Unison Issue - November 2020

Volume 30 Issue 1 November 2020

ac fui IN THIS

ISSUE

HYBRID LEARNING: Revealing Poll Results •Creative in Quarantine • Making the Best of Masks • Supporting the Arts • Middle School Spotlight

LIFE @ TUS

All About Masks: Tips & Tricks for Making the Best of Our New Normal

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BY M O RGA N A DA M S O N ‘ 2 3 A N D C AT H E R I N E KO M I N S I N K I ‘ 2 3

ith the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, we are all trying our very best to stay safe and follow safety precautions and guidance from the government, such as maintaining social distancing, and, of course, wearing masks. Many are optimistic and are finding creative ways to make the best out of this situation, such as coordinating the color or pattern of their face covering to match the outfit they are wearing.

That being Facemask said, there are many different types of masks on the Hand market Sanitizer today, so how does the average student find the Hand Wash right mask for them? Both cloth and disposable masks have their own advantages, with pricing, patterns, abilities for longterm wear, and effectiveness all factoring into the decision.

Disposable surgical masks are around 62% - 65% effective and usually cost around $10.00 for a pack of 50, while their cloth counterparts are 79% effective and can be around $15.00 for 4 disposable masks.

Cloth masks, while more effective and reusable, also have several downsides, such as their need to be washed regularly and the fact that they are more expensive.

Cloth masks can also come in an array of different colors, patterns, and strap sizes. Some reusable masks can even have words and logos on them, like the new reusable

perfect one for you.

Some important factors to consider while looking for a mask include how it will impact glasses and whether or not it will cause fog, irritation, or any other individual problem.

To avoid glasses fog, try a disposable mask that bends on the bridge of your nose to prevent warm air from going through the top of your mask and creating fog.

Also, if you opt for a disposable mask, be sure to cut the straps off before discarding it to prevent birds and other wildlife from becoming Private Drinking Bottle tangled up in it and potentially injured if the mask ends up Tissue where it shouldn’t.

To avoid irritation and new “mask-acne,” Vitamin C moisturize after wearing your mask, avoid wearing makeup, and use more breathable material such as doublelayered cotton.

TUS Mask Merch Each mask type will be available at the bookstore! different for each person. Not Masks can be very difficult to everything will work for everyone, wear, especially for entire school but these ideas will help to days, so finding the one that fits narrow down the search. you best is vital. Masks aren’t one size fits all and it might take a lot of trial and error to find the

LIFE @ TUS Students Get Creative in Quarantine

B Y K AY L A B O W L E S ‘ 21

The pandemic changed millions of lives around the world so quickly. Schools and workplaces were shut down, people all over the globe had to quarantine in their homes, and if and when they had to venture out, face masks became a requirement. From early March to the end of the school year, the Ursuline Community turned to distance learning.

Still, despite the difficult circumstances, TUS students remained creative in quarantine, and even explored new interests that they previously did not have time for.

With schoolwork, extracurricular activities, arts, athletics, and for many of the older students, college applications, students do not always have endless hours to devote to outside interests or personal projects.

Many Ursuline girls used this time to do just that. Two students who delved deeper into their hobbies during the pandemic

include Sofia ‘21 and Blake ’26.

Sofia is an extremely talented baker and spent a great deal of her time in quarantine perfecting her skills, experimenting with different flavors and techniques, and creating a variety of wonderful desserts (she even brought me a home-made lemon meringue pie for my birthday! Yum!) While Sofia got creative in her kitchen, Blake took the time to work on her drawing skills in quarantine. She worked with a variety of different mediums, patterns, and colors to craft unique pieces of artwork, and she has almost a full wall of drawings now. Blake has grown so much as an artist since the start of the pandemic, and it was because like Sofia and so many other members of the Ursuline community, she took the time to get creative in quarantine and make the best of a difficult situation.

Unison Asks: What Did You Do, Learn, or Try During Quarantine?

SEWING.

