By ISA Post | March 29, 2020

The coronavirus means that our world is at a halt. With this, people everywhere are having to re-adjust their lives and learn to deal with the many cancellations and extended deadlines that have come with the pandemic. I’ve asked 20 ISA students what they are mourning as a result of this disease, and the silver lining they’ve found as everyone is forced to live their days at a slower and more isolated pace.

“With schools being closed, our education will severely degrade. I feel that if we do switch to online schools many students will feel unmotivated to complete their work and some classes won’t be able to be taught online at all. Many families are losing money because of this pandemic. My mother is an interpreter who goes to schools and interprets parents' teacher meetings, but due to the closing of schools she doesn't have work. A silver lining is that we now have more time to use resources like college board and khan academy to get ahead on the SAT and ACT tests, although with the cancellations of tests such as the ACT and SAT students are stuck studying the same things instead of knowing what they need to perfect.” -Adrian Fortuno, Class of 2021

“All of my polo events have been cancelled which is very disappointing for all polo players because we just had the Central Interscholastic Regional and now those teams that are going to Nationals don’t know if they’ll have that opportunity. My ACT test has been cancelled and I’m uncertain if I’ll have time to retake it this summer which will be detrimental for my college searching and applications. My summer camp and a Planned Parenthood fundraiser that I am helping to lead this year may be cancelled. My family is being met with great financial issues due to the stock market tanking. My parents retirement fund is facing cuts and all of our 529 plans are in jeopardy. My grandfather’s company has lost 50 thousand dollars from conference cancellations. Having my sister home from college and my family under one roof for the first time in a long time is the biggest silver lining. My best friend who goes to boarding school in Colorado is home now which has been another blessing. We’ve been doing a lot of art and yoga and gardening to fill our days.” -Tatum Spriester, Class of 2021

“The thing that I am most mourning would be the Make a Difference Fair. I was really excited about getting to share the dangers of underage drinking. The silver lining part is that I am able to improve on the appearance of my poster.” -Sloane Spriester, Class of 2023

“With students sitting at home they are slowly forgetting what they learned in past lessons. Many trips and other events are cancelled and I think this is going to affect our economy greatly. A possible silver lining would be that students don’t have to take the STAAR test.” -Ava Roth, Class of 2023

“The uncertainty is the worst part for me. Not knowing what’s going to happen next or when that development might come makes me and I’m sure many others very anxious. The fear of being the one responsible for spreading the virus looms over me constantly. Unknowingly transmitting the disease to older loved ones is a terrifying thought, which I hope is somehow alleviated soon. Being mostly at home is fine for the time being. I’ve filled my days by walking and playing video games but soon that enjoyment will turn to dread. Cabin fever is a real worry for me, as my family and I tend to be pretty antsy. Boredom is troubling to me.” -Anonymous

“Many of my friends are forced to leave their abroad and gap year programs due to COVID-19. They had to pick up all their bags within the span of 24 hours and rush to find a flight back to their home country just to go into quarantine. It’s hard for me to analyze my situation because there’s so many people I know worrying about much more in their difficult situations.” -Julie Lasky, Class of 2021

“I’m most mourning the loss of a routine. I’ve found it hard to wake up before noon and be productive. The most I’ve done during this isolation is get up to see what’s in the fridge. Our new reality has impacted visits with my Grandmother. I have to keep a respectful distance from her with the mindset of the virus being spread around silently. A silver lining for me is I’ve been spending more time with my dog while taking her on long walks in my neighborhood. I’m thankful for having the company of my phone for helping me stay connected with friends and family during this time.” -Valentina Barrera-Ilbarra , Class of 2023

“Being out of school has made me realize that I and many others took school for granted. School helps us build relationships with friends and teachers, and gives some students a sense of home if they may not have a great relationship with those they live with. The main thing I’m mourning is my trip to South Korea being cancelled. The silver lining I’ve found is realizing that I took school for granted and now am aware of how not having school deeply affects students' mental and physical health.” -Iliana Hernandez, Class of 2023

“I’m mourning the cancelling of jazz band events. A silver lining I’ve found is that I now have more time to study for SAT, ACT and AP tests.” -Ezra Harris, Class of 2021

“I’m mourning the cancelling of summa, prom, and am worried about the possibility of graduation being canceled as well. I’ve been working my whole life to walk down that stage.The only silver lining I’ve found is I now have more time to relax and sleep. I miss my friends and I miss having events to look forward to.” -Marie Alvarez, Class of 2020

“I’m really missing interacting with people and being taught lessons. With AP tests on the horizon, I feel like we are being put at a disadvantage when compared to past years. A silver lining I’ve found is being able to study on my own and do hobbies I haven’t had time to do in awhile!” -Luke Martin, Class of 2021

“I’m most mourning going to school as there are numerous ways that people can cheat with online schooling. A silver lining is students get some much needed rest and relaxation so we can come back stronger for when school does start back up again.” -Ristith Telakapalli, Class of 2021

“It’s good to know that we can still learn online, but I will miss the classroom setting. I am glad that our school cares about our well being overall. I miss my friends the most because there is never a bad moment with them.” -Giulia Mayhua, Class of 2021

“I really miss my friends and teachers. It’s hard not seeing the teachers because they’ve always provided a sense of love and stability for their students. Not seeing them everyday is going to be really detrimental. A silver lining is that students will be able to complete tasks on their own time rather than having to complete them at a time set.” -Layla McManus, Class of 2022

“I’m mourning not being able to see my friends. They’re a huge part of my life and not seeing them everyday is very difficult. However, knowing we’ll come back from this gives me a stronger sense of hope.” -Rosemary Wilson, Class of 2021

“I’m mourning the cancellation of the advocacy fair, but I like that there’s no school.” -Eva Fajardo, Class of 2022

“I’m missing softball, especially since it’s our last time to play with seniors. It has been nice to have a mental health check, relax, and use this time to prepare for school.” -Audrey Michel, Class of 2021

“I’m missing having structure to my day and being in a space where it’s easy to collaborate with my peers and teachers. A silver lining is that we can skip things in class that may be less efficient so that we can prepare for AP tests!” -Maya Mackey, Class of 2021

“I’m most mourning getting to be with friends at school and our Summa Cum Laude ceremony was cancelled. A silver lining is getting to spend time with my family. Hopefully they reschedule prom and we can still do graduation.” -Parker Worley, Class of 2020

“I’m mourning the cancellation of prom and getting to see friends everyday.” -Madeline Wiley, Class of 2021