A Return to Normalcy: Why I’m Going Hybrid
An empty desk in a classroom at Wilde Lake.
The senior walk-in, senior night for sports, and senior breakfast are just a few of the events that many 12th graders have been anticipating since their freshman year. Little did I know back in 2017, when I was a freshman, that I would never be able to experience these memorable traditions due to COVID-19.
In less than a year, the Coronavirus has taken so much from me: immediate family members, high school sports, one last exciting year with my friends, and just a sense of normalcy. When Governor Larry Hogan announced that students would be given a chance to go back to school, I instantly knew that I was going to return, even if it meant a hybrid model.
The highlights of my school days pre-COVID were walking to class with my friends, informing them on the new things going on in my life, and joking around with teachers and peers. As a person that thrives off of connections with others, speaking to my classmates and teachers through a computer screen leaves me feeling depressed.
Staying at home for 11 months has not only been hard on myself, but for many other students, as well. Learning through a screen is extremely challenging for me, and I never truly grasp any of the information that I am taught. Other students might need an escape from home, and school is the place for them to be able to get a break from their living situations. As stated by federal health officials,
“Schools are an important source not just of education, but health and social services for children.” (NYTimes).
You may be thinking, “How will I know that I’ll truly be safe at school?” Well, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) officials say that the most available evidence shows that in-person teaching can be safe if precautions are not only taken in schools, but in the community, as well.
I have seen firsthand that local businesses have done everything in their power to keep everyone in our community safe. These precautions may include anything from limiting the amount of customers in a store, to spacing out workout equipment at the gym, to making sure store-goers have masks on correctly before stepping into an establishment.
As a senior heading off to college later on this year, I will step foot into a completely new environment. It’s likely that I’ll have to wear a mask and socially distance. If I was sent off to university this fall without going hybrid first, it would be around a year and a half since I’ve actually been in a physical school setting. Getting acclimated to the hybrid model at Wilde Lake would better prepare me for college.
With the two group schedule that has been established limiting the amount of students in the school building, I know that I’ll feel safer. My father has also received his two doses of the vaccine, resulting in my family feeling safer about me returning to school. COVID-19 isn’t leaving our world anytime soon, and it’s best to become accustomed to life with it while we wait for all people to become vaccinated.
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Reagan Haynes • Mar 7, 2021 at 11:52 pm
I’m a career journalist, Amaiya, and I am very impressed by how well you executed this editorial. So many people are struggling right now, and as other commenters have said, your words speak truth! We all appreciate and need them, please keep writing!
Catrice Stukes • Mar 5, 2021 at 11:48 pm
As an employee in the field of education, your article truly hits home. I’m so proud of you for writing this article that speaks to the hearts of many. Thank you for sharing this well-written , relatable, and poignant article. Keep raising your voice, Amaiya; the world needs to hear you!!!
Efrain Martinez II (Frank) • Mar 3, 2021 at 7:14 am
Spoken from the HEART! My daughter was a Senior last year and missed many of the events that occur during the back half of the year: Prom and a normal graduation. Many thought this year would be different….. Nope! Keep your head up young lady and make new memories in new ways. Proud of you and your voice.
Akalea Lipford • Mar 3, 2021 at 3:22 am
Great article, stay safe.
Frank P Berrios • Mar 2, 2021 at 10:08 pm
Your explanation of your decision to return to the brick and mortar style of learning was very interesting and well thought out. You pointed out the social aspect of your decision which makes a very valid point. Overall, I feel this is a testament to your emotional maturity which is a great tool to have in support of your future endeavors. Great work!
Lisa Dougty • Mar 2, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Great article. I am very proud of you. Hopefully by the time you go to college we will be back to our normal. You will make new memories with your old and new friends.
Cynthia Smiley • Mar 2, 2021 at 4:47 pm
This touched me as I too have a Senior and a freshmen who has had a hard time adjusting to the new normal!
Valerie Freeman • Mar 2, 2021 at 4:12 pm
Very insightful article. I too have a High Schooler and she has missed out on in person dance competition season. Her school has actually recently started zoom competition. She’s super excited that she gets to compete but it is Very different. You don’t have the crowd cheering you on in the stands. But she is happy to take what she can get. I’m glad you get to do Hybrid Learning to prepare you for college. Proud of you Amaya!
Jasmin Ebner • Mar 2, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Well written article and on-point. If we all do our part now we may be able to make things easier and better for future generations. Wearing a mask and having to deal with all the other challenges this pandemic has brought forth is miniscule in comparison to what some have lost due to it. We have to keep adapting and rolling with the punches. Congrats on the end of your high school career and hope to see you do awesome things in the future!
Amy Churilla • Mar 2, 2021 at 2:47 pm
Amaiya- I’m also a person that thrives off of connections with others and I agree that the reduction of time spent with people at work, school, and in our personal lives has had a negative impact in so many ways. Even though it might not look like you anticipated, I know you will enjoy the precious time you will have inside WLHS this spring. 🙂
Denise Gibbs • Mar 2, 2021 at 2:32 pm
Great article Ms. Sancho! So many people have been affected by COVID, however, many do not understand the impact that this has had on our students and young people. Thank you for your article, I wish you the best! CONGRATULATIONS on your senior year!
Stacey Tate • Mar 2, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Very well written and heartfelt article. I’m so sorry that you and other seniors are missing out on so many events that you’ve been looking forward to for years. Best wishes for your last year in high school and for all that lies ahead for you!