COVID-19 Project Story Collection

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.”

#necessities

Covid 19 has impacted my family financially. I’m extremely careful on how I spend money, I’m prioritizing what bills to pay. At this point, credit scores isn’t important, but my family being feed is.
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Covid Change

I now have to teach my students through virtual schooling. I miss being with them and seeing them daily.
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Nursing Home

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10220423573112131&id=1015253203I live at Glades Health Care and we have zero cases of the virus.They are keeping us healthy
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My New Normal

This new normal has been somewhat difficult for me. I am a people person that always greeted everyone with a hug. I work with children and I always greeted them with a kiss and a big hug. When my children see me they come running with arms open wanting that hug and kiss. They don’t understand social distances. Having to learn how to use Zoom, Google Classroom and Google Meets has been a challenge. I have gracefully accepted my new normal.
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Quarantine (Story #669)

Coronavirus has really affected a lot of students with their schools near me there are many students taking online classes which haven’t taken online classes in a while or Coronavirus has really affected a lot of students with their schools dammit there are many students taking online classes which haven’t taking online classes in a while or dinner or not used to taking online classes and they are struggling I truly believe that there’s a method is quite on going I can actually help many people but many students had to take for being a position to be in taking…
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Not that bad

Corona has given me time to work on my game and the things I lacked, haven’t really affected me negatively besides not being in school
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# 36 She Doesn’t hink the Virus Will Ever Go Away

Carol Woodside is an 82 years young native of Kentucky. She has lived in Boynton Beach for over 20 years.Ms Carol has trouble with the use of her legs. So her,mobility, is or can be an issue. ms Woodside continuously has Doctor’s visit to find the cause of her leg issues.She lives alone and never gives up on her just cause.She doesn’t think the virus will ever go away< And she has nw figured out that when she needs to go somewhere she has to go. Ms Woodside has no living relatives in the area.Ms Carol had an issue…
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Coffee shop anxiety

I sometimes work at a coffee shop for family friends on the weekends. I worked this past Sunday to help out over worked owners and staff. A lot of the other staff members have decided not to come into work because they are too afraid of getting sick and not being able to support their family. I am usually a really friendly and happy person, always focused on customer service. But I found myself really anxious the entire shift and I felt angry at customers for coming in. This anxiety lingered with me for several days to the point…
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#5 Laws Of The Community

Must adhere to the laws of this viral pandemic, not only are our Communities in which we live are in crisis but our world is in pandemonium. Due to health issue,I have been in what some call quarantined for 2 years. But this has affected my neighbors from visiting and my physical therapy regimen on a weekly basis. Because,I suffer from a stroke. I hear of elders in the neighborhood and childhood acquaintances dying from this Communities of the world epidemic. Our national leader is so busy trying to become re-elected, he has not recognized the need to become…
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College life

Im in college and the corona virus has sent me back home closing campus. I lost my job on campus and now has to depend on my parents. Also the college students don’t qualify for the stimulus checks for some reason.
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# 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.
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We need a solution

The corona virus has put me out of work and now I’m 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
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# 12 I Have Never Seen Such Times As These

Mrs Ginger is a recent widow who was also born and reared in Boynton Beach. Mrs Ginger taught Elementary school during segregation and integration. She says she has continuously witnessed turbulent time with the various protest and virus. Mrs Colebrooks says she has never seen such times as these. She’s still in rehab with her fractured hip . She has two adult daughters taking great care if her.Mrs Colebrooks can use any financial assistance available to her.
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Change….

Well, things are very different for us all. This time has allowed My Family to become closer. Not being able to do the normal things you would have taught us how to stay home, cook more, and save money.
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Half full (Story #533)

The virus just giving me time off to think about my next moves and actually workout and catch up to where I need to be in everything Yea it is bad but I look at the glass half full
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Seperated

My oldest son splits time between our house and his moms. He is at his moms and I go down to visit him once a week. We take a social distance walk around his neighborhood. We miss him and it’s hard not having him here some of the time.
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#17 The people are being disobedient

The government has been leading the way. It is the citizens not using their common sense to adhere to the rules and laws of the land. The people are being disobedient. The church has been open exposing the elderly population to the virus. I have an aide that come to my home 4 days e week to continuously assist me with my personal
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My Own Pandemic

