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.”

Education (Story #108)

Coronavirus has affected me in many way one of them are me going to school And get my education these online classes are really not effective way for me to learn
Zoom In

Pandemic Baby

I had to cancel my wedding twice. It was going to be a 3 day affair with family flying in from out of state and out of country. But we had to cancel. So we ended up just signing the Marriage License. We also found out that my wife is pregnant, so that’s good. But I haven’t been able to go to the Dr. appointments. The baby is health so that the most important.
Zoom In

4 (Story #131)

The corona virus has put an impact on everyone’s life losing loved ones , losing jobs and money The corona virus made it bad for me, my job cut my hours short less money more problems
Zoom In

Unknown Mystery

I’m trying to stay in and be obedient. I go to the store about every two weeks. It’s every scary. I don’t like wearing the mask. I make sure to put it on going indoors. I am a hairdresser. I’ve been out from work for three weeks. I’m getting behind. I was thinking about May 1st but I may not. A lot of my clients are older and cannot come out. Many call to say they are worried! I don’t like to sit still very often, so I’m hoping . Our church is closed, so Ive been watching on YouTube….
Zoom In

#14 There is Nothing We Can Do About It

Cat Hinson says immediately when asked about the affects of the virus It is boring,not use to sittingin the house.!Mrs Hinson has been settled in Boynton Beach since 1969 coming from Belle Glade with her late husband(Phillip and son,Efrem). That’s where quite a few Teachers taught especially African-Americans,Mrs.Hinson stated. She is originally from West Palm Beach. She earned a degree from Bethune-Cookman University. She, just recently, celebrated another year of life turning 85.She misses ushering at church,attending numerous community events. Mrs Hinson still drives and visits her sister,Mary in Riviera Beach on Fridays.Cat hopes it gets netter . her fear…
Zoom In

Ruinings

The corona virus had ruined everything literally. I can’t work because my job is closed, I feel like the corona will change the world forever and we need to do some thing quick
Zoom In

Wow

The virus impacted my life with me going to college early to experience college football but instead we was sent home for nothing
Zoom In

# 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…
Zoom In

#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…
Zoom In

Oh well

I’m happy this virus happened lol I’m sorry about the fatalities but I didn’t want to be at school and I don’t really hang around with my teammates, t the virus is the last thing we’re worried about now as we can see
Zoom In

#69 It brings tears to my eyes

Mrs Tucker’s immediate response was America is way over the top! never thought that I would see America looking as a third world country.. This brings tears to my eyes. I came here for opportunity.Now I have lost a husband since being here. I cannot seem to get over the lost I only way out of this is kneeling for prayer.
Zoom In

##hardtovote

I saw on the news that the united states have the most confirmed coronavirus cases in the world. Even more than china where it is rumored to have originated in a lab. This makes it very hard to vote because many people like to go and physically vote. However, this could be a problem because while people vote they could be infected with the coronavirus.
Zoom In

A Cheerless Pandemic

The sudden and unexpected orders of community and business shutdowns brought about by COVID-19 have had tremendous effects on me, my family, and our small business during this time. Our passion for sports and children is expressed through East Coast Flames Allstarts, our competitive cheerleading and training facility that serves approximately 65 athletes and their families. We are open yearly for athletic training and team building, and travel through the months of December-May for competitions and performances across the state. We’ve been running this business, meeting and training new athletes and children of all ages for the last 20…
Zoom In

My darkest days

It’s Ben worst two weeks of my life and my mom passed away I had to bury her. The pastor cancel so did the church then cemetery was giving issues also , my mom service went from 10-1pm to barely 11:30 I was hurt and I had to make turn away because we got stop by the police they only let 10 family members in only 10 mins this is worst feeling in the world , the virus has ever ybody scared to leave the house not even show up to my mom funeral
Zoom In

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.
Zoom In

Story #630

The coronavirus has impacted my life in many ways. It has taken the life of my loved ones in Switzerland, Italy and England. Due to the distance between my family members, it made it even harder to support each other during this time.At the same time, my family in Florida have been in the midst of moving during this pandemic, which affected my classwork and mental health.
Zoom In

My Own Pandemic

Not only has corona virus impacted my life by keeping me outside, but my stepfather passed away just over 3 weeks ago (not covid related). To say that this has been a year from hell on a personal level is an understatement. Overall, I am okay, but its been rough. Classes transitioned to an online platform for me at the FAU Honors College and countrywide. Its just been tough. I know it can only get better from here and this too shall pass. That being said, however, losing someone you love and have loved for so long hurts.
Zoom In

Corona (Story #910)

Hello my name is Michelle Rhoden since Corona had came along I had been forced to leave my job to watch my grand baby my husband work all day and he manage to pay all bills for the house due to me having no income coming in I have a hard time paying for things that we need for the house baby clothes and diapers. I would love to be able to help my husband out for our household I have no help from my daughter what’s so ever.
Zoom In

4 (Story #568)

the Corona virus had taught me how to be more understanding and great ful
Zoom In

Family apart

My son who normally goes back and forth between our house and his moms house isn’t around and it’s tough on me and his little brother and sister. His step dad still works in construction and both houses agreed it was best not to take any chances right now.
Zoom In

COVID 19 struggle

The beginning of 2020 started of great and then as we got more and more into 2020 everything went down hill. COVID 19 came around and changed everything. My family and I have been struggling ever since. Bills have been piling up and hours have been cut from our jobs so we’re not making as much money. We make it work here and there but sometimes it gets hard and we can’t make it work. We need some other form of financial assistance to help provide for me and my family.
Zoom In

