How Sonoma teens are dealing with being sheltered in place

Posted on April 21, 2020 by Sonoma Valley Sun

“I’m learning new things as I try and cope with the COVID-19 Crisis. I’ve experienced positive factors like finding time to just be myself and trying new things I’ve always wanted to try, like learning the ukulele. However… there are also many negatives such as not being as social, feeling alone, and boredom. Although this is a tough time I believe that we will all benefit from this crisis and appreciate life more.”

– Ruby Eilert

“I’ve been using this bounteous free time to spend with my parents and sisters, engaging in meaningful activities and conversations. Additionally, we have gone on walks, bike rides and planned theme dinner-and-movie nights. I have begun the spring crops in my gardens, read books, and am working on my car. I also started offering free math and science tutoring services. Each day, I count my blessings and embrace this time to reflect and be grateful.”

– Joseph Silvi

Since we began doing online school it’s been a bit hard to try and adjust to having no actual school. School created a regular routine for me, so not having that made me feel disorganized in a way. Nevertheless, I tried to stay consistent with my schedule. I do my online work and check my emails to be informed if I am receiving emails from my teachers. During the evening I help out my little sister with the homework that she has been given. Lately, we both have been trying new things and spending time with each other. The other day we painted together and then created these bread rolls that are filled with Nutella and strawberries. My dad’s birthday also took place recently and usually for birthdays we go out to eat, but since we’re in social isolation we tried something different. We decided to cook for him and get him a cake to celebrate at home. We passed the time well and watched a movie to end the celebration. Being at home has given me time to be with my family. I’m not sure what is to come in the future, but I hope that it all turns out well.

— Vanessa Mondragon, with her dad

“I am having good days and bad days. I know everyone is. It has been hard adapting to this new normal. On the other hand I have more time to do some things that I didn’t have time for before. Not knowing when it will all end feels weird. I do miss my school. I know it’s all going to be OK in the end.”

– Kate Jernigan

“I am trying to formulate my ‘new’ schedule. This includes school work, going on walks for fresh air, getting daily exercise, jamming out to loud music, and sharing my love of dancing with others. It also includes dealing with my mom and sister…lol.”

– Meg Jernigan

“During quarantine I have been home with my family and doing assignments for my classes. I have been doing intense yoga and stretches to be able to relax. Also, I have been reading numerous interesting books, such as “Breaking the Male Code” and “Even if I Fall.” I have been helping my mom do chores and helping her learn English. I help my little brother do his assignments that are entertaining, such as origami. My family has been playing board games, card games, and having movie time. The negative of coronavirus is not being able to see friends and teachers every day at school. I have been using FaceTime with friends to know how they‘re doing. The positive of coronavirus is the earth is having a break from pollution! I just hope everyone is doing well, appreciating their backyards, and that their families are safe.”

– Silvia Flores

“To be honest, I’m pretty used to staying home a lot already, so this lockdown isn’t all that difficult for me! I have been doing some school work online since the school’s closure, and it’s actually kind of convenient now, because I can totally work at my own pace. I’ve also been taking walks around my neighbourhood every day, for a little bit of fresh air and exercise.”

— Dean Szanyi

“When we received the information that we would not be going back to school and that our senior year activities were cancelled, my friends and I reached out to each other over social media and had virtual gatherings to grieve and be there for each other. I definitely have moments of sadness, but my friends and I are now working on distracting each other with news of our college acceptances and commitments, which helps a lot. I feel fortunate that Sheila Martin, my mentor, has given me the knowledge and tools to be able to use yoga and meditation to help me de-stress. I spend a lot of time walking my dog, baking with my mom, working on class assignments, and doing yoga. I have also been using meditation at night, which has helped me deal with some insomnia issues. As hard as this has been for my friends and me, and the rest of our classmates, we are grateful to be safe and healthy and we know we are doing the right thing by sheltering in place. We know that there are good things ahead.”

– Sabrina Baker

“It’s weird, period, to be at home and doing stuff I’d be doing at school. And it’s harder and more distracting. So it’s hard but it’s going to get better, and yeah, it’s fine.”

– Josie Brown

“I’m good with the sheltering in place, but I do miss my friends and actually being at school. It’s weird doing online work.”

– Maggie Brown

“Ever since social isolation began I have been very persistent on keeping a schedule. I do all my online homework in the morning to be able to relax in the afternoon. During the afternoon I usually try new hobbies and/or play with my sister and help her on her assignments. When the news came out that we would not be returning to school it made me very sad that all activities would be cancelled as well. During this crisis I have been able to talk to my family more than before because of our busy schedules. Although hard times are still ahead of us I’m grateful to still be with my family.”

– Ema Camarena, with little sister Lizbeth

“Although it’s disappointing to miss out on many typical end-of-the-year activities, the shelter-in-place order has certainly provided me with a lot of free time that I normally wouldn’t have to pursue hobbies and interests. I’ve continued my studies of Portuguese and began learning French on Duolingo, played my guitar more than ever, and started with a compilation of Friedrich Nietzsche’s works on the topic of what constitutes a truth and its relation to communication. I have also spent much of my time trying to decide where I will attend come fall, between West Point and Harvard. These are certainly difficult times but there is always a bright side to every difficult situation.”

– Luis Esteva Sueiro

By Sarah Ford