A nasty virus that originated in China has caused havoc across the globe with a pandemic. Known as the Coronavirus, COVID-19, the threatening virus has closed down the U.S. Economy and way of life as Americans know it as people have stayed-at-home trying to flatten the curve. This week parts of the country are finally trying to open back up in hopes of finanacial salvation and a sense of normalacy.
Mostly in March, schools across the nation closed for the remainder of the year. This first-ever situation had caused a rollercoaster of emotions. Here's what the seniors at Burlington Public School have to say about how the crisis has affected them.
Senior Hailey Dotson said when she heard the news initially, “I was devastated. Those last few months of high school were when my class was going to make the most memories. I wouldn’t get to laugh with them in class again, go to prom, or possibly have graduation. I think that all seniors across Oklahoma felt heartbroken.”
Talking about what she misses most, Dotson said, “Burlington is such a close-knit group of people. School felt more like home than school. Obviously, I miss my friends, being with the girls on the basketball team, laughing with my classmates, and being goofy with the teachers.”
Discussing the distance learning scenario, she said, “It’s good but it’s very weird to do everything online. Most days it’s boring and a little silly, but I like that we can still talk to the teachers.”
Refecting on her years at Burlington, Dotson said, “Being a Burlington Elk means you are hardworking, dedicated, determined and a leader. Burlington does a great job of focusing on everyone since we are such a small school and taking the time to develop great people.”
Putting Forth Best Effort
When asked what she misses the most about not attending classes, senior Lauren Loges said, “I have definitely missed being with all of my friends at school the most. I miss being with my classmates especially because we are so close. It's been hard being away from them and knowing we won't get to have class together anymore.”
“I felt very shocked at first. It was hard to believe that we really weren't going back to school,” Loges said.
Regarding the school mascot, Loges said, “To me, being a Burlington Elk means putting forth your best effort in everything you do, big or small. It has been taught to me by past alumna’s and I hope it is a trait that I have shown to younger students throughout my senior year.”
Excited and Sad all at Once
Senior Gabe Stewart listed “Not being able to see my friends,” as what he misses the most about not being in school.
When he first heard the news of the school year abruptly ending near two months early, Stewart said, “I was excited being able to work to get money for college, but was still sad because I would not be able to see my classmates.”
Of the on-line distance learning scenario, Stewart said, “It is going well however it can be challenging in some of my classes.”
Looking back on his years at Burlington, Stewart said, “Being a Burlington elk means living in a community where everybody cares and helps push to exceed the limits.”
Relieved, then Annoyed
Senior Stanley Klippenstein said of not being able to attend school, “ I’ve missed getting to see my friends and have fun with them every day. I also miss being able to play golf.”
Kippenstein said when the announcement came that the remainder of the school year was canceled, “I was relieved at first then I was annoyed as we now have to figure out classes alone. On-line learning is going good. It's just a little tougher.”
When asked what being a Burlington Elk means to him, Kippenstein said, “It means that I have to act better than every other school and I have to show good sportsmanship. And we have to be the best at everything.”
Dreams Crushed – On-line Learning Challenging for Some
Senior Tatelyn Rieger said, “ The thing I have missed most about not being at school is getting to hang out and talk to my friends everyday. Living in rural Oklahoma you don't live close to your friends and without school don't get to see them much.”
When the possibility of canceling the remainder of the school year was first discussed, Rieger said, “I didn't believe it. I couldn't imagine not getting to complete my senior year. I was really looking forward to golf season and hopefully making it to state for the first time.”
Instead of in the classroom, students are in their homes in a distance learned scenario with their teachers. “Online learning has been tough for me,” Rieger said.” I have always learned best being taught by example from a teacher. Not having that interaction has made it tough for me to concentrate at home.”
“Being a Burlington Elk has meant a lot to me, Rieger said. “The lessons I've learned and friendships I've made will last a lifetime. I owe a whole lot of who I am today to the many teachers and faculty that have helped mold me over the past 12 years.”
Hard Times Make You a Stronger Person
Senior Anna Motycka said, “The thing I miss the most about not being able to go to school is not being able to see my friends everyday.”
“I was very sad when I found out there might not be any more classes, awards, activities, and possibly no graduation but as time has passed I'm starting to look at the positive. People are still trying to make everything happen for us seniors and I am really thankful for it. Now we just have to be patient because as time is going by things are starting to open up with more ideas to fix our problems. We have online options now to do activities, graduation, and having some awards being presented. It's not exactly what I was thinking my senior year would be like, but it's not the end of the world. There are always going to be hard times but it will make you a stronger person.
When asked about the distance learning from home, Motycka, said, “I actually like online learning more because I can get all my homework done when it is convenient for me and get it all finished for the week so I can do other things.”
“At Burlington we are competitive, sincere, and look out for each other. Even though we are a small school we work hard and it shows through everything we have accomplished so far. I believe a true Burlington Elk shows these qualities and will take them on further into life,” Motycka said.
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