#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…
Zoom In

Athletes need justice

My name is coach Walker I can say that this virus has impacts a whole lot .Also I’m a track coach for Fast lane track club . I train my athletes for them to compete on a beat level also to get them into a d1 college what that being said I can’t even train them anymore and they all depends on me wow man what a life that sucks I can’t help my athletes out .
Zoom In

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.
Zoom In

#15

My daughter is a Nurse with the Health Department. She told me much earlier about there would be a demanding need for facial protection. I am a seamtress. It gives me great joy and peace ….making sure that all healthcare workers and those in the community are not exposed to the virus through facial masking. A strong enough effort should have been imposed for safety/protection sooner than Now! I have a cousin and her spouse living in Detriot who beat the Corona Virus. I am thankful!
Zoom In

Covid sucks

Corona virus has ruined everything for me literally, parents can’t work so idk how we are going to get money and I am away from school so I’m not doing what I love most
Zoom In

The disaster of coronavirus

It has canceled my graduation, grad bash, prom. Instead of going to school, we have to do virtual school. I can’t go outside as usual, I can’t go anywhere unless I’m wearing a mask, and staying 6 feet apart from people. Every object or anything I touch I need to wash my hands
Zoom In

#70

The virus is the nastiest thing that has plagued America.There is no more face to face socialization,no gatherings,events and worship.Who would have thought this?No place should stand alone . States opening their doors should not be. For united we stand divided we fall….. I am bound my other’s caring for me.
Zoom In

# 25 We Need To Be Running To Chruches With Powerful Prayers

Mr Leonard Thompson says that this a wake-up call to all Christians. America is in serious troubleAll Churches were closed. Gods doors were closed . We needed to be running to the Churches to pray powerful prayers His Church Lakeside Baptist never closed. At this time,Mr Thompson says he doesn’t need any assistance.
Zoom In

#FIGHTAGAINSTCORONA

They way corona virus has impacted my life is by making it hard to purchase things to put in my household for my brothers and sisters to eat.
Zoom In

Number 1.

Lost hours of work. That involves money paying Bill’s. Buying grocery.
Zoom In

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.
Zoom In

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
Zoom In

Coffee shop anxiety

I sometimes work at a coffee shop for family friends on the weekends. I worked this past Sunday to help out over worked owners and staff. A lot of the other staff members have decided not to come into work because they are too afraid of getting sick and not being able to support their family. I am usually a really friendly and happy person, always focused on customer service. But I found myself really anxious the entire shift and I felt angry at customers for coming in. This anxiety lingered with me for several days to the point…
Zoom In

Living in Ongoing Emergency Roll

My job tasks have changed, putting aside usual management tasks. I am completely focused on helping keep our programs operational and filling in where needed. I try to keep up to date on changes and new services to share with staff.
Zoom In

The New Regular

The coronavirus has extremely impacted my life. From the beginning, it changed how I, and the entire world, interact with one another in public and at home, but as things got more serious and the threat grew so did our lives. I had to move off campus, and was suddenly taking classes online, this made it so much harder to stay tuned into the lectures and participate. I lost my job temporarily for 2 months. I worked as a receptionist at my family’s salon, and with it closing my dad was also out of a job for those 2 months…
Zoom In

My friends story

She is moving slow, and I don’t get it. She tells people her business and she doesn’t come outside anymore and there is no air and her house. I am telling her if she is sick she needs fresh air even if she doesn’t wanna spread the virus.
Zoom In

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.
Zoom In

Cov-19

I find myself lacking in health and wellness and has resulted to eating and sleeping more.
Zoom In

#Senior

When will this all end. I’m all cooped up in my house. I’m ready to leave this dumb house. The only time I am happy is with the senior program and they shit that down.
Zoom In

#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…
Zoom In

#13

I am 90 years old and continue to wonder why am I still here. In the 1920’s,there were alot of plagues due to a host of diseases that endangered Americans health. I remember my parents speaking of the dangerous health concerns and most of the health concerns would keep one in isolation for months. This so remind me on the Coronavirus, My Community immediately took concern and care over the impact that this would have on us. The clubhouse, pool and all activities were closed. I have the best neighbor in the community,she makes sure that i have all that…
Zoom In

Mommy sorry

I have 5 kids I can’t get to see all of them due to the virus I work 24hrs everyday for security and 2 of my girl’s birthday coming up this month this would have been the perfect year I could have celebrated with them and it hurts them so bad that I can’t see them due to the virus ugh it’s sucks
Zoom In

I don’t have a code, but I heard about this by word of mouth.

To whom it may concern, being a senior citizen with medical disability, the corona virus has impacted my life in many ways. It has affected my not being able to get out to go to the pharmacy to get my medication, going to the grocery store to purchase my food and most of all affecting my mental ability worries of catching the virus. My prayer is that the government, and county official, and the people that are in position, to help the people will do the right thing and be fair with helping all that needs the help. Thank you…
Zoom In

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.
Zoom In

Free us

Corona has sat me and my twin brother at home this was supposed to be a big year for us both, I feel like they need to just let us go back to school because corona isn’t even thought of right now with all of this going on
Zoom In

Elderly not forgotten

I am grateful and appreciative for the support of community in ensuring that the elderly are taken care of. Meals are delivered several times a week by various individuals. Neighbors are calling to offer encouragement and comfort. This is specially needed because some elderly ones live aloneOr no longer have relatives leaving nearly by or because of social distancing to care for their needs.
Zoom In

Recovery (Story #654)

I truly believe that the government has a curve in a faster way of quarantining but they just want to tell us macaroni to be in my city is so small I think that this outbreak is causing a big impact in my community and we has worn out we are really not quarantining right way and people are losing their jobs money being lost and people are praying on the government stimulus chats I feel as if we need to come together as a community to talk over things and try to have a better way of quarantining because…
Zoom In

Refresh the page to see another random set of stories or view stories by date.