Not only has corona virus impacted my life by keeping me outside, but my stepfather passed away just over 3 weeks ago (not covid related). To say that this has been a year from hell on a personal level is an understatement. Overall, I am okay, but its been rough. Classes transitioned to an online platform for me at the FAU Honors College and countrywide. Its just been tough. I know it can only get better from here and this too shall pass. That being said, however, losing someone you love and have loved for so long hurts.
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Tired

I am just trying to survive, I can’t work because I am disabled and just not trying to catch the virus. I hope i don’t have it or get it, I pray to god everyday.
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# 33 Kayleen Is a Neighbor and Maria’s Caregiver with no cost attached

Mrs Maria is a 77 year young widow for nearly 2 years. She is only fluent in Spanish. So, therefore,Kayleen tel# has been given to you for a better understanding. Maria has been affliliated with the CCC for ten years. Her daughter,Yolanda, works full-time. Kayleen is a neighbor and Maria’s caregiver with no cost attached.Mrs Maria slipped and fractured her hip in February.Mrs Maria is doing well with her physical therapist that comes to her home. She is walikng unassisted at times. CDC will bring her healthy meals beginning July 6.Mrs Maria will need assistance with her Electric and Water.
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2

Covid-19 affected my life by causing me to have a virtual graduation and have my football season end on the wrong foot. Because of this pandemic, I was not working out with my workout partner in the gym. It also scared me of my grand-parents life since they are in the age range.
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It don’t stop nothing

The corona hasn’t stopped anything for me due to the fact that I am a agricultural worker. It makes my son be home from college which I like but also don’t because he’s away from football and his friends
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I Needed to Change

Aside from losing my job and having anxiety on and off, from the fear of catching the virus, I have been doing quite well. We have only spent money on food and supplies. It’s surprising how much frivolous spending we used to do. I have had more time to be with my family and to work on myself. I have been doing yoga, writing, and reflecting. I am committed to continuing the healthy habits I am cultivating. My heart hurts for everyone who has suffered from this virus. I believe that it is our duty, to those that have and…
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#36 Better Days Ahead

My family prevents me from going out. Mainly,because of my high blood pressure and being a stroke victim. So,they are scared for me ! She believe if you experience any symptoms and visit your Doctor you will die. She says atke ginger,cloves,lemon with warm water to improve your health.She is responsible for her 17 yr old Granddaughter who attends Atlantic High’s International Baccalaureate Program and her studies online daily.She is praying for better days ahead!My son,that lives in Boston,is taking care of his newborn daily.
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Pandemic (Story #214)

With the whole pandemic going on i been in the house trying to stay safe. Ive been watching the news and see everything thats going on in my community and its crazy to see something like this.
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#19 Who could be that MEAN?

This is one of the most compelling stories . She did not realize how devastating this Virus is/was..Until it took her oldest Sister.s life on a Wednesday in the middle of March. Her sister did not wake up that morning. She thought who could be that MEAN?? This is not an act of the ALMIGHTY. She is very agitated with our national leader. Because,our national leader mentioned that the Virus started in January of 2020. This is false information, she states. By the way, her sister’s husband also tested positive for the Virus. But he is a survivor.Her…
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Bryant Park W.P.B.

I live in downtown Lake Worth Beach… I’M SINGLE..SENIOR CITIZEN..AND GENERALLY A VERY POSITIVE PERSON…TAKE CARE OF MY MOM IN BOYNTON WHO’S 92.. LOVE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND LOVE MY LAKE WORTHS BEACHSIDE COMMUNITY… MONEY’S STRESSFUL RIGHT NOW FOR MOST PEOPLE..AS IS THE FEAR OF CONTAMINATION… WE ARE NEAR THE BEACH (JUST A BRIDGE) BUT AREN’T ALOUD TO GO THERE.. I’M A SINGLE SENIOR LIVING ON NOW VERY DIMINISHED RESOURCES OF MONEY..WITH LOANS TAXES ELECTRIC ETC. IN A ONE BEDROOM RENTAL OF ONLY 450 SQ.FT. …I’VE SEEN EVERY MOVIE I OWN .. READ ALOT..FB ALOT.. COOK, CLEAN,FOOD SHOP,…
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Number 1.

