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.”

Peace through the Storm

So far my family has lost 3 members, for the most part everyone is staying safe as possible. Major change to work life.
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Starving

I live on a limited income. I ran out of food yesterday after going five days of eating only one meal. I have no money or food stamps. I have no car. The bus is my only transportation. I am considered high risk due to underlying health problems. I have no mask or gloves. I am terrified of going out unprotected. Many of the food pantries have closed or I cannot get to them or there are specific instructions on accessing them which I cannot meet. Example: This link came with a notice of a food pantry that will be…
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Making the best of it

As a college student majoring in research biology and chemistry, classes are only a small part of my college career. What really separates you from others in the research world, especially in the sciences, is the hands-on experience you gather working in various laboratories and internships. Because of this, the pandemic has completely stalled my progress. I was unable to complete the hands-on research I started this semester, and I couldn’t finish the programs I had started in Student Government either. Additionally, my summer plans went upside down when the summer research internship that I was accepted to cancelled their…
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9542001803

They are a lot of people with out job, food they need help please
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# 27

Mr Percival Rowe is a 80 year old native of Jamaica. He and his wife Vinnette(59) live in a modest apartment in a hotspot in Boynton Beach. Mr Rowe says that the pandemic He doesn’t know if there will ever be a cure to this.Mr Rowe and Mrs Rowe still work for a living.i will take facial coverings by their residence.Any assistance given would be appreciated!
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#Onthebrightside #bittersweet

Coronavirus has been a positive and negative experience for me. On the positive side one of my streams of income will continue to come in. On the negative side, the way I am able to make extra money (to be able to save and not live paycheck to paycheck) would put me at risk by coming in contact with numerous people. Since I live with my grandmother, I’m unable to do this. I worry that the older people in my house are continuously going out for food. We bump heads a lot. On the bright side I’ve had the chance…
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Struggling through the pandemic

My household is made up of my four children ages 11,8,4 and 7 month old along with my husband and I. I stay home to take care of the kids while my he works. My husband works in landscaping, but his hours have been shortened more and more due to the pandemic. This has left us unable to catch up or pay rent. He has been trying to find work and was able to work twenty three days but his boss did not pay him for the work he did so now we are six months behind in rent. This…
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Hope for That Free Get Out of COVID-19 Card

I was first tested on April 17, 2020 with a POSITIVE result. This meant that I could not return to work, Protocol is that need two NEGATIVE tests before I can return to work. On May 2, 2020, I tested POSITIVE again. I was speechless. On May 7, 2020, ditto. What could I say? On May 22, 2020, I was now tested for the fourth time and YES! NEGATIVE!!! I called all my supports with the wondrous news. I spent 45 minutes with my Boss planning out my work schedule (I had not been inside the jobsite for…
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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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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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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.
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Lockdown

It is very tiresome to have to stay isolated. It’s also scary to think I may catch the virus.
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#21 SHE WAS BORN AND RAISED IN BOYNTON BEACH’

Mrs Everlene Baker is a 72 year old divorced woman. She was born and raised in Boynton Beach,Mrs Baker is the proud Mother of one(1) daughter. Her daughter teaches English at Lake worth High. And she is the very honored to have a beautiful granddaughter, Miya, Miya attends PBState College with hopes of attending and cheerleading for Florida State.After Mrs Baker suffered her second stroke. She suggested to her friend from Barbados that she comes to live with her for six month of the year. This arrangement gives Everlene a small amount of home care and companionship. For Everlene had…
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This sucks

The corona virus gives my body time to heal, but my family is unable to work so I am mad about that because we still have to eat and provide for the kids that live here
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# 23 Unless We Take Heed

Mrs Annie Moss is a soft spoken 92 year old lady of small stature. She has lived in Port St Luce/Fort Pierce area with her son Jeff for approximately 5 years. Mrs Moss desired to live with her son after a medical illness. Mrs Annie has fears that the virus is here to stay. Unless,we take heed to the masking ,hand washing and staying away from crowds. Mrs Moss has many children and grandchildren living in the immediate area. She was referred to the Faiyh Based CDC for weekly meals starting July 6.
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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…
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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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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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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.
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Staycation Casa de Parr

Being a foster home, and the schools being closed has brought unexpected stress into our daily lives including our work schedules
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#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.
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Lost (Story #656)

Hello my name Raymond and I feel as if coronavirus has struck the wrong fast I truly believe that this virus has impacted a lot of folks across the room alarm many people have died because it is bars and they have taken a toll on Panna Road I feel as many people has thought it wasn’t that serious but now as a bigger picture been two months under quarantine and I have open mini eyes sorry for the families that have lost
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Anti-Coronavirus

I’m stuck in North Carolina and can’t travel to Florida to see my family and friends.
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#Face time blues

I can’t go talk to my friends. I love going to the store and meeting new people. I want to have fun, but I have a child to take care of so…
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Covid 19 impact

Corona virus impacted my life in a major way , 38 weeks pregnant and had no idea I was a victim ! I went to the hospital because of Severe cramps to the stomach and body Aches I knew something wasn’t right ! I got admitted to labor and delivery after 13 hours of waiting still not knowing what’s wrong but my baby was not accelerating at the correct pace even more nervous I contact my children father because now I feel alone and helpless telling him to pack his bag and the things we will need for…
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#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…
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The Unexpected

