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.”

COVID-19 Loss

I have had to move from Florida to a location a 1000 miles away because of COVID-19. I lost my home and my friends with less than 1 weeks notice. I was unable to walk across the stage. I was unable to deliver the graduation speech I was voted for by my peers. I was unable to say goodbye to the advisors I’ve adored so much. I lost the last two months of my senior year. I lost my favorite job as a teaching assistant and never really got to say goodbye to the lab that I feel in love…
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I WAS SHOCKED!

Getting to the point, Mr Drayton lost his job during the height of this epidemic(April 3rd last day). His job of 7 years emerged with another company,. He had been promised an employment opportunity with the new company but to no avail. I was shocked to learn at the last minute/day,I wasn’t going to be hired. Now, I work 4 hrs per day Mon-Fri at the local church that my daughter and I attend/participate. The church is helping by giving me these 20 hours a week. I am a Single Parent of a 16 year old daughter. Her name is…
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A Not-So Gentle Reminder to Slow Down and Connect

I feel like I should be more concerned about the Corona Virus but I can’t help but feel a certain sense of calm around the whole situation. Maybe it is the connectedness – everyone is in it together and thinking of neighbors and loves ones. Because we are limited in where we can go, our home is filled with family time. Board games, pool time, and yoga have dominated the past weeks. When I walk my dog, everyone says hello now – or at least respond to me when I say hello (which I normally do). The sense of Unity…
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Gone too soon….

I am use to staying home, even during weekends (prior to covid 19). The quarantine part was not that difficult to adhere to. I know for a fact what has impacted me emotionally and psychologically the most…the social distancing, not able to go to church, visit family in New York, but most of all is hearing of close relatives and friends in New York City/New Jersey whom have lost a loved one. I have a very close friend who lost her husband and younger brother all in a month. It is just all too surreal… the massive amounts of lives…
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Boring

It made my life so boring, all i literally do is play the game, workout, or on facetime. I want to facetime literally, in person.
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Surviving

Corona has impacted me and my family member life because some have been laid off their jobs and can’t afford things already I’m also having a difficult time because me being home I don’t have internet to complete my college work good thing I’m a member of student aces and they help me get a laptop and access to WiFi.
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Covid Hardship

I Francisca Maria Meza Lopez, am not working. My husband works three to four days per week, due to the covid-19 pandemic he’s not working often. Please forgive me for bothering you regarding this matter, but i need help. i have three children, two boys and a girl that’s one month old. I am in need of diapers, baby wipes, food and detergent to wash their clothes etc. Please forgive me for asking this way but i need your help. God bless you.
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Number 1.

Lost hours of work. That involves money paying Bill’s. Buying grocery.
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#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,
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Teachers care during the pandemic

The corona virus continues to impact my life as I am a preschool teacher. Extra work and measures are taken to keep the facility clean and running smoothly. As teachers we work together to keep the children and parents worry free and happy.
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#covidstory

My grandfather had a stroke and was in the hospital for 15 days, only my grandmother could visit because of covid restrictions. I have three younger sisters, all who do online school, while my grandmother was visiting my grandfather during the day, I had to watch my sisters. It was an extremely stressful time and he still isn’t 100% recovered.
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#60 He Leans On His Own Understanding

Ms Sullivan’s story is reflected in her dad’s name SOLOMAN MACK.Mr. Mack has been diagnosed with Dementia for a couple of years.He still has a sense of humor and very opinionated.He has been at the V.A. and JFK hospitals for surgery, He is now home thriving .He does have some issues he says with going out.However,he still continues to play checkers with the neighbors as he always has.’HE LEANS ON HIS OWN UNDERSTANDING OF THE VIRUS. He takes walks every morning.As a way,to receive his therapy. The physical therapist isn’t coming anymore due to the virus..
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Built to last

Well the virus hasn’t impacted my life directly, but people has lost job, loss loved ones and is living in fear of the unknown.
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Recovery (Story #830)

