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.”
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 roomies 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…
# 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…
Bummer
I had plans to move to Michigan to live with my boyfriend but he had to move home and now we are living with family. Its not fun.
#59 They Know They Will Pass
The nation has become unstable. Which is due to a multitude of opinions as to when America should open up for business.You’re unable to go anywhere. I Have lived in my family’s home with my Dad all my life. I am a Middle-School Science Teacher.. Her student population is 94.However,she has only 51 students logging on for distant learning. She saidthey know they will pass this school year.She has some immune issues. So,she has to be extra careful. She is a caregiver for her 81 yr old Father.He has a mild case of dementia and has under gone surgery.
#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!
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.
#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!
These days shall pass
The Coronavirus has had an impact on my life. It has changed the way we do thing on a daily basis. I lost a family member due to the virus and I have another family member in the hospital on ICU. The I was unable to attend the funeral because of the limited number of people allowed to be there. I was sad because I wanted to be there to show my support. Many people are walking around with the virus and may not know it. Its challenging for folks in my community to get tested because there are no…
#72
My husband and I stay home. We are care-takers for my 95 year old mother. After,she was hosptalized for heart failure . She is unable to meet her personal needs. I,often, think of all those in our community who have died of this dreadful virus, We are strong and will stand with our community. My sister attends to the needs of my household. My Mother birth 14 children,
Anti-Coronavirus
I’m stuck in North Carolina and can’t travel to Florida to see my family and friends.
I dont know
Kids home eating all day light in water bill getting sky high…
Stay in the house
Due to the virus i have to stay in the house like everyone should be doing. Im over 70 years old so its not safe to be out and about. I just hope these young folks listen and stay inside so it can go away fast.
Give me back my job
I lost my night job. Now I dont know how the bills going to get paid.
#44 My Son Is Extremely Strict
One of her formal neighbors,he has succumbed to the Virus, It has been so upsetting to know that the perils of this had to come to death. In a Society, that has knowledge such as ours.. I watch my Church on You tube with my Son and his wife. My Son is extremely strict on myself and his wife. It is hard not to abide by the rules and my Son’s rules. It maybe at it’s peak. America is hopefully stable.MY CHURCH HAS VEGAN MEALS DAILY AND MY SON GETS THEM FOR OUR HOUSEHOLD.
My life in the struggle
My struggles started when I lost my child on October 1,2019, my world was turned upside down then this pandemic it does not make anything better my son contracted the COVID-19 and also my cousin who Im currently living with so it was real scary not knowing what to expect but I prayed and asked God to give me the strength to go through what this pandemic has to offer. Let me back up a little when I lost my daughter I behaved in a lot of my bills .
Death in the family
Today I feel totally heartbroken. My neighbor informed me that his daughter died from the virus. We had just talked about her a few weeks ago after he told me that his daughter had it. The last time that he talked to his daughter, she told him that she was ok and not to come to visit yet. I swear this virus doesn’t discriminate. She died as a result of caring for others with the virus in the hospital that she has worked in for more than 20 years. She followed the 14 day protocol…
Got me a job
The virus has impacted me in a good way sort of . I have found a job at a warehouse due to the need for workers and is waiting on a stimulus check.
The Helper Needs Help
For me COVID-19 has been one of those life events that creeps in slowly, unaware of the toll it will take until the damage has been done. I am one of those people that looks out for others and takes care of everyone else before I take care of myself. This global pandemic has taught me that behaviors like that take the largest toll because you don’t see the consequences until they’re upon you. In March, at the beginning of quarantine my first priority were my mom & my son. My son was quarantined at home with me and my…
IT’S NOT EASY #2
It has isolated me. Serious breathing problems,asthma,COPD,congestive heart failure and a nerve condition with hands diagnosed as CRPS. If I was deemed positive for the virus,I probably would not live and thst brings tears to my eyes. I am use to going out 3-4 times a week to the grocery store to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables due to a special diet that has been recommended. The grocery stores are now considered to be the wrong places to go! I have recommended her to FSF which will deliver fresh fruit and veggies to her door as well…
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
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.
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…
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…
new normal
In my new job, i have a new appreciation for technology to keep the lines of communication open. I don’t feel totally isolated with working remotely.
Figuring this coronavirus out
I am working fulltime from home and simultaneously caring for my child, my pets, my home. I am in need of household products but the stores are packed with people and short on supplies.
Corona vs Humans
The Coronavirus Have Impacted My Life While I Was In College. Coronavirus Has Stopped My From Going To College For The Following Spring Semester. It Also Stopped Me From Running Track My First Year Of College. After They Sent Us Home It Was Hard To Find A Job. I Couldnt Pay For My Phone Bill. I Couldnt Workout With Friends Without Being Protected Because You Never Know Who Has It. Coronavirus Separated Me From My Friends And Family. It Has Cancelled All Vacation Plans I Wanted To Go To And Still Want To Go.
Store without production
There are less customers coming to my store and its hard for me to provide fore my family, people aren’t staying home and many are getting sick. My sister lost her job, We aren’t getting new products because of the shipping is refusing.
