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.”

# 35 I Would Buy The Movie Tickets And They Would Buy The Popcorn

Ms Cleveta Robinson is a 73 year old single woman with a strong constitution. She is a native of Jamaica. Cleveta says she is following the rules for this pandemic. She has been COVID-19 tested Mrs Robinson says that she has warned her family members about the impact of this pandemic and hopes that they take heed. Mrs Robinson enjoys early morning walks and hearing the birds sing. Although, Cleveta would enjoy some romance in her life, She says I would buy the movie tickets and they would buy the popcorn,NOT GOOD!SHE COULD USE ASSISTANCE WITH HER ELECTRIC AND…
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Let it stop

I can’t believe how long this has been going on. I’m 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 doesn’t go any higher.
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Stacy’s Story

Covid-19 has thankfully had less of an impact on my life than it has on many others. My family is safe. We are financially secure. Although I would like to visit the beach and parks, I understand that doing so may negatively impact the lives of my family and others. I am thankful to have such a loving family, a safe place to live, and the resources I need to live comfortably. This virus has directly impacted extended family members and community members. I pray for the safety of all.
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My testimony

well I really don’t know where to start. In March I was laid off do to corona… totally devastated. My son and I were in a world of trouble. In May I found out had cancerous cells on my cervix, also had a special procedure to stop the growth (painful), also in May I suffered 2nd degree burns in my back. In June I suffered a stroke,and it affected my right side slightly. Neurologist suggested I shouldn’t drive until further notice. While in the pandemic and me being in the hospital, my son who suffers from mental illness, attempted…
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Home-schooled

Do school from home for students is a bit different for some kids because they are used to being at school physically. Teachers contact their students through google meet or google zoom on the computers that they have at home or the school computers that their school has given them. The students get their assignments every week from every-single class. Some classes give a little bit of work and others give a lot of work. The students still have deadlines to turn in their assignments. Most classes have attendance, but they use different types of attendance, like interesting questions for…
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Unemployed Wife

My wife can’t work because she is a school nurse and she isn’t getting paid. She has to P.T.O and when she runs out she can’t get paid anymore. She tried to file for employment but it’s hard for website to process anything. It’s taking along time to receive it’s about the employment kids can’t go to DFYE, pool etc.
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# I’m woke Nigga

In my opinion this ain’t nothing but scare tactics. The government tryna scare us into spending money on stupid s*** like toilet paper.
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#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. It’s a learning process. But I understand that it’s all for our safety.
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God’s got my family back

Me,my mother, and brother been out of work for 4 weeks now. I am part timer so I don’t get any PTO. So we have been about how we’re going to pay our bills.
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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.
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Handling adversity as a start up non-profit

Covid-19 has been a tough on All Nets Inc, we were just beginning to gain traction with our tutoring and mentoring program, and a week into our pilot Palm Beach County Schools began school closures. This immediately put our basketball clinic and celebration with Healthier Glades risk and set us up for a much more strife when it was officially cancelled. Months of planning and preparation were reduced to nothing. We are trying to stay positive, and find ways to still complete our mission, and still looking at ways in which we can build a tutoring and mentoring program that…
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Multiple-family social distancing

When we first heard about social distancing it sounded overwhelming to think that we would be away from extended family and friends for an undetermined length of time. A good friend and I decided that we would combine our families and social distance together. We made a commitment that we would not expose ourselves or our families to other people outside of our 10 person combined family. This has afforded us the opportunity to have the children play together, go to each other’s houses for a break, get some work done when necessary and have social interaction with people other…
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my life during the pandemic

Because of the corona virus I am not able to go to work, church and socialize with my friend. I am scared to go to to grocery store because I don’t want to get infected by the virus and bring it to my family. Even though I talk to my family like my mother on the phone but I don’t want to go to her house because since she is old and I am not tested I don’t want to expose her to the virus. I don’t want to be the one to bring it to her. My kids are…
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#Change=Resiliency

As a mother, wife, employee and community stakeholder, balancing the needs of others is a way of life. The corona virus has amplified these needs given that families are home bound. This means that my role has changed to becoming a pseudo teacher to my child who is learning virtually, while at the same time attempting to get work done with constant distractions throughout the day. A few upsides include cooking with my son in the middle of the day, playing a game of Connect 4 or kicking the soccer ball around. When cabin fever becomes unbearable, I usually get…
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Not sure where It comes from

Paula was born and raised in Boynton Beach 63 years ago.on July 6….It is so ironic that her youngest grandchild was a born on this very same day almost 3 years ago. Paula believes that everyone should be tested. My sister and her daughter have been hospitalized for the virus.It is a sad situation because my sister has just be approved to become a kidney transplant recipient.Not sure,if this virus is man-made or where it comes from and how many actually have it.Paula ahs been referred to CDC Faith Based for Electric bill assistance.
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It’s Okay To Pause

Instead of becoming consumed by irrational fear (healthy fear is good, as it keeps us safe), the Coronavirus has all but forced me to stop and reevaluate both personal and business goals that I otherwise wouldn’t have taken time to think about. At first, I kept trying to keep up with all of the other business owners who were making massive pivots to adjust to the online switch. I was feeling really stressed out about it, until I realized that this wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing at this time. I was meant to be planning for the…
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#35 Social Gatherings

My adult children have been catering to my needs to prevent me from leaving the house I am 72 yrs old with chronic symptoms. I miss my social gatherings with others my peers.MY CHILDREN ARE HANDLING THE GROCERY,ANY OTHER MEALS NEEDED, AND BILLS THAT NEED PAYING.i do miss my meals being delivered.
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Self Reflection

During this pandemic situation this has impacted my life because now I look at life a little different now I don’t take things for granted and it has given me a whole new prospective on . I has increased my prayer life and i spend more time reading God’s word and talking to my family and loving on them more. Trying to tell people that I love them. Just taking time to reflect on life and self gratification.
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Medical

Due to the corona virus i have been stuck in the house and not able to go out and get my medication.
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COVID-19 and Me

The virus hasn’t really had an impact on me. I am just taking precautionary measures when going out into the public. I keep hand sanitizer with me and wipes in my car. I come back home and boil lime peels/orange peels with salt to stand over in order to inhale the steam because I know that the nostrils and the throat are the two places that this virus can reside, it being the coolest two places. I have always been an introvert and just the week before I had got approved to work from home when needed and this was…
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#8 I’m not scared…Just be smart…Don’t ignore it!

