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Mrs. Ferrante and her sister traveling during quarantine.
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Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Sullivan styling in their masks during covid teaching
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March 11, 2025, marks the five-year anniversary of COVID-19. Since the pandemic began, our society has endured many challenges, but we have gradually overcome them over the years. Reflecting on quarantine, virtual education was undoubtedly one of the most difficult adjustments for both teachers and students. However, since returning to in-person learning, we have united and formed much stronger bonds within our community.
Being stuck in quarantine restricted many students’ social lives. Sophomore Emma Hardwick, who was in fifth grade when the pandemic started, states, “The pandemic made me rely on the internet since I was always stuck at home, and the internet was my only resource since there weren’t any social opportunities.” Relying solely on the internet for extended periods made it difficult to build real social connections once life returned to normal.
Mr. White, along with Mr. Anderson, believes that one of the hardest aspects of lockdown was “the feeling of being isolated.” This sentiment was widely shared among students and teachers. However, junior Gabriel Mazzacane, who was in sixth grade at the time, didn’t experience this as strongly since he maintained most of his connections through FaceTime and online games.
For students, receiving a proper education during this time was a major struggle. Freshman Grace Prunicki, who was in fourth grade during the lockdown, says, “I’m not a virtual learner; I need things handed to me.” This was a common challenge among many students and had a negative impact on their ability to learn effectively. As a result, student performance suffered, preventing many from reaching their full potential.
However, as vaccines became available and it became safe to return to school, students joyfully resumed their regular learning habits. Although there were struggles in adjusting back to normalcy, as many had grown accustomed to virtual learning and had been deprived of regular social interactions, the transition ultimately strengthened the school community. Science teacher Mrs. Ferrante recalls, “Going to Target every day—wearing a mask, of course.”
Despite the hardships, many students and teachers have moved forward without lasting impacts from the pandemic. Most importantly, we are all grateful to have reunited once again!
