2 minute read
Unmasking - returning to school without a face covering
A sixth form student at Lancing College, Sussex, writes about the feelings associated with being able to mix with her peers again without wearing face masks
Unmasking. This word is so bizarre to me now. Before, I’d only seen surgical masks and hazmat suits on the news or on TV; now we’re over a year into a global pandemic and very much used to ‘masking up’. On transport, moving around school or our houses, sitting in classrooms or the library, and going to meals—they have almost become woven into the fabric of our faces. When I started at Lancing in September, meeting the other students was more like meeting new sets of eyes and unfamiliar eyebrows.
Stripping off a second layer can feel refreshing and daunting at the same time. Of course, there will be anxiety about removing what has been told is keeping us safe. The mask began to feel like it was more than a fabric face covering, it was a shield which could hide and protect me, not only from the raging virus, but also from my insecurities and social anxieties. However, I have begun to embrace the exposure. I’m relearning face etiquette—like having to remember to put my hand over my mouth when I yawn—all over again. This shows how quickly we have adapted to wearing masks. I’m sure we will adapt just as quickly to unmasking.
Lancing has been clear about making everyone feel comfortable and students still wear masks if they want to. The best part about this step for me is the feeling of moving forward. In classes, I can see my teacher’s face and they can see mine. Not having to check my pockets constantly when I leave to go to class—well, I still do this. It’s going to take time to lose the heart-sinking feeling of forgetting your mask.
Now that we’ve actually unmasked it feels pleasantly normal (which is not to say that it hasn’t been celebrated). I’ve sensed the overall excitement of my friends and other year groups as we’re able to sit with each other at meals again, and I feel so lucky that we can do the small things without having to wear masks. It has only been a few days but it’s been a really good few days.
Molly is studying A Levels in English, Religious Studies and Art and writes for “View from the Hill”, Lancing College’s school newspaper.
BY MOLLY THORNTON (LVI, Lancing College)
