In light of the coronavirus pandemic of this past spring, we all know the immense amount of research that is taking place to fight the virus. The pandemic has changed the world we live in and likely our outlook on life forever. A new chapter in history is playing out all around us and there are so many questions at this time that will be asked; that YOU can ask. This is a time where any student interested in a future in politics and policy, in economics, in sociology or psychology can be on the cutting edge of answering so many questions. The research questions that can be asked range from “How has shelter in place affected the family structure?”, “What are the academic impacts of e-learning on mathematics education?”, “What are the effects of the pandemic of local small business in the Downers Grove/Woodridge area?” “How has the pandemic increased the number of homeless people in our area?”, “How have shelter in place practices affected the mental health of adults (or children, or teenagers, or the elderly)?” Is there an increase in depression in adults (or children? Or the elderly?) as a result of this virus?” or perhaps, How to measure the necessity of novel activities like a walk around the block or a bike ride has on mental health?, “Is there an increase in the number of children (or adults) taking part in outdoor exercise as a result on covid-19 regulations?”

The Covid-19 Pandemic is a defining moment in your life. Generations before you had World War II, Civil Rights, the Vietnam War, or Los Angeles Riots as their defining moments that reshaped their consciousness and changed the course of their lives. The DGS research club is a great opportunity for you to explore your questions about how this pandemic will reshape society as we know it today. It is you that needs to step up to the challenge of uncovering the answers to your questions. Answers that may change how services are distributed within your community or solidify your career focus. The hardest part of research for young people is the ability to get started and have the support to guide them through the process. Research club was formed because young Mustangs were motivated by the events in their lives to seek out a space and support to answer their questions.

If you are interested in any topics mentioned here or any questions raised by this challenging time in our history, please consider joining the Research Club this year. Research Club can help you investigate topics that are important to you and provide a venue to present these topics to peers. We can help you find a mentor in your field and allow you to satisfy your need for answers. We want to make sure you realize, research is not just in the sciences; biology, chemistry and physics but is foundational to all subjects in your schooling. Research moves us forward as a society and provides answers in all areas of life.

If this is interesting and important to you, please talk to club sponsors Mrs. Sachtleben (msachtleben@csd99.org), Mr. Howard (showard@csd99.org.) or the executive board of President Jonah Sprandel (jspr0366@csd99.org) or Vice President Domani Sharkey (dsha0914@csd99.org)

You are not just high school students. You are the future of this country. You will solve problems by finding the answers.

(link to the Google Doc of this letter here)

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