Vacations have always been something that students look forward to, but now? There isn’t really anywhere to go without quarantining for at least 10 days, and nobody wants to be stuck at home more than they already have to.
So, this week we gave students the opportunity to let out their frustration and explain how their vacation has been modified by COVID restrictions.
Once COVID became a pandemic, hopes, plans, and dreams were ruined, and this especially applies to vacation trips. The restrictions regarding airlines and traveling state to state have made it difficult for families to get out of town and spend their vacation elsewhere.
FHS student Paige Blackburn explained how her family was personally affected by the virus this vacation.
“I was actually supposed to go to New Hampshire and see the ice castles with my family, but my sister and mom caught COVID and we had to cancel the trip. We couldn’t get a refund either. It’s sad we can’t travel or go anywhere because of COVID, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Ms. Blackburn also mentioned that she had been tested for COVID five times just that week, and has been spending her vacation at the nursing home, working safely with elders, taking the necessary precautions to keep the people there safe!
Most students are upset by the fact that they can’t spend their February vacation somewhere nice away from home, or even here in Fairhaven with their friends, because of the rules and regulations that have been put in place due to COVID.
Ninth grader Taylor Desmarais shared how the pandemic has ruined her own plans, and also shared what she has been doing this week instead.
“I can’t hang out with my friends, and go on planned vacations we previously booked. Instead of using this time to hang out with my friends and enjoy the time off, I have to just sit at home for another week.”
I can very much relate to Taylor’s comment as I’ve spent most of my time studying over this winter break, getting ready for my next in-school week. I know it’s lame, but I had all this time at home doing nothing, so I figured I might as well be productive!
Samantha Suave shared how her vacation plans were limited this year, having to plan accordingly with limitations surrounding pretty much everything: “Typically, during the break I would have plans hanging out with friends and seeing extended family, but this virus has limited my social life, and had a negative impact on my plans during this February vacation.”
Another student explained how their original vacation plans had to be changed in order to ensure the safety of her friends and family: “Usually every winter break we have family parties and sometimes we go skiing, however this year it’s different. We are on Zoom hanging out or we may get together according to the COVID state restrictions.”
While many, like the aforementioned students, have had to stay at home due to cancellations, restrictions, and limitations, there were also several students like Brooke Boucher who shared how they were still able to see family and spend time together safely this break.
“To be honest, COVID has not really affected my plans personally which I’m so grateful for,” said Ms. Boucher. “I actually just got together with my grandparents for dinner and a movie over vacation. As a precaution, we all wore masks around each other.”
As you can see, for the most part, this vacation has not been what we all wanted it to be, which is kind of a bummer.
I think students, including myself, are especially looking forward to the days when we can spend time with each other without constraints around every activity.
Well, that’s all I have for you this week. Stay tuned for my next article!
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