Residents were asked to “tell a story about how the coronavirus has impacted your life.” Explore 50 responses below, selected at random. Which responses capture your attention? (Some responses were transcribed by youth volunteers.) To learn more about the storyteller and how they interpreted their response, click “Zoom In.”
The Fierce Women
Im pregnant and the Corona virus has stopped work for me and my child.. my source of income has been put on hold. Im afraid to give birth in these circumstances.
Family (Story #564)
Bonding with my daughter and family but seems like we cant get alone without us traveling being as a family
Trusting in God and Being Wise
Coronavirus has restricted me from leaving the house. Its actually made me have to spend more money on grocery. We have to prep more food for the house. I am still working. I work in a job that involves entering homes. My supervisors are being more strict and cautious. We ask people how they are feeling sick wise before we go in. People can lie and I just have to rely on my best judgment. I always wash my hands, wear a mask, and not touch my face before going in. As soon as I get off I shower and…
Quarantine with 3 plus me
Being in Quarantine due to COVID-19 is great at times and challenging in others. I am a mother of 3 school age children and am currently working from home. Finding balance between work and assisting the kids with their school work has been challenge that I am currently working. I am grateful for the full support of my kids teachers in providing lessons and following up with their educational needs. The struggle is when I try to focus on my work but still need to facilitate and support the kids learning ( answer questions, work on practice problems,…
Covid sucks
Corona virus has ruined everything for me literally, parents cant work so idk how we are going to get money and I am away from school so Im not doing what I love most
Bigger than corona
The corona virus made me miss my college senior graduation which really sucks, but I feel as if there are way bigger problems in the world today .. hopefully we get a cure for all of this but the main problem is injustice
Shifting for good.
This life altering event has already impacted my life in many ways. Some changes will have a short lifespan, while others will be part of my new norm. As a business owner, I have been hesitant to fully embrace the work from home model. My associates have always had the option, but I was strongly holding onto my office and my in-person meetings. Now I see that there is a better way. A more productive way that allows me to spend more time with my family and spend less time in a car contributing to traffic and pollution. My new…
The boredom
Well first of all, life isnt the same since he whole coronavirus thing going on, I been at home for about two months now and I dont get to see my friends plus Im scared for my life. The virus have changed my whole life for instance online school instead of going to school all of this because of the social distancing.
Unknown Mystery
I’m trying to stay in and be obedient. I go to the store about every two weeks. It’s every scary. I don’t like wearing the mask. I make sure to put it on going indoors. I am a hairdresser. I’ve been out from work for three weeks. I’m getting behind. I was thinking about May 1st but I may not. A lot of my clients are older and cannot come out. Many call to say they are worried! I don’t like to sit still very often, so I’m hoping . Our church is closed, so Ive been watching on YouTube….
Deaf Dog Finally Rescued
While working from home due to Coronavirus, we decided we would go to Big Dog Ranch Rescue and foster a dog. Early into quarantine we brought home a 3-year old deaf pup from the ranch. This dog had only ever lived in a house for a week, spending most of his life in between shelters. He was super shy and friendly, and had something special about him. Over a month later, we are happy to say that we are foster failures. Our pup has our hearts and is the goofiest dog ever. This quarantine has given us the time necessary…
# 30 She Is Delighted To Be Receiving $195 in Food stamps
Mrs Janet Harris (80) is a native of Michigan. Mrs Janet came to Boynton Beach nearly 30 years ago to raise her son and daughter.Mrs Janet says she has worked 3 jobs to finally pay off her home in Boynton . She has had cousins in Michigan die from this pandemic.Mrs Harris says she reflects on home and misses it so during times like these.She is delighted to be receiving $195 in Food Stamps monthly.Mrs harris could use assistance with her water utility.
To be human together
Ive been impacted by anxiety since childhood. When I was young, I felt a lot of shame about not being able to tell my brain to stop worrying (as well meaning adults suggested). When my two older children were in their early teens, they were both diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that runs in both sides of my family. Although I had already worked on my anxiety in therapy, my childrens diagnoses motivated me to deepen my research, and do whatever I could to learn to manage my mental health and theirs. When their doctor wrote mindfulness meditation on…
I dont have a code, but I heard about this by word of mouth.