It is bittersweet. It restricts me from being around alot of friends but it also allows me to focus more on my recovery. Last season I got hurt before the first game, so i’m using the time to come back better and stronger
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To hardships

My family income due to the virus is impacted as our only source of income is lyft
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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.
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Wasted time

12 years of my life I’ve spent in school only to find out that everything i worked for would be on hold or canceled. My senior activities are no longer existent there will be no graduation and the rest of the year will be spent online.
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# 26 She has served her community well

Mrs Schley is lifelong resident of Boynton Beach and a proud ST Paul AME member whose Aunt sold the present property to the church for $10 in 1951.. She has also served in the pulpit as a Minister at ST Paul AME.Mrs Mildred lost her youngest child ,Vernell (37) in August 1996. She was left with 4 sons and 1 daughter. Mrs Schley has served her community well as a beautician(mine as a child),a paraprofessional at one of the local Elementary schools near her home. Mrs Mildred walked to work.When you heard her laughter you could point to…
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# 26 She IS A GEORGIA GIRL

Vera Jenkins had an emergency procedure on May 29th .It involved her intestines being wrapped around her stomach. She is currently living with her Granddaughter, Tamika Hadley, who is providing care for her. She has lost her husband and 2 adult children within a five year span.Mrs Jenkins has triumphed over those tragedies stronly holding on to God’s hand.She has a 2 year old Great-Grand,Imani, Whom she calls her own. Arriving in Boynton Beach,, Mrs Vera has lived here since the 1960’s. Mrs Vera married a brother as well as her sister I enjoy her her oul dish of…
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#48 Nothing is in our Hands

I am a cancer survivor. I also have respiratory concerns. I have learned during this pandemic to use technology to communicate with my Kingdom Hall family. I an using zoom and facetime . which makes me feel accomplished! The message is to continue to be obedient and working together with and friends, I am 75 yrs of age,I do need assistance with eye medication. I will make a referral for her at a local family owned pharmacy. Her food needs are being met by her sons.Lastly, she says,:Nothing is in our hands.
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Single Mother Struggles in Covid19

I am affected by not having a job to provide and pay my bills on time and also not having money to barely feed my son as a single mother to a 6 year old child who is now home schooled due to social distancing.
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#54 So Fearful

The biggest impact for me is that the peoplel we take for granted,We don’t see now!So fearful,that every time my phone rings,someone will tell me that someone else in our community has succumbed to the Corona Virus.There is no stability nor control!
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Help (Story #660)

What they need to mites quarantine and have became a major impact in my community coronavirus has taken a toll on everybody across the room and then leaving Aurora on froze for a minute stores company shops everything I’ve been on freeze for the ability to open up you still got a think about your life being on the line with catching the coronavirus this outbreak has spread all across the world and nobody can seem to have a good solution into slowing it down quarantining has became a major impact and we hope to feed on it as we…
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4 (Story #568)

the Corona virus had taught me how to be more understanding and great ful
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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 don’t 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 don’t feel okay. My worry is how many are feeling this way. Most of us are not really worried about the…
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#63 I don’t Want to leave This Earth As Is

Mrs Johnson is a 95 yr old and she will be celebrating her 96th next week.She is currently living with her daughter, Recently,she was in the hospital with heart failure.She doesn’t want to leave this earth as it is. Prayer is our only key,she said.On Saturday,her grands,great- grands and great-great grands are planning a ride by in celebration of her 96th birthday.She has no fear and believes that America will be resilient/
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Each other

If you could look at these last two months you could tell he been out rages run over coronavirus has been hitting hard and many people has been dying a lot of people has been in the hospital and a lot of people also recovered from corona I truly believe that this virus is a big impact and what do you learn from us has been about 2018 to 2020 has been crazy and I feel as if this virus is held his name I would like my community to reach out to each other about quarantine in quarantine in…
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I need help