I’d never tried sewing before so I thought if not now, then when?!

YOGA.

I watched a ton of YouTube Makeup tutorials and would make my little sister be my model to try different looks on.

LIFE @ TUS Living SERVIAM: Community Spotlight on Ms. Patrice McDermott & Maeve Ryan

B Y M A D E L I N E D O N O VA N ‘ 2 3

Over the course of this year, we have all learned that in order to survive and thrive in this ever-changing and challenging world, we all have to help one another in whatever way we can, regardless of where we live, how much money we have, or where our families come from. At Ursuline, as our motto, Serviam, is a call to action, it is not surprising to find extraordinary women doing extraordinary things. Two of those women, ninth-grader Maeve Ryan and faculty member Ms. Patrice McDermott, are amazing examples of what one person can achieve to help the greater good. Their words about their commitment to serve their communities are both extremely inspiring and uplifting.

What have you done to make a difference within the past year, both here at Ursuline and in your own community to make a difference?

Maeve Ryan: I have organized a project called Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse since I was in kindergarten. It has grown exponentially every year.

We ship shoe boxes packed with small daily essentials, school supplies, and small toys as a tangible way to bring Jesus Christ to children all over the world. I have introduced this project to my community, my elementary school, and my parish. This year I am proud to be bringing this wonderful project to TUS, starting with the 6th grade. I will be introducing the project to them on Friday, October 23.

Last year, we helped to ship 1,070 boxes all over the world and more than 5,000 since I started when I was five years old. Last November, I was blessed to work at Samaritan's Purse Processing Center during Thanksgiving break in Baltimore, Maryland, to help prepare the shoe boxes for shipment around the world. Since my acceptance at Ursuline, I have also been honored to participate in biweekly food drives. I am also a lector at my church for the 10 AM family mass on Sundays.

Ms. Patrice McDermott: As the Director of Community Service, my job has changed because of the pandemic. Sr. Pat and I began to work with Mercy Center in the Bronx because we realized everyone was suffering, many from job loss since most people [living in these areas] are immigrants. Not only do many of them not have insurance, but they also are undocumented. [This became an apparent issue, so] Ursuline families and teachers sent me money, and I bought food and supplies to put together into twenty-five deliveries to different homes. During March, April, and May, people had less and less money. Many got the virus themselves because they were in apartments. If people went out to get groceries or stand on soup kitchen lines, they were on top of each other… so we called. There was a language barrier; they didn’t know me and Sr. Pat from a hole in the wall. We gave [the kids] cookies, and we

gave the families canned foods and other non-perishables.

It was probably like Christmas. For me, it was nice to see the generosity and willingness to give me the money to go and shop for these people. A lot of the women would cry, and when you see it first hand, the children in the apartment buildings, you really realize how blessed we are to have what we do.

How/why has Ursuline’s motto of Serviam been important in your life?

MR: Serviam has been part of how I am since I was very young. I work year-round with Samaritan's Purse as well as being a lector at my church on Sundays and being a regular volunteer at the Jeanne Jugan Residence. It was a very easy and natural transition for me, knowing that Serviam is a part of who we are as Koalas. Serviam is certainly a comfort zone for me, for I feel I am at my best when I am helping others.

PMcD: I was doing service work before I came to Ursuline, so when I came to Ursuline to work, it worked out because the person who ran community service was leaving… When you’re lucky and blessed, and [those emigrating from other countries to come here] are not, [you] want them to see that there are nice people in our country.

I just think that here at Ursuline, at our Catholic school, with our motto, we need to help other people. They just think we’re the greatest thing. My hope is that all of these wonderful girls here at Ursuline want to say, “I want to help someone.”

How do you plan on continuing to make a difference through service in the future, including beyond your time here at Ursuline?

MR: Each year, I grow [Operation Christmas Child] larger and wider. Over the past few years, I have spoken at schools, churches, [and] political and community events, so that each year we might reach more children. I work with Samaritan's Purse not just locally, but at the state level, and I have aspirations to one day be an area coordinator where I can reach many more churches and schools and bring Jesus Christ to more and more children.

