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.”
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…
Traversing Uncharted Spaces
2020 was a year of FORCED creativity as a result of a global health pandemic causing entire countries to shelter at home to prevent the spread of the virus. While shut in at our homes, we witnessed the horrific murder of Mr. George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a White police officer which erupted in a racial pandemic which has been suppressed as a result of hundreds of Black lives taken, senselessly. In addition, there was an emergence of technological advancements, proficiencies, and accelerated growth as we shifted our minds and hearts to execute the…
Im Trying Times Dont Quit Trying
In everything give thanks. I am at risk because of my age and thank god not because I have a medical conditions. One thing I miss is going out to dinner. I ate out at least 3 times a week. I also miss the children at the school where I volunteer. Now, I will share a story. The following week after the Pandemic started there were 3 little boys that knocked on my door this was around 8:30 pm on a Thursday night and asked if I would give them some food. I recognized them from the community but I…
#12
It is so much arguing in our Government,just too much bickering for our Country to come to any definite decision much sooner as to how to get the American people SAFE, It has taken weeks and weeks to get us where we need to be,,,As a result many have died with the Government carelessly handling our LIVES. I,myself have been,so to speak quarantined for years due to 4 strokes. But,I get along fine. My daughter brings be whatever I need and handles my bills,
Not that bad
Corona has given me time to work on my game and the things I lacked, havent really affected me negatively besides not being in school
# Im woke Nigga
In my opinion this aint nothing but scare tactics. The government tryna scare us into spending money on stupid s*** like toilet paper.
To hardships
My family income due to the virus is impacted as our only source of income is lyft
Help those most in need in Lake Worth and PBC
Our gallery and studio are closed to the public. I come in most days to a thankfully empty town. The only people, for the most part, who are walking the streets are the homeless and those with cognitive disabilities. I drive past the tent city in John Prince Park and it breaks my heart to see so many homeless in close quarters. If nothing is done to help them it is only a matter of time. I worry about Patrick and the folks he feeds and their exposure. I sent this statement out in a letter to someone who might…
Trying to be still with the virus
The corona virus has impacted my life in many ways:1. I was supposed to have surgery on April 22,2020 to help repair my vision, but it was postponed.2. My daughter now has to do therapy sessions at home with masks on.3. I am also not able to work because due to risk of being infected or infecting my client.4. My family is also affected by the corona virus because everyone is feeling overwhelmed.
Living through Covid
Covid has impacted my life a lot just from the cut down of work and trying to support two babies on my own my 1yr old was supposed to start school but it has been pushed back due to the virus and the school being closed so I had to pay a sitter to watch them their grandmother try to help me with them but shes on dialysis and she cant keep them as often. Im a single mother whos kids fathers was indicted just before this whole pandemic thing got out of hand he was a big help with…
14
Well, I witness how we all came together as a community and help each other get through these difficult times. I am forever grateful and i am so thankful and happy to be apart of this amazing community.
How Coronavirus Impacted My Life
The Coronavirus has impacted my life in multiple ways. My daily activities as modified. I have to take precaution everywhere and with everyone. My work life and family life has changed. They way we shop has changed. I no longer eat out or visit places with large crowds. My business has even taken a impact. My daughter is a high school senior and her senior year has been ruined, no Grad Night, Prom and possibly graduation may not take place. The lines at the stores are long and many of them are out of supplies and its difficult to obtain…
5
Corona has made an impact on my life and my community , the corona virus is stopping us from having our jobs, getting our money and were being stuck inside The corona is hurting us we have loved ones who has pass from the virus
#57 Trying to make ends with 3 jobs
You don’t know who has the Corona Virus that’s the scary part!My daughter and I are adhering to the ordinances that nave been set.Not everyone is wearing protection and being careful.My employment has diminished with the Church ,crossing guard and the Senior program,Trying to make ends with 3 jobs , it is devastating and scary, Now,I don.t have one job!
Laid Off
The Caronavirus impacted my life by me not working. Ive been paid off.
Community (Story #606)
Coronavirus has put a major impact on my community people are losing jobs stem of this chat is not helping a lot of people are not in control of their homes at the moment I believe that this quarantining thing need to show a better improvement around my community we we still have a large number of cases in the area and we just trying to figure out a better solution I think we should all come together as one and try to help think of a better way
Future not bright
Stressed about the future. America is not handling this well. If something worse happens I’m worried we’ll crumble.
