Mid-Hudson News has launched a “Student Journalist” section to allow elementary, middle, and high-school students to write essays or “news as they see it” for submission. The following is an essay from one of our “Student Journalists”, Allison Evans.
Being asked about what I’m going to do after quarantine is over seems so far out of reach. To me, it feels like it’ll never be over. Things will never go back to normal again. Most likely, people will be wary of leaving their houses. People will continue to wear masks after it is all over. Broadway shows and concerts will lose money because people won’t want to be so close to people ever again. Some will go back to their normal lives, but others would be too paranoid to live their life again.
Personally I would try to rush things and get out of my house as soon as possible. These are supposed to be the best few months out of my entire school career. I am supposed to be going out with my friends on weekends and having the best nights of my life but instead, we are inside, doing homework. By this time, we are now declining the number of deaths in New York. If all goes well, and people continue to stay inside, we won’t have to have another extension date. Businesses can start to reopen and people can start feeling a little safer about seeing their loved ones who they have been trying to protect.
There are a million things I would do when quarantine is over. I was stuck with this question until I asked my friends what they would do, and it came to me. All of their answers had a similar theme in common. Friends. To some people, their friendships are a second family to them, and it’s hard not to see them every day in school. The people that I asked I met at different times in life, but they all mean the very same to me. They make me keep going and strive for anything and everything. So if I was to do one thing after quarantine is over, no matter what time of the year it is, I would go get my friends and have the biggest sleepover ever to take back the lost time we had. I know it’s cheesy, but I have the best memories at sleepovers and they make me feel closer to my friends. Whether we are watching a movie or vegging out on snacks, we can learn things about each other that we never knew, and I like to cherish those moments. After August when I start college, everyone is going to go their separate ways and we won’t see each other as much. I want to spend as much time with them as possible before summer is over. My friends and I could have the memories of an unforgettable summer that would last forever.
About the author:
My name is Allison Evans, but I usually go by the name “Allie”. I am 17 years old and a senior at Newburgh Free Academy. I currently reside in New Windsor with my family but will be going to SUNY Oneonta in the fall with my best friend. I will be studying childhood education to become a teacher. Hobbies include reading many dystopian young adult novels and playing on the Varsity Tennis Team at my school.
If you have a student that is interested in writing a submission, please send an email to Todd Bender at bender@midhudsonnews.com and request the details.