PMcD: Who would’ve thought something like [the coronavirus] would have happened? We will keep finding different ways to get through it. We never would have done things differently, and now, we can continue to do things differently, and in time, we can go back to the old ways. We now have more of a variety of ways to help people. Other people have told me: “I know these girls are wonderful people,” and I hope we can continue to make more people feel that way. I just say “thank God” for all the things I do have, especially during times like this. You never know; you just have to keep going.

LIFE @ TUS TUS Keeping Up With Clubs Amid a Pandemic B Y E M I LY M AY S ’ 2 2

Students who work after Like most aspects of school might not have students’ lives, participation time to wait an hour in school clubs seems before attending their club; significantly altered due whereas pre-covid, most to Covid-19. Clubs, like clubs would start exactly at our classes for half of the 3:00 pm to accommodate week, are joined through this problem. Hosting clubs Zoom. Even the few clubs is more difficult now, too. that have the privilege of Student club founders staying on-campus, such and leaders have to adapt as the Warm Hands Warm to organizing their club Hearts club, must adhere online, just as teachers to the same guidelines have had to adjust their followed throughout the teaching style. Faculty day. Despite these changes, moderators, the majority of clubs operate relatively the which being teachers, are same once you look past changing hands as a result the new format. Students of the virus as well. A higher gather to discuss their number of educators retired favorite topics, generate before the beginning of this new ideas, and contribute year, meaning students to our community. While we have had to quickly find certainly miss meeting inother teachers to fill the person, online clubs serve empty positions. as a way to bring normalcy However, as daunting as into students' ever-changing these challenges seem, worlds. there are solutions to Modified clubs, combat them and similar to hybrid learning unique, and other extracurriculars, create new, unforeseen challenges in students’ lives. For instance, the starting time of most clubs offers little wiggle room for students with long commutes.

With some clubs now starting at 4:00 pm, students leaving at 3:00 pm have about an hour to get home to attend their Zoom club meeting.

positive outlooks to focus on. For instance, students with the aforementioned long commute can most likely join their Zoom in the car on their phone. The same can be said for those with tight work schedules.

The added commute to and from campus is gone for two or three days of the week, giving students more time to commit to more of the clubs they are interested in. Students who participate in only remote learning feel unified when their club is entirely online. From the administration’s point of view, there is no added stress about which cohort goes into which club on certain days.

As always, clubs provide a sense of community, especially needed when we feel divided as a result of the pandemic. Students still come together to tackle a common goal or discuss a topic important to them. Our capability to find ways to participate in clubs, in spite of the challenges faced, shows how impactful they are on our school community.

LIFE @ TUS

Pandemic Polling: Thoughts On Our New “Normal” Life in 2020 The Global Pandemic affects people of all ages and all walks of life. A group that was often initially overlooked were preteens and teenagers. In the middle of the school year, students around the world went from everyday interaction with their peers to near isolation.

After polling Ursuline students on various aspects of life during the pandemic, it emerged that the most popular activities during quarantine included baking, TikToking and Facetiming their friends.

Students were able to stay positive during this difficult time by staying in touch with their friends and family virtually, appreciating outdoor activities, and exploring new hobbies. According to one student, “Trying not to focus on what was happening and being thankful for my health and my family's health helped me stay positive.” In spite of the efforts to stay positive, another student gave a more somber response when asked about her response to the pandemic: “It made me realize how fast a person’s life could be taken away and to really appreciate the time you spend with your family because you never know when the last time will be.”

In many cases, the pandemic has led Ursuline students to appreciate many aspects of their lives that they had previously taken for granted, such as school, sports and everyday interactions.

They are seeing all of these activities in a different light as they take on new forms.

Social distancing and wearing masks have become mandatory for any personal

DO YOU LIKE THE CURRENT SCHEDULE MORE THAN BLOCK SCHEDULE?