Coronavirus sucks
This corona virus is terrible. All the stores are closed and the grocery stores close early, even the banks close early. I cant take my kids out to do anything fun we are trapped in the house like animals at the zoo. Its ruining my plans, I had to reschedule a trip twice and now we have curfew. Coronavirus SUCKS!!!
Cancel 2020
Corona virus ended my spring, this spring was when I was supposed to show coach I could play. Were not able to go back to school yet but other schools are and there isnt a cure so corona virus sucks and now the world is going crazy
1 (Story #879)
It has impacted me in ways of not able to work, due to no school so therefore no one to keep my son while i work.
Unemployed
The virus caused me to experience unemployment. I was unable to get/maintain a job during this time. I am also stuck at home without anything to do. I dont like going out with masks as well. It just makes it harder to breathe and talk in them.
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.
More than a Virus
Covid-19 not only impacted my physical life but it took a toll on me mentally. Not being able to learn in person is making my grades suffer drastically. As someone who enjoys keeping busy so I dont have the time to think about my problems. The staying at home order has made my anxiety 10 times worse. I have to face myself everyday And feel every ounce of my pain. Even when I tried to stay productive, I just dont feel okay. My worry is how many are feeling this way. Most of us are not really worried about the…
Lemonade
It has actually given me a chance to focus on eating right and cooking healthy instead of the fast food/order in/eat out life. Our community has shut down but it has provided the time to reach out and virtually touch family and friends. Everyone wishes for the real huggy/kissy world but we must make lemonade out of the lemons we have been dealt.
#21 She called Me Today
Mrs Erma Christie,89. called me today. She called to let me know that things just have not changed for her. Mrs Christie say that she was out on Friday> This was a visit to an orthopedic surgeon for an opinion on hip surgery. She has agreed to have this surgery. I spoke with her on her resilience and determination to conquer anything adverse situation. Mrs Christie comes from Jamaica and is very rooted in her culture. She and her daughter,Yvonne Jack, have lived together for many years. Ms Jack recently retired from Morse Life. She is currently working a part-time…
No Man Is an Island
I am an eighty two old diabetic that lives with my sister and brother in law. I am totally blind and suffer from extreme nephropathy and have difficulty with mobility. I have limited socialization and look forward to the socialization through attending church and the monthly senior activity sponsored by the Community Caring Center. The Stay at Home order has made it more difficult to have the socialization that is needed for elderly people.
In need of help
I recently have been going through a lot Im behind in my water bill I have 5 kids with me I been laid off of work and dont have any income coming in.
High school
How this corona virus impacted my life it impacted my life cause it stoped the education that I needed I would never feel to see how it feel to walk on a high school graduation stage I would never even feel successful about high school because the virus took Track & field away from me
Work (Story #842)
Now all I do is work, and I miss being at school with my friends
The New Regular
The coronavirus has extremely impacted my life. From the beginning, it changed how I, and the entire world, interact with one another in public and at home, but as things got more serious and the threat grew so did our lives. I had to move off campus, and was suddenly taking classes online, this made it so much harder to stay tuned into the lectures and participate. I lost my job temporarily for 2 months. I worked as a receptionist at my family’s salon, and with it closing my dad was also out of a job for those 2 months…
Sisters + Cars
My sister lives in West Palm Beach and I live in Jupiter. She doesn’t drive and last week she had symptoms similar to the ones for coronavirus. I reached out and told her if she wants to go get tested to let me know and I can drive her but we have to make an appointment, find a mask and some gloves for us to not spread it between each other. I am glad that I am here for her and I have a car. But it had me thinking, how else are people that do not have transportation and…
A New Beginning from The Seemingly End
My mom works in the medical/health field. She goes to private residences everyday and she was over on Palm Beach and she went to see a patient. There are different protocols for people with and without corona diagnosis. She was made aware that neither the patient of her husband had tested positive for it and that they only had pneumonia. She felt fine at first and didn’t think anything of it but the next morning we got a call informing us we were to remain in quarantine for 3 weeks and get tested twice as both the patient and her…
Trusting God through it all.