Lost hours of work. That involves money paying Bill’s. Buying grocery.
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Quarantined (Story #686)

This virus has affected my life because I am not able to go out into public as often as before. I was not able to take courses in-person at my college. My family and I have been cooking at home instead of going out for food. My gym is closed so I haven’t been able to workout. It has been a complete change in my lifestyle.
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#effectsofcoronavirus

The coronavirus effects me because I can’t work as much as I used to because I work in the health field and it isn’t safe so I make less money than I used to and also my grandchildren are out of school and they can’t stay home alone.
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My story (Story #560)

The coronavirus has clearly affected everyone in so many way. In my case, I have had a lot of time to truly think about myself. Before this pandemic started, I was not in the best mental state. I had a lot of family problems and really needed a break from all of it. While the quarantine is making me stay home with my family, I have a lot of time to decompress and focus on me and what really matters. Family problems still happen but I feel I am able to cope with it all a little better due to…
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I’m broke

Man this corona virus really sucks I’m out of work and have no money. I really can’t deal with this seriously man I am so thankful that my parents are still working and could help me, we need to find a answer for this
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My story (Story #NA)

When corona first started i had to start working 1 day a week because my store was slow, the only reason i was able to provide for me and my kids was because of my boyfriend lyfe , but on October 10, 2020 he was shot and killed , the person who killed him didn’t know lyfe it was wrong place wrong time , its been almost 2 months since then and now day by day i have to struggle to put food on the table for my kids or how im going to pay the bills . Before lyfe…
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FAU Honors College Student Contracts COVID-19 While Working as an EMT

I am an EMT who was infected with COVID-19, this experience has forever changed my appreciation for life and my family. Earlier in the year when news of this virus first started emerging, I kept telling myself it would not affect us, that it would only be temporary. I am a neuroscience student at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of FAU. My life was pretty normal at that point, I was attending classes, interning at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, and working my regular hours on the weekends. Then spring break came around, my boss briefed us…
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Senior year ruined

I am so mad that my graduation got ruined. This sucks totally! This virtual graduation ceremony is a bad idea. I rather wait until it is safe to be out again and give us the graduation that we deserve. Thanks Corona for ruining my senior year!
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#66 (Story #269)

Ms Northern is a care-giver. She supports the needs of her older brother . He is diagnosed with dementia. She says,her their feelings are pretty bottle up.It’s a struggle to deal with her brother wanting to go to daycare. But, because of the virus he is not presently attending. She is fearful of going to the grocery store so one of her churhc-going friends goes for her.She is a cancer survivor.
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I WAS A DRUM MAJOR

The virus has alot of fear in it, You just do not know who has it and who doesn’t have it. I have never been exposed to fear on this level. The only thing I feared was the 25 yd dash as a runner in high school. Other than that,I ran the 50 and 100 yd dash with ease. The leaders have done all they can to help prevent the spread of this frightening virus, But it is the people who do not care that are not following the rules set forth by our local,state lawmakers. I was a drum…
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# 19 He has not even had a phone conversation with his wife

The virus has a steady impact on Mr Clayton. he has not been able to have his weekly visits at Boulevard Manor Nursing Facility since early March. He has not even had a phone conversation with her Mr Kenny is 88 years young and Mrs Clayton will be 88 on December 4.2020. She suffers with a Dementia and has been at the Nursing facility for appx 8 years. He misses his weekly visits with her. He receives meals and fruit on a weekly basis. Mr Kenny and Mrs Pearline have been united in marriage for over 40 years with no…
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I don’t 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…
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community

Coronavirus has taken a toll on my community stores have been closed for over a month now things are looking bad my community has been on the news with a high coronavirus case within a small community I feel as if that we are not quarantine in the right way and we are taking it for a vintage the government need to seize another we are quarantining in my community I think we should all come together as one and discuss how can we get over this coronavirus and the glaze
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#9 SHE DOESN’T sOCIALIZE

Juanita Marshall grew up in Delray Beach and moved to Boynton Beach appx. 5 years ago. She appears to have missed her belated Mother enormously. She has two sons that live with her . One son,Chris has been diagnosed with a mental health diagnosis. He oldest son, Todd ,has gotten a full-time with WM after he worked faithfully for years at a temp agency. This has helped lessen the families financial burdens. It was years ago, that we assisted this family with furnishings,towels and bed sheets after they were infested with bedbugs. The bedbugs started as, Chris,the younger son,…
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9 (Story #293)

As a single mother of 4 this virus have a big impact on my family and I’m sure that’s with everyone else as well, but with my children who have asthma it’s hard to tell them no they can’t go outside and play, or go to the store with me, with their learning disability they stuffing with their learning because I’m not specialized in that field, so I could only do what I can, but it’s frustrated when I can’t help them or can’t get in contact with their teacher’s right away, my job cut my hours but I’m grateful…
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