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.”
Bigger than corona
The corona virus made me miss my college senior graduation which really sucks, but I feel as if there are way bigger problems in the world today .. hopefully we get a cure for all of this but the main problem is injustice
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…
10 (Story #64)
The coronavirus have infected my life a lot I am very depressed I do the crossing guard for the school and I’m not getting paid and only the teachers getting paid they say we going to go by April 15th but that’s no guarantee because I’m I got a very good feeling it’s only a month left for school to May 30th so they probably not going to even go back I don’t know how I’m going to pay my next bill I don’t know what the next time you coming from because most of the crossing guards get pensions…
#71
Ms Cox is 79 yrs old and gives the impression that she does not have a care in this world!She has been back in Boynton Beach from Ft Myers for 8 months, She has been a Mother to her grandson after his mother left him in the hospital 31 yrs ago. He is in need of medical services for him. Since then, his Mother/her daughter has passed. She boldly said to me that I really don’t have any thoughts on this virus, She encountered an amputation(leg) February 17,2020.
Limited (Story #590)
The virus causes limitations. This is the first time im visiting Belle Glade/Pahokee, and all ive been is in the house. I was hoping to explore more than i seen
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
#32 I Am Humbled By All My experienes
If I had been going out and about this stay-at-home would be uncomfortable. I have been home for years so it doesn’t bother me. My husband passed in latter March after 57 yrs of marriage,he just fell over from heart issues. My girls and I have to prepare for a tribute to him that consisted of 30 persons. I fractured my hip on December 25th and rehabbed for 50 days. Home Health Care came to my home after my rehab stay. And I have not been able to return for more rehab at the facility due to the virus. So,I…
#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…
Corona Changes
Ive become more cautious about what I touch and I even started washing my hands more than I usually do .
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 im using the time to come back better and stronger
Life Without Communication
Its has put a hold on my social life with my peers and people inside the community.
#dontfreakout
I was already working from home but now my whole family is with me!
Together Always
My wife, daughter and I spend more time together than ever. Reason being, is that we work together and now with the cancellation of school, my daughter spends the days at work with us. The coronavirus pandemic has not been all bad.
Let it stop
I cant believe how long this has been going on. Im 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 doesnt go any higher.
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.
Quarantine with 3 plus me
Being in Quarantine due to COVID-19 is great at times and challenging in others. I am a mother of 3 school age children and am currently working from home. Finding balance between work and assisting the kids with their school work has been challenge that I am currently working. I am grateful for the full support of my kids teachers in providing lessons and following up with their educational needs. The struggle is when I try to focus on my work but still need to facilitate and support the kids learning ( answer questions, work on practice problems,…
The unexpected disaster
The corona virus has impacted my life through many ways:1. It stopped me from selling T-shirts because I am entrepreneur2. It stopped me from going to the gym and working out3. It stopped me from dining in at my favorite restaurants4. It affected my entertainment because celebrities aren’t able to gather together to create content5. It affected me and my girlfriend birthday, because we weren’t able to celebrate how we wanted to6. It made me more conscious of who I am around and increased my disinfecting skills7. Having to wear masks to go to common place areas like grocery…
the fear of life as we know it
The corona virus has made it difficult for myself and my family to stay calm simply because its changed the dynamic of life. My family members are older, which makes them more susceptible especially considering they have preexisting conditions. My great aunt, grandmother, mother and grandfather have all recently in some way fell ill. Although there are other forms of illness, the pandemic and lack of knowledge behind the coronavirus has instilled fear that any illness could be fatal. It makes my grandparents afraid to leave their homes, worry about their friends and family and its harder to find basic…
Horror movie
The corona virus has send me back home from school. I cant workout and things just are very hard because I am away from my friends this is very scary because people are dying.
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.
#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!
Social Distancing, Telecommuting and learning new virtual platforms/skills
I have been practicing social distancing and telecommuting for about 6 weeks now. I have learned new skills and tried virtual programs I had never used before to continue work with my colleagues and participate in virtual meetings via Zoom, Microscoft Teams, and Amazon Chime. I have not gone to visit my parents that are elderly in Orlando to not put them in risk. I do miss them, but we have been able to keep in touch via calls and Zoom/Facetime. These are uncertain times… it’s hard to plan large meetings and events not knowing what things will be like…
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…
#53 WE Will Never Be The Same
This Lady has survived the death of two daughters at the same time.She is always known as meek ,soft-spoken and mild,She stated that she has NEVER,EVER seen anything such as this . And when it’s all over we will never be the same.
#JustADayAtATime
Coronavirus has made me gain a lot of patience and helped me have more spare time to bond with my kids. My whole life I’ve worked. Its helped me take things day by day. It’s a challenge as I have my own business. I’m a stylist and I have had customers all week but not any last week. its made me appreciate the things that were once there like going out to eat. It has showed me how serious life is. I’ve gotten a lot of rest…which is rare! Many people around me look at it bad but I see…
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
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.
It Gets Better Later
The corona virus has impacted my life by ruining my senior year i couldnt really enjoy school for the remaining of the year we didnt 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 its like you cant enjoy life no more .
#51 Nobody Has Changed Their Ways
When I First heard mention of the Corona Virus ,I was scared, I began to call everyone of my Church members to share with info on the virus. In early March. I self-quarantine. I was unable to keep anything on my stomach and i couldn’t sleep. I thought this was a suicide mission for those that lived in the heart of Boynton because they aren’t adhering to the order set forth by the City or County to protect your face…No One wears facial protection on my street. Nobody has changed their ways.It will die down> Hopefully,we will come out…
Didnt see it coming
I was laid off from my job.
