Palm Beach County residents were asked:
Please tell us a story about how the coronavirus has impacted your life.
All responses are shared below by date (newest to oldest). Click ZOOM IN to learn more about the resident and how they interpreted their response.
Kids home eating all day light in water bill getting sky high…
Covid has impacted my life a lot just from the cut down of work and trying to support two babies on my own my 1yr old was supposed to start school but it has been pushed back due to the virus and the school being closed so I had to pay a sitter to watch them their grandmother try to help me with them but shes on dialysis and she cant keep them as often. Im a single mother whos kids fathers was indicted just before this whole pandemic thing got out of hand he was a big help with the kids but once he was taking into custody it was just me Ive been working to support my family as much as I can but once this pandemic rolled out I couldnt do much and than I had the baby which my job doesnt pay maternity leave so money that I had saved went towards my bill which forced me to go back to work earlier than what I should have been even with me having a C section and even than it was limited hours due to me working in a restaurant.
Coronavirus has made a drastic effect on my life but I wont 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 didnt know what day we would return. With little to no resources here in the glades area, My mind began to overfill with survival thoughts and what to do next. I began to pray and recite the many attributes Ive carried with me all my life. What god has for me, it is for me., Just have faith the size of a mustard seed. As the days went by, I spent my free time learning more about myself, like finding talents I didnt know I had. Hidden talents including hydro dipping shoes and drawing custom pictures on pants. My talent not only became a small hustle for me but I was doing something I love. Social distancing has been hard for me because I am a social person and love hanging out with friends. Despite the many changes the pandemic has caused, Im still standing tall and try to accomplish nothing less than greatness .
The pandemic caused me to lose my job and cause me to have depression and anxiety. Being alone is one of the things I do not like about the pandemic. I like being around people because that was one of the ways I copped with my anxiety and depression. I would say that it has gotten worse since the lock-down started.
The virus caused me to experience unemployment. I was unable to get/maintain a job during this time. I am also stuck at home without anything to do. I dont like going out with masks as well. It just makes it harder to breathe and talk in them.
About the Project | Story Gallery | How Residents Interpreted Their Stories (Data Visuals)