Corona virus has impacted my life for the bad as well as the good. Ive been out of work twice and hours have been cut. Me being a felon makes it even harder due to jobs being limited which had me wondering how would I pay bills and take care of my responsibilities. Now Im witnessing my little cousin who has asthma suffer greatly which is hurting my heart. Despite the bad that has occurred the one good thing that has happened to me, is me witnessing how good God is. He has shown me all I ever have…
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…
Cooking Passion
Cooking is a passion of mine that I enjoy. I cook meals for my Church as a volunteer. It has affected my life because I usually cook every Monday and Wednesday for my church and because of the coronavirus I cannot Cook a meal.
Selfless act
As a essential worker this pandemic have impact my mental being because I have to work more and give time and also take care of others around me. I have to neglect my niece and nephew because of this virus no hugs or kisses from them.
Keeping Faith, Adapting and Balancing
The CORVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the route of my familys daily activities. In order to keep our family and community safe from the coronavirus, weve had to be receptive and adapt. Im a single working mom with three children (1, 5, and 8) and Im an MBA graduate student. Initially, the lifestyle changes were very overwhelming and challenging. In the beginning stages of the pandemic, my family experienced a death in the family. There was concern for the funeral arrangements due to the coronavirus. On the day of the funeral, the executive order of ten…
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…
StayingHome
I can’t go where I want to go or do anything that I want to do. Everyone is staying home. I left my home to stay with other family as my spouse and I weren’t getting along too well. I had health issues prior to the virus and I did not want to stay with someone in and out of the house. I am not worried because I know that God will handle everything.
Social solidarity
From Kristyn Cox in Delray came this beautiful post:Instead of social distancing,Physical distancing andSocial solidarity.Let’s make sure we are following guidelines, but staying connected through phone calls, virtual meetings, texts, and checking in regularly with our family, friends, and neighbors.
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….
Unemployment shortfalls…
At Macy’s i work on commission… And everyday i must cover my $9.00 an hour draw.. 7 hrs ×9 equals $63 a day that Macys is paying us right now.. I’m one of the lucky ones… That’s $315 minus taxes, fico, and s.s.(at 25 %) equals $227.25 a week… I cannot pay rent food, auto loan, insurance, gas (taking care of mom in Boynton) ,dentist loan, electric, capital 1(when times are tough) and going out( to support our local economy.. Take out etc..)… Made $32,000 in taxable income 1918.. Devided by 50 weeks is $640 per week… Minus taxes…
My darkest days
Its Ben worst two weeks of my life and my mom passed away I had to bury her. The pastor cancel so did the church then cemetery was giving issues also , my mom service went from 10-1pm to barely 11:30 I was hurt and I had to make turn away because we got stop by the police they only let 10 family members in only 10 mins this is worst feeling in the world , the virus has ever ybody scared to leave the house not even show up to my mom funeral
#68
Ms A, is a 91 yr old lady that has some issues sy=tll from the death of her boyfriend of many years.She misses him dearly. She says ,the thought of our nations being caught up in these perilous times is ashame.She rides around the confines of her complex only.She recieves meals from FSF,
#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,…
Oh man this is BADDDDDD!
Coronavirus has truly been a demonic nightmare, not only to the community but for the nation. I have friends who has recently had his father pass away from this man made die-zeez Disease it has made every skeptical, why should we concern about the air we breath when you can’t get NATURAL air anywhere else. The world is trippen. But god isn’t, may he bless you and have mercy.
Gone
Only down fall i can remember from this virus is not having a chance to see my teammates one more time before I transferred.
With uncertainty comes fear
I’m a bit of a loner and introvert so the social distancing wasn’t that big of deal until I realized I couldn’t give my mom (who suffers from respiratory problems) the usual hug and kiss when I visit her. I also don’t go inside of her home in stand in the yard while she sits on the porch in fear that I may be asymptomatic and infect her with COVID-19. Usually our house is the social gathering spot for all children on the block, because I have a 7-year old, basketball goal and trampoline. My son cried when we moved…
The days that have shaken my life
The greatest impact is that it has kept my family away. I can’t see my grandchildren or hug them and that is the biggest disappointment ever. I have had several great friends pass away and I have underlined health issues so I can’t attend church or go to any funeral services. I really don’t want to go out or interact with other people. I already have breathing issues, so coronavirus would not be good for me. A lot of the essential things I need from the grocery stores are out. My friends can’t get them either. Such as Clorox,…
Its costly.
Costly. Spending money I do not have.
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