Senior Aleks Klepka

Q: What were your initial thoughts/concerns about COVID-19 affecting your life pre-school closure?

A: I was kind of expecting it, I knew a situation somewhat like this could occur, but I never knew it was actually gonna happen. Then all the schools in the state began to close and countries went on lockdown- I knew it was only a matter of time until it happened here. I thought it would come faster and faster, I was honestly shocked when it did happen.

Q: What was your reaction when it was announced that school would be closed for two weeks?

A: I was sitting in front of my house, on my phone, and suddenly I got a text from my friend saying the school is closed for two weeks. I didn’t quite believe it, but I went on Twitter and checked and thought this is really it, this is crazy. I thought okay, I guess I’ll stay home for two weeks. 

Q: How about when you found out that schools will remain closed for the rest of the year?

A: Wow that’s really it. By that time we were in quarantine for some time already, so I was kind of expecting it but at the same time I wasn’t. I was devastated. On one side, I knew it was necessary but on the other I was extremely disappointed because it was my senior year. I realized I didn’t get to say bye and I was scared of what was going to happen next.

Q: How is this closure affecting you? 

A: Honestly, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. It’s sad not being able to see people I want to see, but I keep in contact. It’s allowed me to take a break from reality. I can kind of take a break from things, and because school is closed It’s helping senioritis. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to note in relation to this situation and your life going-forward?

A: I’m wondering how this is going to affect the near future. I’m wondering how we are going to deal with this problem because people are trying to make it better, but it’s not really improving. I’m wondering when this will actually be over.

Junior Anna Koumbis 

Q: What were your initial thoughts/concerns about covid-19 affecting your life pre-school closure? 

A: When I heard about Covid-19, I immediately got worried about some of my family members, considering they are older like my grandma. In addition, I was concerned about all extracurricular activities for students being affected: dances, sports, clubs, etc.

Q: What was your reaction when it was announced that school would be closed for two weeks? 

A: I was not surprised because I knew that it would be the safe thing to do. I was also bummed because of my activities being postponed.

Q: How about when you found out that schools will remain closed for the rest of the year?

A: I was surprised, but not at the same time. I knew that was the best decision, but I was very sad, especially for the seniors.

Q: How is this closure affecting you? 

A: I am in a community orchestra group, I volunteer at my old middle school (Princess Anne), and am on a club soccer team. Unfortunately, I am unable to participate in any of those activities. In addition, it has been hard for me not seeing any family or friends since I am taking the precautions and am social distancing.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to note in relation to this situation and your life going forward? 

A: It is very unfortunate with how everything is affected due to Covid-19. It is upsetting, frustrating, difficult, and stressful for all of us during this time. I hope we will all learn from this; never take things for granted in life.

Sophomore Kassandra Londoño 

Q: What were your initial thoughts/concerns about COVID-19 affecting your life pre-school closure?

A: In all honesty I wasn’t very worried about it, because most of what I saw was the internet being overdramatic and so I wasn’t really super worried about it affecting my life. I was on the New York trip the week before they started considering closing schools, so that made me really realize what was happening.

Q: What was your reaction when it was announced that school would be closed for two weeks?

A: I was a bit surprised but I thought, okay then I guess they’re taking it seriously. I thought it was a good precautionary measure

Q: How about when you found out that schools will remain closed for the rest of the year?

A: I felt it was a little bit over dramatic at the time, because it wasnt that off the rails. I thought maybe they should have taken it two weeks at a time instead. I kind of understand why they did it, but I feel bad for the juniors and seniors because they had events specific to their year that they won’t be able to experience anymore.

Q: How is this closure affecting you? 

A: I guess I’m upset that I can’t see my friends anymore, and I don’t like online school because I prefer an in school setting. It’s a very interesting experience, not something I thought I would have to experience. It’s weird, but I guess it’s nice to have more time for myself and talk to other people. Even though we have work, it’s a little less overwhelming.

Freshman Macee Dippery

Q: What were your initial thoughts/concerns about COVID-19 affecting your life pre-school closure?

A: When I first heard about covid-19, i didn’t think much. I surely didn’t expect it to come our way, but then it did. I heard about US schools closing and I started to get concerned. Being a participant of the Dance Academy, I first was worried about our May showcase getting cancelled. The performance is a huge grade and I also didn’t want to miss my first chance to perform for Salem. On the other hand, I had been wishing for a break. My class work was starting to pile up and so was my stress. I wanted it to come our way so we could be released, but I still wanted my chance on stage.

Q: What was your reaction when it was announced that school would be closed for two weeks?

A: I was thankful and so relieved. I was getting the break I had been wishing for and we would still have time to prepare for the May showcase. 

Q: How about when you found out that schools will remain closed for the rest of the year?

A: Gosh, when I heard the rest of the year was going to be cancelled. My heart dropped. I knew that I had to wait a whole entire year until I could finally perform for Salem for the first time, and as a freshman, this is not how I expected my first year of high school would go. But, there’s really nothing I can do about it. I’ve been trying to make the most of the Academy at home by participating in all of our Zoom classes but it’s not the same. I can just hope that next year, I’ll finally get a chance on stage.

Q: How is this closure affecting you? 

A: The fact that school has closed during COVID-19 has benefitted me mentally. I always bought lunch at school even though the food wasn’t the healthiest. And now I am doing almost everything in my power to eat healthy. I have also had time to try new things like cooking and my stress levels have declined so much. I’m so thankful I can do all of my work from home and on my own time. It’s a blessing. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to note in relation to this situation and your life going-forward?

A: I am so sorry for the seniors of Salem and I hope everything works out for them.

Makayla Nobles: Sophomore at Radford University

Q: How do you feel about your sophomore year at Radford being cut short and why? 

A:  It’s pretty upsetting. I definitely am nowhere near as upset as the seniors are, but there was something I was looking forward to that got cancelled. However, I am grateful that Radford took the students into consideration and moved our classes to online. 

Grant Minor: Freshman at ODU

Q: How do you feel about your first year being cancelled halfway through?

A: I’m upset, but I am happy that everyone isn’t in as much danger as they would be on campus. But I do miss my friends and roommates and classes are a lot harder online. 

Quinton Xavier: Freshman at ODU 

Q: How do you feel about your first year being cancelled halfway through?

A: I would say that it definitely put a damper on the end of my freshman year, but the transition was not too bad. Due to the circumstances, I was able to just adapt quickly and roll with the punches. I am working during this time so I can stay busy and make money to support myself. It was easy to balance school work as it was not as much and not a set schedule anymore either.