Remember in 2020 when we left school for what we thought was just two weeks, but turned out to be two years of remote learning? Well, now there are some new rumors that we may have to go back to virtual school again, because of monkeypox. This has raised many questions from students. Will there be a lockdown for the monkeypox disease? Will we have to do virtual school again? Every student has their own opinion about virtual school, but collectively, no one wants to get monkeypox.
Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is given to humans by animals and is spread by human contact. The disease originated in Africa, where there are still many cases popping up. Recently there have been more cases coming up around the US and many people, especially teens, are scared that we might go into another lockdown. Katy Cunningham was one of the many people who got COVID-19, and it was a very rough recovery. ”I don’t want to get monkeypox, having COVID-19 was bad enough,” said Cunningham
No crowded hallways, no getting up early to get ready for school, no commuting problems, and no comfort. These are all reasons why learning virtually could be better. Also who doesn’t just want a break from school? When the schools started to shut down in 2020 because of COVID-19, many people were excited to finally have a break and time to relax, without all the worries. Krishni Palaniappan was one of these people. She was a fifth grader at the time of COVID-19, and now she is a sophomore in high school. “It’s honestly so much easier to just get out of bed in the morning and log on to Zoom,” said Palaniappan.
On the other hand, many people thought online school was horrible. The thought of getting up early in the morning just to log on to Zoom was another boring day in class. Paying attention, understanding the work, and listening to teachers were all struggles that hurt many people and their education during this time. Aalexys Alexis, a then fourth grader, is now a freshman in high school and did not enjoy virtual school. “I hated it, I felt like I learned nothing, teachers taught nothing, and it was unorganized. 10/10 would not do it again.” said freshman Alexis.
As students are waiting to see if there is going to be another lockdown, there are many mixed emotions, as it brings back many memories from 2020. Whatever this virus brings us, the students at North Atlanta are equipped for it.
