Baylee Mertiff

Name: Baylee Mertiff

Grade: 10

How has the pandemic affected your life?

The pandemic affected my life because my grades had a sudden decrease due to in-person learning being closed. Last year, I was in two DE classes and had all A’s. My GPA was the best it had ever been. By the second marking period of this year, I was struggling to keep my grades above a C in almost all of my classes. It was hard to adjust to online learning because I had always been doing in-person learning. I was always used to doing packets and worksheets, but as soon as the pandemic hit I had to adjust to doing homework, essays, and even tests online.

What have you learned as a result of the pandemic?

One thing I have learned as a result of the pandemic is that everyone struggles sometimes, and that’s okay. There are many kids who also struggle to keep their grades up and even teachers who are stressed out trying to get grades in on time. I’ve learned it’s okay to reach out for help.

What worries are you experiencing now? How are you currently coping?

Some worries I’m experiencing now are still the same as at the beginning of the year. I still worry and stress often about my grades. This includes when my work is due, what homework I have, and what classes I have missing work in.

What are some positive things that have come out of the pandemic?

A positive that has come out of the pandemic is getting closer with my family. When the pandemic first hit and everyone was pretty much quarantined my family and I would often have a movie night together. We got bored a lot and hung out together a ton.

What are your hopes for the future?

My hope for the future is that this pandemic will soon pass. Hearing about Covid-19 is getting old and I miss life before we had to worry about where our masks are.