In 2013,Mr& Mrs Cotant moved to Boynton Beach from Winters in Vermont. It was January 27,2020,that Pam’s husband transitioned. This has left an everlasting void in her life after 27 years of marriage.Pam says she has takes the COVID19 serious especiallu after watching the nightly news. She does not frequent any stores (shops on- line at Walmart).just the post office where I only drop letters.Late in the afternoons ,I spend time on my patio with a couple of friends.I keep myself occupied with Tai Chi (zooming through the Area Agency). In talking with my adult son, his…
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My struggle is real

I live in Delray Beach but I work in Boca Raton my job temporarily closed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.So I filed for unemployment it’s been 3 weeks now since I filed unemployment. Still no word from them. Still no stimulus check I check my bank account every morning. For a person who lives paycheck to paycheck how do you survive with no paycheck? This is not a choice this is just me trying to be the best person I can be. I’ve worked hard my whole life and now the reality hits. And everything I spent a lifetime working…
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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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No home

It’s been very upsetting there’s no where to go. I can’t go home with see my family i have 19 grandchildren.
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#WeStillHere

Many people around me have been laid off. I’m currently looking for a job as I was let go right before the virus took off. However, it’s been difficult being able to do interviews and things because no one is actually in an office. And I don’t want to work a normal job like fast food or anything because I have a college degree. So I have been spending this time looking for jobs. I didn’t really take it seriously until I found out that someone from Riviera Beach died from it Coronavirus has taught me to be more clean…
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A caring husband

In my story covid19 and my wife being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian and colon cancer. With her not working and me unable to work due to Covid have placed us in a bind. Please assist
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#61 Stay Home

Ms. Rowe feels as though the Government can do a little more. Doesn’t know where this comes from. Its’ real out here! People are trying to stay home , The streets are deserted,She is a health Care worker. and sees the devastation of this disease.Her advice STAY HOME!
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#Corona kills jobs

The coronavirus has greatly affected me in my job. I work in a fast food restaurant Mcdonald’s and the side effect of corona is customers are no longer coming to purchase food. So therefore my hours were cut short.5 to 2 days and I still get sent home because of few customers
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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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Financial crisis

It has severely cut the hours I am able to work. I do not receive pay for the hours I am not working. Therefore, it’s caused a lot of anxiety and stress about how bills will be paid long term. I’m wondering how I can get another job in this time of crisis. Even if it means working at McDonalds.
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How COVID-19 Has Been Impacting My Live :

COVID-19 has turned my life a bit upside down, as it has for many. My boyfriend and I both work in tech, for two different platforms in the hiring industry. When the Stay at Home regulations began across the country, my company was flooded with cancellations. We specialize in restaurants and hospitality, so it’s understandable that as a hiring tool we’d be one of the first services cut as these companies try to stay afloat. My company is a very small startup, so this hit us hard from the get-go. We immediately cut salaries across the board and cancelled bonus…
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Glass half full and empty

The corona virus has really helped me and hurt me, I am with my family so that is good but I am away from football this is my upcoming senior year so I need to be getting the chemistry down with my receivers but I am unable to do that.
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Stuck (Story #109)

I am a college student, i was sent home for spring break and told not to return as i was trying to catch a flight to retrieve my belongings my flight was canceled so now I’m stuck home with only a few items of my own
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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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#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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Prayers

This virus has been nothing but trouble. It seems like i can’t get nothing right in life at the moment. But i’ll keep on praying and have faith it’s going to get better
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#life

I believe that all this is, is fear. You can’t live your life in fear. What is meant to be is meant to be. I can’t wear gloves or a mask, cuz if god wants me gone I’m gonna go. I won’t live my life in fear, cuz your life can all of a sudden…. just stop.
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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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#27 This is the last Place I Thought The Virus Would Spread

Because it is recommended that she stay in place due to high risk symptoms. She says that her illnesse has limited her movement for years. Isolation has been her issue. However, she would take a trip to the closet Nursing facility to visit her Mother. Now, she speaks to her Mother by phone only. I suggested that she call the facility to inquire if the virus has spread there. She has had a list of her church members succumb to the virus. She named them one by one. This is the last place, I thought the virus would spread!
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# 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…
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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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#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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#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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Daddy son

The Corona virus impacted my life also my son life . I really can’t even see my son because of this virus it’s stopping me from being a father that I want to be to my son and I can’t even see him I just pray and hope that he stayes safe like outch this really hurts me as a father
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#40 I gave her flowers while she was living:

She is adhering to the ordinances of the land. However, She has osteoporosis and she is a former business owner, She has always been recognized as the first African-American florist in Boynton Beach. She has lost a friend of 52 yers to the Covid19, she has fond memories of her , She plans to name a garden in her memory. She also named others who have died from this PANDEMIC and attend her church.She is a
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Corona Troubles

Because of corona virus I am working less hours which affects paying bills.
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Dynamic Pandemic

It made me realize that hard times are real & life is so much more serious.
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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.
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