YES

70%

BY A L A N N A GA L LO ‘ 2 2

contact, and frequent handwashing and disinfecting has taken on greater importance in our lives. Everything now seems to take a little more effort and coordination, but at the same time, we have been given a great opportunity to be more creative and resourceful.

In the early days of the pandemic, virtual learning was a novelty that we embraced. After all, what could be better

DO YOU RATHER IN-PERSON LEARNING VS FULLY REMOTE?

IN PERSON

79%

than attending classes from the comfort of your home? However, it now appears that the novelty has worn off. Student polling indicates that almost 80 percent of students prefer the hybrid in-person school schedule while about 20 percent would rather school be online. In addition, when polled, 70 percent of students like the schedule we have now, while 30 percent would rather go back to the old block schedule. Because of the quarantine, around 50 percent of students said they became closer with their families, while 20 percent said they became less close due to stress. The other 30 percent of students said it stayed the same as before.

In a nutshell, we are all trying to navigate our new “normal.” It may still be awhile before we are able to come together as we did pre-pandemic, but when we do, we will appreciate our lives and our freedoms in a way we never have before.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT How to Support the Arts During the COVID Pandemic

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B Y C H R I S T I N A F I T Z PA T R I C K ‘ 21 A N D D A N A B U R N E T T ‘ 2 4

e are not stopping by shops to see We interviewed Iona powerless flyers, you can look to find Prep Players secretary when it comes what class is best for you! and Ursuline senior Kira to supporting Artists love to share Schaefer about the troupe’s the arts during these tough their work and talents with virtual play this fall, Fully times. One way many other people. However, Committed. “We are one people are supporting the small businesses are at a of the only high schools arts is by taking online disadvantage. in Westchester doing dance classes. Many Usually, if we were not something like this, and choreographers rely on in a pandemic, you would everyone is so excited”. week to week, in-person be able to go to art shows After their spring musical classes for their income, and and see all of the wonderful got cut short last year, their without fall show them, is limited they have to Zoom, no salary. but the “We are one of the only By actors are high schools in Westchester providing optimistic. classes doing something like this, & online, “It’s everyone is so excited” they can definitely still teach weird not and earn being able a stable to act out income without having to paintings on sale, but this scenes and reading the put themselves or their year is different. script off of the computer students in danger.

Many small businesses screen, but the play is If you are just a are now uploading to online actually supposed to take beginner or want to learn shops and art shows that place over the phone, so it’s how to dance, there are their customers can view. fitting that we are on Zoom private classes too! Many On their websites, you can and acting in a tiny box!” choreographers are also buy merchandise that This show will surely be teaching private dance they may sell to support one of the first of its kind, classes for all levels of their businesses. and they may encounter dancing, whether you’re a These funds and new challenges, but not beginner, an intermediate or proceeds from the art even a pandemic can spoil a pro. they sell really help artists the show.

Another way that you create new work, buy new The Iona Prep Players can support the arts is by supplies, and keep their also plan to put up another taking online drawing or shops running in places like Zoom play in the winter, and painting classes. Just like New York City. their fall production Fully choreographers, many The pandemic is Committed will be recorded artists are now relying on also forcing artists in our and broadcasted over virtual classes to support own community to find Zoom in late November. themselves. By going to new ways to reach their different websites, or even audiences.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

The Show Must Go On: Ursuline Performing Arts Classes and Drama Productions in COVID

A Day in the Life of a TUS Middle Schooler in 2020

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uring the spring, one of the activities that I missed the most at school was not being able to attend choir practices. Even though being a part of Honors Choir meant that I would have to be at school by 7:15 am instead of the usual 8:00 am twice a week, I always looked forward to the classes.

Entering into this new school year with a hybrid schedule and COVID precautions in place, I wondered how the Performing Arts Department would have classes since choir, orchestra, plays, and dancing can often require a close proximity to one another.