#OverIT
I’m normally inside, so being inside doesn’t bother. What does bother me is when I start running out of items and I go to the store and everyone is bulk buying things so they aren’t In the stores. When this whole thing started, I was on my last roll of toilet paper. Family dollar was empty. I called my sister, she didn’t have a lot, but she was able to give me a few rolls. I don’t like not being able to have access to the things. I don’t think it’s affecting me like everyone else as I am retired….
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…
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…
My testimony
well I really dont 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 shouldnt drive until further notice. While in the pandemic and me being in the hospital, my son who suffers from mental illness, attempted…
Brought Others Together
People are staying in side, taking correct safety procedures. It’s not as overwhelming because I can get off work and still provide for my family.
Budding friendships
My two year old son was really enjoying school and playing with our neighbors outside. He was just starting to play with others and enjoy people’s company. Now, we have to tell him ‘no’ when he sees them playing next door. He wants desperately to join them and it feels awful to deny him that socialization! We’ve tried to play in our backyard while they play in the front. He can still see them through the fence, but we keep a good distance away.
Cherishing Life of Yesterday While Living The New Norm
My oldest living relative is my Great Aunt Eleanor who is 104. She has seen so much in her life. Her mom had a sister in the early 1900’s who died from the Spanish Flu and her father and sister also had this. The doctor told her mom that she could only save one and that the baby would die. Thankfully the baby (my grandmother) survived. Eleanor still lives independently and is normally very capable, however recently she fell and broke her wrist and ribs. After coming out of rehab she needed help at…
N/A (Story #416)
The Corona virus crisis make everyone scare of each other, now most people are unemployed with no income and unable to huge my friend and family. I pray that everything most gone so we can go to our normal life
#23 I need a Haircut
I am my 93 yr old Father’s caregiver. I am 71 yrs old. My Father’s sister is hospitalized with the Corona Virus in South Carolina along with her daugher and granddaughter. I have a cousin in Georgia afflicted with this virus and another cousin in Mew York who died Saturday. His wife is also hospitalized and her condition is grave. I need to loosen up but I am until to do so presently. Safety [s a major concern using wipes , sanitizer and facial mask are as necessary as grocery staples. She is coping with her Father’s Dementia, He is…
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.
Hard work
Due to covid-19 I been working a lot more as an essential employee.The outside is closed but Walmart still has me working.
#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…
FAU needs to do better
The impact has been one of stress and financial implications. I think that FAU could be better with assisting their students who are impacted by changing the grading policy. Essentially we were billed the same way as if we were under normal conditions, and the help they offered in allowing students to change to a pass/fail process, did not help at all for the students who plan to continue to graduate school. Also, I wish to state that if school is opening on an in person basis for the fall, I will not register. I hope that the online format…
I survived a Pandemic covid19
Work. Fear of catching. Masks itch.
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…
EJSJB2020 (Story #31)
I have to find funds to fed my family and going to the stores is a scary thing. Work has been slow and when trying to support others its hard because of the distance we have to keep
Working from Home
I am a first year Elementary Education major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and when the Coronavirus was first talked about we (the students) thought nothing of it. Then the week before spring break, the universitys president announced that students were supposed to stay home until April 5th to ensure no one would bring the Coronavirus to the Campus. Within the second week of staying home he announced that students could no longer come back in Campus unless it was to move out of their dorms. So, now it has been almost two months since I have been self…
Family time (Story #765)
Corona has really impacted my life, my mother is out of work the only good thing I get out of it is the time spent with my family
Strange Virus
Corona had impacted my life in a very strange way, I did get to graduate since it was in December, I got my dream job but Im not even able to work because Of the virus sadly.
Rapid Changes
The corona virus has changed my method of teaching to remote, from home. I miss all of my students, but was able to meet with one third of my class this morning on Google Meet. My two college-aged daughters had to move out of their sorority house and dorm to come home and do online courses through the summer. Things have certainly changed overnight!
Serve to Fill
I have been very fortunate to still be able to receive an income throughout this trying time. It has definitely been difficult to not be with my students or visit my loved ones. My mother and boyfriend both work in the hospital so its a constant struggle when cleaning and worrying if I got everything clean enough and not making him feel alienated in the home. Wanting to give back as much as possible is my main concern. When Im in service, I feel my most purposeful.
Surviving
Corona has impacted me and my family member life because some have been laid off their jobs and cant afford things already Im also having a difficult time because me being home I dont have internet to complete my college work good thing Im a member of student aces and they help me get a laptop and access to WiFi.
# 36 She Doesn’t hink the Virus Will Ever Go Away
Carol Woodside is an 82 years young native of Kentucky. She has lived in Boynton Beach for over 20 years.Ms Carol has trouble with the use of her legs. So her,mobility, is or can be an issue. ms Woodside continuously has Doctor’s visit to find the cause of her leg issues.She lives alone and never gives up on her just cause.She doesn’t think the virus will ever go away< And she has nw figured out that when she needs to go somewhere she has to go. Ms Woodside has no living relatives in the area.Ms Carol had an issue…
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