To whom it may concern, being a senior citizen with medical disability, the corona virus has impacted my life in many ways. It has affected my not being able to get out to go to the pharmacy to get my medication, going to the grocery store to purchase my food and most of all affecting my mental ability worries of catching the virus. My prayer is that the government, and county official, and the people that are in position, to help the people will do the right thing and be fair with helping all that needs the help. Thank you…
#TryingToAdapt
The virus has affected me in many ways. I have to get used to a new way of life. Working from home. Wearing masks everywhere I go. Wearing gloves to pump gas. Not being able to shop or eat in restaurants without worrying about whose by me. Not being able to cough in public without everyone looking at me crazy. The new norm is difficult to adapt to. Its a learning process. But I understand that its all for our safety.
Its costly.
Costly. Spending money I do not have.
#20
She had planned to spend sometime with her cousins in Miramar. However, because of Miramar’s Stay-at-home Order,she was unable to spend some quality time with family during the Easter Holiday.She is an 85 yr old widow. However, she has a strong support of family in Virginia and Canada. It is her niece, in Virginia, that orders grocery for her based on what she likes and prefers. She is adhering to the ordinances that have been set forward by the State, And has no strong opinion on the proposed outcome of the Corona Virus settling. Her neighbors keep a watchful eye…
#49 I hope my Community Is safe:
She is a 79 yrs old Boynton resident and loves everything country. She feels that the Corona Virus is scaryI She hopes her neighborhood and community are safe,she sits outside daily near her front door with other family members. Her prays that hr younger son is safe while he is in a state institutionHer oldest son makes sure she has all that is required during this pandemic.
007
Coronavirus continues to impact my life due to the schools being closed down, as well as the colleges. I am an Academic Tutor as well as an Afterschool Counselor, when the schools closed down the pay stopped due to not clocking in as I would before the pandemic. Its hard to get help with online courses for me because I have multiple questions that I feel need face to face answers, but I still try to do it to my best ability because this is what I have to work with for now. It sucks because you never realize how…
# 28 Our Hands Are Cuffed
Miss King is also a lifelong resident of Boynton Beach. Jackie had her house built next door to the home where she was raised. Her sister,Angela, lived in the family home(next door to hers) until 2018. Angela died in the home. Jackie is still reeling the affects of her sister’s death. You ,very seldom ,saw one without the other.Jackie volunteered with the CCC delivering Healthy Meals to seniors,visits them in nursing facilties and hospitals and Jackie is very passionate about the care and self-worth! Mrs King transports them to pick-up medication and grocery shopping.Jackie has two sons Selwyn(39) and…
Strange Virus
Corona had impacted my life in a very strange way, I did get to graduate since it was in December, I got my dream job but Im not even able to work because Of the virus sadly.
Corona Epidemic
The Corona virus has impacted my life by not being able to work; I have no income which is causing anxiety and depression.
#Whats going on
It hasnt changed much since Im homeless. Im just scared because I dont know whats going on.
#56 I Have fished every Saturday
This has had a terrible impact on my employment,Seniors that I have worked with closely, fishing and comraderie.My employment has been hampered in such times and maybe that’s a calling for my retirementI dedicated my employment to enhance the life of our local Senior Citizens physically,socially and mentally.Fishing is the most enjoyable hobby I have. And I am not able to fish. I have fished every Saturday for years. I.myself. have lost relatives to this horrible virus.
Stress
Its impacted my life alot. I work from home now. I fear for my childrens and my health everyday. I fear our residents and employees will be affected in a negative way. A lot of stress
I’m talking about essential paces not the beach!
