Covid’s Attack

Interviews from high school students about how their education was effected by Covid-19

By Gracie Prat

Next up, freshman Taylor Whitlock had thoughts about her Covid experience with school.

Freshman Logan Bugni talked about his experiences during Covid.

Before Covid, everything was going great for Bugni. “School was genuinely enjoyable for me. I aimed to miss as little school as possible,” Bugni stated. He learned very easily and had no major concerns or struggles. “I kept concentration in class and rarely procrastinated anything,” he continued. Bugni was able to keep an A/B honor roll while his work ethic was through the roof.

During Covid, Bugni’s education was deeply affected. While still maintaining an A/B honor roll, he noticed that he was starting to form some academic struggles. He learned that he is a very hands-on learner and that’s what made online learning extremely difficult for Bugni.

“School was very boring,” he said dreadfully, “but I highly enjoyed being able to sleep in.”

Bugni’s love for school declined along with his amazing work ethic. “I started to use Google daily for all of my classes,” he said.

Bugni continued by saying that he tried his best to pay attention, but he was easily distracted by electronics and other things that were going on around the house.

However, some aspects still remained the same. For instance, before Covid he didn’t procrastinate often. He completed his work as soon as possible so he could go to practice without the stress of school work left to do.

When quarantine was over, Bugni was elated about once again being able to attend school in person. He continues to maintain an A/B honor roll. Bugni went on the record to say that it has been more difficult to maintain those grades than it was prior to Covid. He continued by saying, “I try to complete my homework during any extra time in class.” I think it’s safe to say that Bugni has gotten back into the swing of his strong work ethic with procrastination being left behind.”Learning has gotten much easier for me since being back in school,”Bugni stated.

“Having my teachers and classmates present to ask for assistance has led me to use Google less than when I was learning at home.” Bugni also added, “I don’t like waking up early, but I am glad to be back in the building.”

Before quarantine, Whitlock didn’t really enjoy school for the most part. “School just wasn’t for me,” she said, “and I definitely didn’t enjoy having to wake up early just to learn. I didn’t pay much attention, I would have rather been doing anything else besides sitting in school,” Whitlock said. Whitlock did admit that with these cons she was able to find some pros during this time. While being able to carry amazing grades with an exceptional work ethic, she had no concerns or struggles throughout this time. Whitlock said that she always completed her work easily and very timely. “I would attend school as much as possible,” Whitlock stated. “I had plenty of friends that I deeply enjoyed seeing everyday.”

As we went into quarantine, things began changing for Whitlock. Her perfect grades and work ethic began to struggle as Covid became an apparent nuisance to in-school learning. Whitlock stated ,“My grades dropped drastically when we went into quarantine,” She continued by stating “My A/B honor roll slowly turned into C’s and occasionally D’s.”

She, however, said that she began liking school more and more. Unfortunately, it was for all the wrong reasons. “I loved being able to go on my phone whenever I wanted which kept me from understanding what I was being taught.” Whitlock then continued by saying she was disappointed in herself and put minimal effort into learning and became highly dependent on Google to understand the material being taught. She said, “I would still attend school everyday, but it was almost like I wasn’t there, considering I paid no attention to the teachers or the lessons that were being taught.” She completed work when it was assigned to her bu would only put in effort to keep her grades above an F in order to keep her phone privileges at all times.

When it was time to go back into the building, Whitlock was extremely nervous about how well she would be able to fall back into the habits needed to have A’s and B’s, as well as focusing on learning in person. As the story goes, Whitlock had nothing to worry about, just like before the A/B honor roll has been easy to maintain. She strives to attend school everyday and does her best to stay focused in class. Since returning to in-person learning she has become less dependent on Google and other online search engines.

“School has become a lot more enjoyable for me now that I have made good friends that I get to see everyday,” Whitlock concluded, stating that she has no major struggles and she is thrilled to be attending in-person learning once again.

Last, but certainly not least, sophomore Elias Hines talked about his experience with quarantine learning.

Hines said that prior to Covid he really liked school. “I really liked school because It wasn’t difficult for me and I had a large group of friends. My grades would be described as being average, I always kept them above a C grade.” He would give his undivided attention to the teacher and was able to pick up on the things being taught quickly and fairly easily. Hines also noted that he would complete his work as soon as received the assignment in order to make time for his after school activities. His commitment to his studies was obvious. “I was attending school daily and I never complained about it,” he said.

With schools being completely online, Hines began struggling more and more in school. He was struggling using the chromebook as the main method of learning. He would have preferred to be in-person learning from his teachers and peers.

“I didn’t pay attention while the teachers were speaking, and that, in turn, caused problems for me in completing my lessons,” he said. “During the majority of quarantine my sole resource was Google. Honestly, I don’t think I learned a single thing while attending online classes,” he finished.

Hines also stated that he lacked motivation to complete assignments because online work took longer to complete and more energy. He then added his grades dropped at a rapid pace and before he knew it, he was at a low point in online schooling. Covid, as well as online school, really knocked him off his feet.

When entering the building for school again, Hines was met with many emotions, especially excitement. “I was so happy to be in school with my friends again,” he said. He continued by stating that he was relieved considering he didn’t successfully endure online school. He stated, “As soon as we went back to in-person learning, I quickly fell back into my old habits of focusing on my grades and hard work.”

Hines did mention that his grades are now back to where they were before quarantine and that he pays attention to his teachers and practices the behaviors of a successful athlete. His assignments and tasks are being completed efficiently with minimal to no issues.

Hines said, “I still don’t enjoy waking up early, but I would not trade it to go back to online learning.”