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
#18 The Great Unknown
Her favorite cousin’s husband transitioned at a Nursing Home in Chicago,ILL from the Corona Virus.The impact right now is extremely overwhelming for her. She is unable to see her 11 yr old and 13 yr old Grands. Her Son,who is unemployed, due to the Virus, Because,he is employed as an entertainer.This virus,she says, has changed her entire life! she is so baffled. This has so swiftly taken over our lives, It.s like a World War …The Great Unknown! So,she continues her gardening to attract the most beautiful Florida butterflies including my favorite,The Monarch. This is a hobby that…
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.
#22 SHE IS PETRIFIED
Mrs Lovenia Bea McCray has been living and caring for her Father, Elmore,96. as if he and she are husband and wife. There are times she says that he needs chastising. His panic attacks are severe until she walks in the door from out doing chores…five minutes later he is on the phone laughing and joking to the best of his abilities. Mrs Bea was scheduled to take a trip to Jonesboro,Ga to celebrate the High School graduation of her granddaughter the end of June from Elite Scholars Academy. Her granddaughter,Tamara,attends the #1 ranked High School in Clayton County. Tamara…
#4 Man Has Failed Us
Man has failed us. God’s will must be done. I have never heard of so many dying in our Community as with this mess,the corona virus, it has taken a neighbor of over 40 years and that is unthinkable for me. We have raised children together enjoyed each other’s birthday and special times together. Life has changed greatly by wearing these uncomfortable mask,gloves. I will be celebrating 85 years of living eight(8) days from now with noone to share it with. I enjoy doing and going places. And cooking for those less fortunate to have a meal especially this…
Corona virus please dont take more from me
Im not able to be available to the people I serve in the community . Not being able to visit my father because hes elderly is disappointing and saddening. My first grandchild will be born soon and theres a great possibility that I wont be able to be there. My youngest son graduated from boot camp in the US Army and I couldn’t attend. This virus keeps taking the highlights of my life away from me.
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…
#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.
Children
Due to the corona virus i have to watch my kids at home. The price of food these days is crazy and i do not receive government Assistance. Not saying i dont want to feed my kids im just saying they need to get these kids back in school.
# 39 SHE IS A GRADUATE OF FCC IN COSMETOLOGY
Ms. Kayleen Marti lives in Boynton Beach. She is 37 years old. Kayleen has a 2 year old son. He is very active.Ms Marti takes care of her older her neighbors.Kayleen is a graduate of FCC in cosmetology. She hasn’t taken the licensed yet.Ms Marti says she doesn’t have adequate childcare.She earns extra money by cleaning others homes on Monday and Friday. Ms Marti is very conscientious of the pandemic and she pratice social distancing.Kayleen Marti needs assistance with her ELECTRIC and WATER.
#quarantinebutmakeitfun
Coronavirus has forces me to channel my creativity and spend time focusing on things in the moment. It has allowed me to treasure time with my loved ones and practice being present in the moment. My family and I went out to buy canvases, paint, and wine and spent time doing our own paint and sip at home. We found something that we all could enjoy together and it was a relaxing experience after the havoc that comes with having everyone at home. I am a new mom and I was just about to graduate and start a new job…
#43 Watch As Well As Pray
My Husband and I haven’t left our home since the last Sunday in March. I am a cancer survivor and have a leaky valve. So,my granddaughters are getting grocery for us. I.really haven’t seen neighbors in my community wearing facial protection as they walk their dogs or ride their bicycles.She says she is confused with the leadership wanting to open up some States. And there are Smithfield plants are a hotspot as well as
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.
#73
Testing did not start soon enough.Those that need testing will never be tested.They really don’t have transportation. Therefore, they will not be called back to work if they are working. Many,who need food aren’t receiving it, Why? because, you must have a car to be in lineShe does not have faith in the statistics being provided.The Farmers and migrant workers live clustered(she has an admiration for this group of people).It is here! It will never leave this earth!
I need help
Are used to work under the table when I cant work under the table because I have a son and I cant bring him with me that was the extra money to make me get through the whole month Im not good at school work and I have anxiety issues and Im not good at math or anything they gave him less its just really stressing me out and then Im worried about my family health is a lot
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…
Help (Story #652)
Lately coronavirus has been a big impact around our little less corona bars are really slow the roads down and put a word in brown the right to pause at what people really realize how serious one virus can infect the world I really feel like this is just an outbreak in sight and example to show my community in my government how we need to come together and help people out
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. Its also negative because I…
Bad virus
By impacting my education also playing football doing what I do and love best
# 13 Her Frony Needs A Make-Over It is dangerous to walk over!
Mrs Dowdell just celebrated her 86 birthday on May 19th. She was elated to have a parade of phone calls from her Church in honor of her birthday! Mrs Carmetta lives alone and has for over 20 years. Long ago,she buried her husband and son.She has a niece who lives in Virginia that she can go live with at any time but shy away. Her niece earnestly adores her Aunt. Mrs Dowdell contributed to her receiving a Law Degree. Every August,she travels to Canada to visit her two sisters (78 yrs & 77 yrs), brother(85 yrs) and Grandson. But…
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