Mrs. Clarizio, chair of the Performing Arts Department, remarked that it was a challenge that the department and administration had to face, as everyone must remain six feet apart from each other, but they have worked incredibly hard to overcome these issues.

Even though some classes were delayed in the beginning of the school year due to lack of space to social distance, Mrs. Clarizio said that Middle School and High School Choirs will both be starting very soon, with COVID measures put in place: “All choir students and teachers will be masked and socially distanced at twelve feet.” Mrs. Clarizio also mentioned that special masks for choirs will be arriving soon.

While choir classes are starting later than normal this year, Wednesday morning orchestra classes and all instrumental classes have been taking place since school began.

These classes operate on a hybrid schedule, with Mrs. Gentry teaching the in-person cohort in the orchestra room and

BY M A RY W ROT N I A K ‘ 2 2

the at-home cohort on Zoom. To make orchestra classes safe, all students are six feet apart (or twelve feet whenever possible) and for an extra layer of safety, Mrs. Clarizio added, “All instrumental students are required to wear a special mask specifically designed for their particular instrument.”

At this point, however, ballet classes are still unable to take place due to lack of room to social distance. To make up for this, ballet teacher Mrs. Griffith is posting assignments through MOODLE. She posts dance tutorials, and students are to learn the steps, video themselves doing the dance, and submit it to Mrs. Griffith.

As for Drama club, meetings with Ms. Reidy will begin within the next few weeks and take place over Zoom after school.

They are even planning on doing a radio play, a play that is only auditory, in January!

It will depend on music, sound effects, and vocal dynamics to help the listeners visualize what is happening in the play; they are excited to incorporate this technique into their curriculum.

Although performing arts might look a bit different this year, the Ursuline community is incredibly fortunate to be able to have some aspects of these classes seemingly return to normal.

The Performing Arts Department and the administration has done an amazing job and has worked hard to make special accommodations for everyone’s well-being: “We feel confident that the solutions we provided are in the best interest of our students and teachers' safety,” Mrs. Clarizio said. “For this, we are grateful!”

BY C A M P B E L L W E P P L E R ‘ 2 5

Everyone knows a typical school day is much different this year. Whether you’re all online or hybrid, school has been totally flipped upside down. It can be very hard to make it through the day, but we can all do it! We all get up, put on our lovely school polos, and log into our first Zoom or walk the many stairs to our first class. I’m sure you’re all aware school starts at 8 o’clock sharp, and no exceptions! So, to ensure we have a great day, we make sure to get wherever we’re going on time. Be sure to set your alarm before you go to sleep (one tip is to just set it for the days you need it so you never have to turn it off/on). We all come together for our morning prayer and pledge, and then get going with class. After an enriching 45 minutes, we wipe down our desks and chairs to make sure everyone stays safe and head to our next class. This process repeats for 4 morning classes, and

then with joy and pep in our steps, we head to the gym, cafeteria (depending on your cohort) or outside, to get some fresh air.

If it's nice out, I would always recommend getting outside since the fresh air can help you focus in your afternoon classes.

Looking at the clock, we realize we have to get to MOD E, so we run up the stairs and make it there right on time. Hoping we can make it through our last two classes, we slump to MOD F. Coming to our senses, happily, we move our feet (or our mouse) to our last class. Now finally, the day is over!! I know we all want to get out and are feeling tired, but remember, we have to do it all again tomorrow! In all seriousness, remember we're incredibly lucky to get to go to TUS. Lucky to have a laptop, a clean uniform, and transportation. Now we go home, get our homework done, and get ready to do it all over again.

My Experience with Hybrid Learning

BY J U L I A N A C A R E L LO ‘ 2 5

of virtual learning, in my During these experience, are being able unprecedented times at to be home, having access Ursuline, this is my first time, to schoolwork anywhere along with other people, and anytime, and it provides using a hybrid schedule. better time management.