Are used to work under the table when I can’t work under the table because I have a son and I can’t bring him with me that was the extra money to make me get through the whole month I’m not good at school work and I have anxiety issues and I’m not good at math or anything they gave him less it’s just really stressing me out and then I’m worried about my family health is a lot
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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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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.
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Inspirational Quotes

I rely on inspirational quotes to get me through uncertain times. When I feel like I am having a weak moment, I will read my collection of quotes out loud as they offer easily accessible truth, insight, and perspective.Small scraps of paper and post-it notes can be found throughout my home, a small and worthy collection you might say. Here are a few that I would like to share with you.Do not allow the future to trouble your mind – Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180)Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but never gets…
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Racism

I feel like corona is the least to be worried about right now, I am taking this time to prepare my body for when football comes back but I feel like racism is the main problem in today’s society
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Life of helll right now

the corona has impacted my life so much ! I lost a job I have a family to feed . life has been so stressful . I try my best to keep a smile on my face for my kids but something has to give ….
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Good and Bad

Covid-19 made a significant impact on my life by having all the stores rise the price on good. I am unemployed and since there are high demands on hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, Clorox disinfecting wipes, Lysol disinfectant spray, and masks, I am unable to provide as much safety for my family. Customers/consumers are not allowed to go into stores or get served if we do not have a mask on, which sucks because I sometimes forget to bring my mask with me every time I need to go out for groceries or accessories. It’s also negative because I…
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Corona Disaster

The corona virus has changed everything, I can’t work my kids can’t go to school. I am a track coach and our whole season is cancelled this is very hard on me.
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Ms. Naica Stories

Because of the coronavirus I have to work from home. One of my best friends dad got the virus and its kinda scary to know that someone that I know got the disease.
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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.
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Surviving online learning during Lockdown 2020

When we think of fortune, we think of massive wealth, treasure hunts, gold mines, and fantastic hordes of gems and jewels. But this year, my idea of fortune is how I am feeling right now, today. Yesterday, I submitted final grades for my four classes of Speech Communication with 110 students. Also, I completed editing my roomie’s book on graceful aging.Today, I feel accomplished, relieved, and euphoric that, during a pandemic, I am still earning a living by doing what I love. I enjoy teaching young people how to communicate impactfully. In my classes, people age 16 to 50 learn…
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#75

Mrs Taylor boast about her experience with coming to AMERICA FOR A BETTER LIFE FOR herself.She feels like the government on a national level is responsible for this getting out of hand.Testing requirements for all. A stricter stay at home policy and tell the truth to the people that pay taxes!
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God Truly Provides

I lost my job, my kids and I are home during the day but my husband is an essential worker. We have not been without.
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Cant work ! Cant eat.

I cater for a living.social distancing,has pretty much eliminated my ability to earn income to support my family.
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Worse

The virus got me away from my job and school which are the only things that keeps me sane. I am very disappointed that the states are opening back up because it will only make things much more worse
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COVID – 19

Due to the COVID-19 my last day of work was March 13th, it’s been tough because my bills haven’t stopped. But thankfully I’ve made it through, and I’ve been able to survive.
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Hardship

Hi, I’m Juanita Hernandez I couldn’t pay my bill this month because I’ve had a hard time since my two sons moved out. They used to help me out but I also became disabled and I cannot work. I have fibsios of the lungs, I’m always in chronic pain. Also, I have a case pending with social security but they haven’t approved me yet. It’s been hard on me and my family. I have a seven year old son, his father died three years ago of cancer and he used to help me out. My older kid’s father also passed…
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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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J. Charles Corona Experience

Bills, Stress, worry of the unknown…. all effects this Corona virus pandemic is having on me. As if it wasn’t bad enough to have to panic over a deadly virus, I must be out of work with Bills piling up on me!! Me and so many Others have to suffer as a result of this virus. Mentally and physically, the stress is truly inhumane.
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#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.
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10 (Story #681)

I was forced to move out of my housing at my educational institution. I had to stay with friends that I met while in school, Alcorn State University, until I gathered enough money to afford a plane ticket back home.
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