Thursday, March 12th, will be a day that lives in infamy–ask anyone in Scituate High School and they will tell you about a conversation, a feeling in the air, or even what was on the lunch menu. The lives of Scituate students, teachers, and faculty would be altered for the foreseeable future after that day, leaving behind an empty building of memories. Quarantine would ensue, people would spend unimaginable amounts of time with their families, and six months later, the student body would return hesitantly to school with a new appreciation for health and well-being. 

“I’m definitely more cautious,” explains freshman Brody Dunn (he/him), describing how the virus has impacted his life. He remarks that the pandemic has helped him become more aware of the safety of others: “I try to stay away from people now,” he suggests. 

However, following government protocols can take a toll on families and individuals alike. For Dunn, this aspect has been tough; with Thanksgiving plans adjusted, there is a spotlight on the lack of opportunity to spend time with loved ones. “I haven’t been able to see my grandmother,” he adds. 

According to junior Sofia Marshall (she/her), the Coronavirus has “taken a lot of things away from a lot of people.” Marshall is particularly heartbroken over the virus’s effects on traveling: “I was actually supposed to go to Peru on a service trip in July,” she remembers. Similarly, senior Brendan Burke (he/him) had plans to travel to Paris for a wedding; unfortunately, both trips were canceled due to travel restrictions.  

In the midst of all of the postponements and missed opportunities, it can be hard to find a light at the end of the tunnel. However, looking forward to a life after the pandemic is one of the ways students can find hope. Collectively, we can wait for the day when we can see family, travel, and go about our lives pandemic-free. Burke is excited for the day when he will, “Give France another try” and to go to college, “Ideally in person.” Marshall plans to travel as much as possible and explore new cultures around the world when it is safe to do so, and Dunn is looking forward to spending quality time with friends and family. 

No doubt that students at Scituate High School are looking forward to the end of the global pandemic. Everyone’s lives have been impacted by the disease, and everyone seems fed up with the monotony of masks and cautionary measures. Despite this, it seems as if people are slowly coming to recognize a fundamental truth: “I’m not the only one that’s going through this,” Dunn concludes, “Other people know what I am feeling.” Hopefully, we can find solidarity in this realization, and collectively, “keep our heads up,” as Marshall hopes. 

It is indispensable that we all make sacrifices now in order to stay safe. “Definitely listen to the adults,” Dunn advises. However, it is equally important for everyone to keep in mind that there is a little bit of light in the darkness–there are moments and memories we all have to look forward to at the end of the pandemic. In the meantime, however, the words of Brendan Burke will suffice: “Wash your hands and wear a mask.”