with family, friends, and coaches, until it was taken away. I’ve learned to appreciate the people I’m surrounded by, and to not take for granted the time I have with them” ...

“I can’t go out and see my friends as much as I want to and I keep getting exposed to covid and having to quarantine. Online class is not my favorite, I would rather be in person”

“Teaching has become very difficult. Personality is one of the most important features of effective teaching and virtual teaching masks (pun intended) my personality. That has made it difficult to connect with students and develop a healthy rapport” 

“Fortunately, my family and friends weren’t affected, so personally it was a positive in my life … quarantine gave me a long time period to reflect on my past, present, future and all the things I should be grateful for. Of course my friends and I have had to change the normal activities that we do, but with less social events that are accessible, my friends and I became closer as a group” ...

“I’ve learned to be flexible as plans and guidelines are constantly changing. This time has made me grateful that my friends and family have stayed safe and healthy, especially my mom who is a nurse at Hackensack University Medical Center. She and many others have put their lives on the line to help those in need, and it warms my heart to see how selfless the healthcare workers are. Of course the pand...

“As the pandemic occurred, we had to close the business down for several months, which was a loss of revenue, and a loss for my staff as well. Since we opened up again, we have followed a lot of the CDC guidelines to be compliant with the rules. It’s challenging, but we’re trying to go above and beyond to keep the salon safe for our clients as well our employees” ...

“Business has been a lot slower because of the pandemic. Of course we have to wear masks and social distance, but without school, we don’t do the normal lunch business we would, not to mention that people are afraid to come into the store and purchase things. No one has the freedom to go out and do what they want anymore”