Whether you go to school in Some negative parts person or you're all virtual, are having difficulty getting this is a new experience into the Zoom meeting for everyone! Everyone has and losing focus with different experiences with distractions around my virtual learning; some prefer house. it, others don’t.

Also, sitting in front of a Then, there are people computer for 7 hours a day who are in the middle, like gets very tiring and drains me. Some positive parts my energy.

Unlike being at school, you are not moving around, you are just sitting in place.

Some tips for virtual learning are: stay positive through this transition, be organized, make the most of being at home, stay on track, make sure all work is complete, communicate with teachers, and, most importantly, be present!

Perspectives: The Case for Shorter School Days

BY A N N A B RO DY ‘ 2 2 A N D E M A A L I C K A J ‘ 2 3

of Pediatrics indicated the “adverse In a world of blue light glasses and associations between screen time and 7-hour Zoom calls, we ask ourselves, how sleep health.” To put it short, we’re tired, much is too much? Right now, our “new and being on Zoom for seven hours a day normal” seems like a lot more than we does not help the cause. bargained for. As we step back and look This recurring trend comes to life in our at all that has emerged as a result of the own experiences. The blue light that is pandemic, we can say that this increased radiated by technology is proven to have screen-time has taken quite a toll on our made it harder to fall asleep, and for some mental and physical health. Days seem of us, sleeping is already an issue. With longer, homework seems quadrupled, this added dilemma and the push to be headaches seem to never stop. So, this on the screen for hours on end, sleeping poses the question: Should school days be becomes less of a priority. In fact, our shortened to accommodate children who screen times are well more than triple have to stay in front of screens a lot longer the suggested screen time for teens. than normal? The short answer is yes, but Furthermore, increased screen time has let’s look further a more harmful effect into the effects of on those who wear increased screen glasses. Optometrists time. consistently advise us As days go to take time away from by and every technology, but with day seems a such a long school bit longer than day, this becomes the last, we too complex of a see ourselves task. Eye problems becoming can be tremendously more and more damaging; is this attached to something that we are our devices. willing to risk suffering Our whole life from? is practically Increased headaches, confined to a more distractions, thirteen-inch and worsening mental display. Though health are just a few in many ways the pros outweigh the “symptoms” of this pandemic. Your newly cons in terms of increased screen time, discovered short-temperedness or drastic the cons may have a greater long-term change in attitude may also be a result of effect. In a study conducted by Mireia sitting in front of a screen all day. When Adelantado of LIFE Research Group in May you step back and look at all the factors, 2019, electronic use, as well as academic one can plainly see how much of a toll our performance, were analyzed. Over 480,479 new normal has taken on us. Now, we are participants were studied ranging from not here to tell you that increased screen ages four to eighteen. From reading many time is a death sentence or the reason you participant reviews, Adelantado discovered may be failing Physics, but rather informing that “in most of the papers reviewed, as those who may not give seven-plus hours time spent watching television increased, in front of a screen an extra thought. academic performance suffered.” Another study done by Monique K. LeBourgeois and published by the American Academy

In a world of blue light glasses and 7-hour Zoom calls, we ask ourselves, how much is too much?

How COVID Guidelines Have Impacted Sports

B Y L I LY B E E C H I N O R - C O L L I N S ‘ 2 3 A N D C A R O L I N E B R O D Y ‘ 2 2

The Coronavirus pandemic has forever changed the way that society functions as a whole. We see it firsthand, now attending school “masked up,” or through a computer screen. With all of these new challenges, our communities have swiftly adapted to a new normal. Sports are just one aspect of most of our daily lives in which we have been forced to find new ways to participate.

To many, sports is a release from all the stress and worries in life. It is almost essential to the everyday, and when quarantine put everyday life to a halt, sports were shut down as well. For six long months, high school athletes abroad were without this important diversion in their lives. Thankfully, the fall finally saw a return back to school and sports. New York State Officials created a plan that would allow “low contact sports,” which include field hockey, soccer, cross country, and tennis to get back out on their respective fields, courts, and tracks to compete. However to ensure a safe environment and continue stopping the spread, many necessary protocols were put into place.