Ms Earlina Hollis has been a native of Boynton Beach for the past 71 years. She is the 4th oldest of 13 siblings. Her mother,Eva Hollis 96 , also lives in Boynton Beach. Ms Earlina, quickly stated, that they are opening up too soon and my fear is that the virus will come back with a vengeance!I don’t own a car and I walk to my Mom’s every morning to prepare her breakfast. This corona virus is very serious, We must give it time to heal. Get out when you need to and do not go anywhere…
LOOKING FOR LIGHT
Hi my name is Darryl Sanders Jr. I am a freelance videographer/photography. I was firstly affected by the closing of venues due to the Corona Virus Outbreak which caused clients to cancel their events therefore forcing me to lose deposits from previously booked event. It has also effected my bookings because no one can have social gatherings for months ahead so i have no source of income to pay my bills at this time. Its also been hard finding groceries and proper sanitation products to keep my environment clean. Also my kids schooling has been effected been effected and i…
# 38 Mrs Green Says She Is Doing Her
Mrs Clara Green has been widowed for 35 years young. She has a vibrancy that will knock you off your feet! Mrs Green says that she is Doing Her at 76 years young! The Leadership opened the community too soon. And things are getting worse. Just take a look at Boynton beach a designated HOTSPOT!My advice is the Leadership should have allowed things to cool down.It is keeping the death toll on the rise.She has acquired a brand new lexus and she hasn’t driven it far at all, call her for a ride!Mrs Green has been widowed 35 years.
Uma loose my house an kids are going to b homeless
I have lost my job. My bill are so behind.
#JustADayAtATime
Coronavirus has made me gain a lot of patience and helped me have more spare time to bond with my kids. My whole life I’ve worked. Its helped me take things day by day. It’s a challenge as I have my own business. I’m a stylist and I have had customers all week but not any last week. its made me appreciate the things that were once there like going out to eat. It has showed me how serious life is. I’ve gotten a lot of rest…which is rare! Many people around me look at it bad but I see…
Education (Story #494)
The corona virus impacted my life whole education career I was into school of being a pharmacy and also working at cvs its suck that Im not getting the proper education I need which what I worked for
Praying that a change is going to come!!!
Since the pandemic began it’s truly been hard on myself and family these past several months. Before the covid-19 I recently received not 1 but 2 parttime jobs with the Palm Beach County School District. Now I’ve been unemployed since March 13, 2020 all due to that all schools are closed due to this pandemic. Immediately after we were notified that we were going to be unemployed I reached out to all my bill collectors notifying them that I was currently let go due to the pandemic. They said it was fine whenever I can pay just submit a payment….
#necessities
Covid 19 has impacted my family financially. Im extremely careful on how I spend money, Im prioritizing what bills to pay. At this point, credit scores isnt important, but my family being feed is.
#16 No vaccine
It’s getting adjusted to staying home that bothers me .I go to the gym daily, enjoyed attending church and senior activites w/field trips. The lonliness is driving me crazy at 76 years of age.But it is for the safety and good of the community. The streets are empty and I love walking but I will remain safe in my house, The only place that I must go ; is to get grocery for only me. Florida is heavily populated with Seniors and the Governor should have made the rules more stricter sooner. Because,there is no vaccine.
Let it stop
I cant believe how long this has been going on. Im ok I go where I need to. The only thing I really concerned with, is when the open up the beaches again. I just hope that number doesnt go any higher.