The corona virus has impacted my life because my daughter isn’t able to go to school but my job is still open because I work in the medical field. Therefore I have to find someone to watch her while I’m at work. I am also not sure how long my job will be open or if I will get paid.
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Football

Hi I’m from Miami Florida I go to school at UCFHi I’m from Miami Florida I go to school at UCF him for the bills see you I hope this year coronavirus don’t impact my football season due to the counseling NBA season I would like to play my singing year I truly believe that coronavirus has put outbreak and put a pause on the world freezing everything NFL and NBA season has been a whole NFL has been questionable in college football has taken a toll that I’ve been online classes sense since the virus has hit around…
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#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #256)

Corona Virus has impacted my life in unbelievable ways. Due to corona I have no senior experience that I truly desired . All senior events canceled , which breaks my heart .
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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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The Big Chill

It is allowed me and my family the ability to slow down and take a breathe. I hope the rat race never starts up again.
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#42 Going To Chruch Means A Lot

She is an 89 yr old lady that hss seen more hard times than good. You can hear it in her voice. She states that she resonates from a third world Country,Jamaica. And she has seen alot of political,enviromental issues,droughts and food shortages. She feels due to this pandemic her independence has been taken away from her, She says she sits in her backyard pondering what this world will be soon….She likes watching the birds chirp and even saw a cardinal this morning. This plague has made her feel down , Not allowing her to fellowship with those she…
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It Gets Better Later

The corona virus has impacted my life by ruining my senior year i couldn’t really enjoy school for the remaining of the year we didn’t have no senior prom , grad bash , And most importantly not even graduation. Corona virus even killed one of my close friend mom it was a devastating moment because it came out of no where and it was to late to even cherish the last moment we had with her . It continues to impact my life because the world has been caged in and it’s like you can’t enjoy life no more .
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My scarry life

The corona virus impacted my life,I was scheduled for my nclex exam at the end of March.The virus shut off the nursing examination,I was so determined to study.Now,with unemployement stayed everyday at home stressfull watching the news,make me more scared also the future of my children in this world.In my community, the office is shutted down,the people are scared each other.
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The end of the world (Story #411)

Hi My name is Mrs. D corona virus is a devil It’s come like a bigger storm. No one got time to save or collect nothing we can’t get money to buy things to eat and pay our bills . Because I seating at home I don’t know when everything going to be done only God knows.
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Best part of my day.

Where do I start! Almost every aspect of my life’s schedule has been altered. Monday-Friday had the same schedule- gym, get kids and self ready for school/work, drop them off and then head to work all before 7am. At 7:15am, Is my favorite part of the day- I had the privilege of opening the Village Academy’s secondary gates to greet the students. There I would receive smiles, hugs, fist bumps and many check in conversations. I miss the daily connection with my students. My students need it! Many come from homes where they are unable to form connections with their…
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# flower man down

Less and less people are coming to buy my flowers, and the people who do come are so nice. I’m getting worried that we may go out of business.
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Teen mom

Hello the corona impacted my life as a teen mother. How? Because I couldn’t have a experienced of my 1 child a baby shower also I couldn’t take no pictures or anything then I’m having my baby in this virus is even worse I just pray god watch and protect over me
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#21 Hope Keeps Us Moving’

This pandemic has made me grateful for the technology in our lives Today! The ability to text ,face time and message at a more matured age has certainly been a blessing. This may encourage more Seniors to become more technical at least with their phones.. I have been able to stay in communication with my 99 yr old Mother in an assisted living facility in Colorado. We.all understand, that there is no entering nursing/assisted living facilities at this time. He would like to one day show gratitude to those essential workers in grocery stores,banks ,restaurants and nursing homes who…
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Tree Stump to a Palm Tree

Coronavirus has made a drastic effect on my life but I won’t allow it to defeat me. Earlier this year, I was overjoyed with the news of becoming a father. With my hands tied with school, college requirements, also football workouts; I knew I hand to make a stand for what was to come “my unborn child” . Sacrificing my studying and mental relaxation time, I went out to find a job. When sudden pandemic changes came into affect, I was devastated. My job shut us out and we didn’t know what day we would return. With little to no…
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Trusting God through it all.

Corona virus has impacted my life for the bad as well as the good. I’ve 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 I’m 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…
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Learning How to Live Again

Th C-virus has impacted my life. It requires us to stay home. No school, no church outings, so social events, community service initiatives have been postponed or cancelled. Although our lives have not come to a halt it has definitely come to a stand still. We now have to be more vigilant with things we should do to reduce the sped of the C-virus. Our community need to be prayerful and obedient and follow the rules for survival. Try to help one another. Keep an eye on our children and our senior community. This crisis in our…
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Nene story

The coronavirus has a big impact on me because I can not going to school
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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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#Night job

I work at night. I stay home don’t go out side unless I have to. I take my dog for a walk and enjoy life at home. I spend time with family and friends they come by and see me. I buy paper towels and tissue paper to give to the elderly people that don’t have or can’t go get it.
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Bonding

I get to spend more time with my dad, who played the position i play. This gives us more time to bond and a chance for me to learn.
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#46 All of Sudden It came up in Our face

As for me and my house,we will adhere to all rules for the safety of our family. I don’t have the opportunity.to fellowship.socialize and attend events like I use to.It appears that all at once the Virus came up in our face.. This started and we just didn’t know all the details and still don’t !It will get better!God will carry us through and HE willshield and keep us!
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