Some important COVID guidelines include: masks must be worn at all times and social distancing must be maintained on the sideline.

Before every practice, each player’s temperature is taken, similar to the beginning of each school day. Additionally, players are asked to answer a health questionnaire, which includes three basic questions about COVID symptoms. Celebrations after goals are strongly discouraged, and when your teammates are on the field, this can be pretty difficult. Although it is understandable to want to

celebrate exciting moments with your team, this can lead to a lack of social distancing, which is more than frowned upon during these times. With regard to spectators at competitions, only two per athlete are allowed at home games, and no spectators are allowed at away contests.

At home games, the spectators are expected to adhere to all of the COVID guidelines (wearing masks, social distancing, etc.).

All of these rules are strictly enforced. To continue playing,

normal. However, amidst all of the chaos, a sense of normalcy still remains. Fortunately, we still are able to celebrate our wonderful seniors and all they have accomplished. Each team will get a chance to hold a Senior Day ceremony and give the seniors the send off that they deserve. As well as this, the team atmosphere that sports brings is still very prevalent, even with the masks and social distancing. The connections made between teammates are

Chris Pope Photo

it is imperative that everyone works together, putting a common goal above our own personal preferences. On top of the rules, student athletes often find themselves in a time crunch to get to a practice or games.

Due to the implementation of the hybrid schedule, half of the team doesn’t attend school on a particular day. If players are at home and happen to have a practice or game close to 3:00, they might find themselves struggling to make it to Ursuline on time. This eventually leads to lost practice time, or inhibits players from getting warmed up properly before playing their respective sport. This is just one small setback that student athletes face with our new

certainly not lost during the times of COVID, and the Koalas’ fight whether it be on the field, court, or track, is as strong as ever.

Overall, we are privileged that we have the opportunity to play sports this year, even with all the rules and regulations. Though some may seem complex and tiring, they must be followed so we can continue to have the seasons we so longed for months ago. The absence of sports left a large void in the lives of many, and with many thanks to the New York State Officials, administrators, teachers, and coaches, we can finally see its return.

Field Hockey vs. Coronavirus

BY K AT H L E E N C R E M I N S ‘ 2 3

like we usually did during preseason. But On October 20th, I had the opportunity my team works really well together, and I to interview Lauren Martyn, a Senior on think we are going to have a really great The Ursuline School’s Varsity Field Hockey season.” team. This is her fourth year playing field “What has been the biggest change this hockey for Ursuline, the last three years of season?” Lauren responded by saying, which she has played at the Varsity level.

“Practices are a bit harder to navigate this Lauren was year because recently we have named a to social Lohud Field distance Hockey whenever Player of possible the Week and also based upon wear masks. her standout Besides performance having to against wear a mask Bronxville this year, our during the games are week of not much October different. I 10th. think one of Chris Pope When I was the biggest chatting with differences is Lauren, who is a defensewoman, I asked not having our own spectators at our away her a series of questions about how the games.” coronavirus has impacted her fourth and The final question I asked Lauren was, final season at Ursuline.

“Since there were no spectators and you The first question I asked Lauren was, are used to having a larger crowd watching “How did the Coronavirus affect your you, how has it affected your mindset?” summer training?” Lauren responded with, She responded by saying, “It is definitely a “We were unable to practice together, so bit weird not having a bigger crowd at the everyone was pretty much left to do their game, but I think when my teammates are own thing. We had a few practices here all cheering each other on, it makes up for and there throughout the summer, and we it.” would participate in a summer league as Despite the challenging circumstances this well. However, due to COVID, all we could year, Lauren has such a positive outlook really do was workout on our own.” and is so happy to be able to play field In my next question I asked if she thought hockey during her final year at Ursuline. that starting the season late has impacted We wish her and all her teammates a great working as a team. Martyn responded season! by saying, “I think it was definitely a big adjustment because we could not prepare

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