Covid-19 (Story #943)
I Carmela Herrera, have gone through a hard situation. I am 65 years old I live by myself I was in the process of moving out because I cant afford to pay the rent where I live. Unfortunately I was infected with the virus back in June. I was very sick and was hospitalized for almost 3 weeks. I was connected to the oxygen the whole time. After 3 weeks I was released. I couldn’t work, I had to stay home for another 3 weeks before I was to start working. I am behind in my bills, and need some…
Life of virus
This crazy virus impact my life so much until it made my life a little miserable. To the point I wouldnt even see how it feels to graduate high school in my cap and gown after all the hard work and test I have been taking to get where I need to be now I feel like everything in my power wasnt worth it all those night I stayed up studying and working on homework
We need a solution
The corona virus has put me out of work and now Im home with my bad kids. But this is a really scary time for the world and we need to act and find a solution quick
2020 The Year the World Stood Still
The corona virus has impacted my life in every way as it has impacted the entire World’s population in every way. I feel almost like I did after 9/11. The World stopped for a week. The World changed forever. This time, the World has stopped for months. The World will be changed forever-good and bad. Teaching requires a very interactive relationship with students. I realize how important face to face interaction is for children in a school environment. A smile, a touch on the shoulder, words of encouragement, sarcastic retorts, body language……. I miss them and I know the students…
Working from Home
I am a first year Elementary Education major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and when the Coronavirus was first talked about we (the students) thought nothing of it. Then the week before spring break, the universitys president announced that students were supposed to stay home until April 5th to ensure no one would bring the Coronavirus to the Campus. Within the second week of staying home he announced that students could no longer come back in Campus unless it was to move out of their dorms. So, now it has been almost two months since I have been self…
#quarantinebutmakeitfun
Coronavirus has forces me to channel my creativity and spend time focusing on things in the moment. It has allowed me to treasure time with my loved ones and practice being present in the moment. My family and I went out to buy canvases, paint, and wine and spent time doing our own paint and sip at home. We found something that we all could enjoy together and it was a relaxing experience after the havoc that comes with having everyone at home. I am a new mom and I was just about to graduate and start a new job…
11
I was released from my university and forced to obtain a full time night shift job. I got this job because my mother need assistance with my other 5 siblings who had also been released from their educational institutions. It is unfair, and uncomfortable to not be able to receive my education anymore.
Corona Disaster
The corona virus has changed everything, I cant work my kids cant go to school. I am a track coach and our whole season is cancelled this is very hard on me.
#62 But For Now That’s The Way It Is
Mr. Rowe is 80 yrs old born and raised in Jamaica. He came here for a better life.He continues to wonder How did this happen? He has always had values of working hard. And America gave him that dream.He adheres to the law of staying in place. he doesn’t like it, But for now that’s the way it is.
EJSJB2020 (Story #NA)
COVID 19 has made an impact on me and my family. Weve been struggling to keep up with our bills and provide for my family and I. My hours at work have been cut back due to COVID and I dont get paid as much as I did before COVID. So trying to provide everything for my family is kinda hard.
# 17 A combined imcome of $8556.00
Mrs Wilkins was very disappointed to learn that she and her husband would not be getting a stimulus check. It can be hard to make ends meet for them. The Wilkins make a combined yearly income of $8556.00. They manage with the assistance of their Son(who resides in Atlanta,Ga)
PAINFUL STRUGGLE OF LIFE
I WILL TELL BY AUDIO MSG PLEASE LEAVE ME YOUR WHATS APP NUMBER …..
6-feet-apart
2 months into the corona virus pandemic, people were ordered to stay about 6 feet apart from each other. When people want to go inside of stores, the have to wait in long lines so that the store cannot be overcrowded. Due to the very dangerous pandemic, people are scared to even leave their homes and go visit their family members. This is very scary because when their family members inevitably pass away from the virus, they have to say goodbye over the phone, and I can imagine that this would be a painful experience.
#dontfreakout
I was already working from home but now my whole family is with me!
Don’t Take the Little thing for granted.
The days are just not the same. You think you have time to do it all but when something like this hits, you wonder what have I been doing with my time. The Corona Virus has impacted me in ways that are simple but yet so meaningful at this time. The little things that I take for granted like going to the grocery store or dropping by to get a bite to eat is now obsolete. Social distancing from my family and friends have been the worst. I can’t even see my mom like I want right now for the…
Coronas Unexpectedly inconvenient. J. Charles
Expect the best but be prepared for the worst. Just a simple phrase till it all hits home. This corona virus pandemic has effected so many including myself, in the most inconvenient ways possible. With no money being made, and so many Bills to keep up with, the stress is tremendous. Dont get me started on the anxiety of having to keep up with so many precautions. With the Elderly being more susceptible to this Virus, and me living with Elderly family members under my care is a horrendous mix. The stress of this virus is is putting me into…
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