Ella, May 2020
Dear Wayland High Students class of 2070,
Disregard this if I am wrong, but if I am correct you guys are in school probably doing a history project, learning about the magical novel coronavirus, COVID-19, that hit Wayland like a brick wall. The regularity of life has shifted, and masks are required most everywhere outside of your own homes. Although a mask doesn't do much, it gives an idea of safety and heath. Also we must "social distance," which, simply put, stay 6 feet from anyone you aren't quarantining with. That also is something that I don't truly understand because a cough or sneeze, unprotected, can launch germs 30+ feet. I am not complaining, and I am happy that people are considerate enough to keep out at risk population safe. It is really interesting though, I find that even simply speaking to people can turn into a heated argument over where they preside on the spectrum of quarantine vs reality. I am more moderate, I find that the more we learn about the virus the more we can identify the population dying, 80+ men and women who likely have underlying conditions, better we can shift back to normality.
I could drone on and on all day about what I think is appropriate and what is good and bad, but in reality, this is a pandemic. Loved ones will be lost, and economies may not recover. But, on the bright side, I have been happily stuck in my house with my whole family. We have had some hard times, like the day they cancelled prom, and some really good days, like when we hiked Mount Monadnock. Day to day, I would say I am handling this reasonably well. My mom and I love to go on super long walks, 10+ usually. I have connected with her in a way I wouldn't have been able to without quarantine. I have also bonded with my sister and brother, definitely fought, but bonded. I have also been able to do fun things with my dad, like mountain bike. And the best to spend time with during this void is my puppies. Zuzu and Ruby (known as Bear bear and Rubear, respectively) are living the life. They love all of the attention and especially love when they get to go swimming!
I have learned a lot during this time two. I have done a lot of crossword puzzles, which I would have never even glanced at if I were in school, and I am taking a free online nutrition class offered by Stanford, in hope to understand what I am putting in my body to be able to perform at the highest ability, athletically and academically. On a more abstract note, I am learning a lot more about who I am as a person, and who I want to become. Lots of college work going on too, but I am thrilled to have a change of scenery soon. A lot of the people who I know and love who didn't have an amazing high school experience are having so much fun in college. I feel like I may feel the same way.
I miss a lot of things. I miss being able to see people's smiling faces. I miss being able to read people's lips when I can't hear them saying something. I miss school so so much, so don't take it for granted. I miss the idiotic high school banter that I love being a part of. I miss passing acquaintances in the hall, and now that we have nothing holding us together, I do not talk to them. I miss joking with teaches. I miss checking in with Ms. Miller (media center GOAT). I miss live TV, I now watch old tv and I question why someone is going into someone else's house, or why they are hugging, or holding hands. I miss watching sports. As much as I think baseball games are so long and drawn out, I would give anything to go now. What I miss most is lacrosse season. I walk with my mom and see all the trees blooming during season, and it is so habitual of me, but I always feel like things are back to normal and I am driving home after practice. Team dinners will always hold a special spot in my heart. It can be really interesting some times, but it truly is the best thing to bond with people over food.
I have taken these long months to try to improve myself. I have become an avid baker and cooker. Highlights are probably chicken piccata and black bean brownies. I often, instead of watching TV will choose to workout. I help out a lot more around the house with chores. I talk to my neighbors a lot more which is nice. I honestly have turned into like an old women. I am thrilled when the crossword comes every weekday and I go on long walks around my neighborhood. I have learned a lot more about my family and I am so grateful I have this time to connect with them. I likely would not have connected with them without this.
Things that I didn't know two months ago include, crossword solving definitely. I know my family a lot better, and I know that I cannot wait for college. I also know how to get around the woods behind my house a lot better. I have also realized that I have to do things that make me happy, not doing things just to please others. I wish I would have know to take advantage of the time I had, be more spontaneous, who knows if that day in March was my last day of high school, ever.
So, I guess that’s about how much happens in a couple months without school or really anything to do.
Peace out class of 2070 and be grateful for every moment you have you may have to quarantine like me,
Ella
Ella, June 2020
#BlackLivesMatter, #BLM, #Blackouttuesday, #Untilweallwin. All of these hashtags represent black stories and power in social media. I love the idea behind these hashtags because individuals can share their stories with a bigger audience and draw support. This movement radiates positivity and equality. However, I have a really hard time when things like looting become included with rallies and protests. Black Lives Matter is a vital movement in our society, and ever since African-Americans came to this country, they have been oppressed. But, when the criminal activity becomes intertwined with social justice, it makes it a lot harder to make the strides forward that are necessary.
Furthermore, I think the social media and the attention to Black Lives Matter is amazing. I find empathy for those who share horrific stories, and I find hope for those sharing lovely sentiments about those lost in the cause. Where my support diverges is when people say things like, “If you aren’t rallying, you don’t care,” or “If you don’t share on social media, you aren’t a good person.” This toxic thinking is dividing, instead of unifying. We should be accepting of everyone and where they feel comfortable. If you want to rally, that’s amazing. If you post to social media, also amazing. If someone is reading an article and educating themselves more on Black Lives Matter, we should be fully supporting them. There is no us and them, there is everyone vs a system. People are free to have their own beliefs, and all you can do is try to educate them and help them understand a new perspective, not guilt them for not believing that same thing as you.
I have a hard time in the police brutality as well. The #ACAB hashtag is very loaded. All Cops Are Bastards. I completely disagree. I think this country has a whole has a system catered to the white male, and is oppressive to anyone who deviates from the norm. We cannot blame the police for that. Nobody is born racist, they get it from those who impact them. I was made aware by a fellow HUSH classmate that the roots of the police system actually started from the original slave catchers. I think that the police system, unfortunately, for many years, has also not been held accountable for their racism, they have not adapted since the time of Lincoln, and we need to make them liable. Individuals in the police force are racist, but you cannot say All Cops Are Bastards. To make strides in preventing police brutality to minorities, we should make better choices as to the people protecting our communities. We should make sure they are ready to protect our communities as a whole regardless of color. Using force against police officers only gives them an excuse to hit back. We should also restrict actions of police officers, and hold them accountable if the restrictions are not followed.
I would like whoever reads this to know, that I am a full supporter of Black Lives Matter, and I also believe that this oppression of minorities systematically by our government needs to be reformed. In my eyes, I see everyone as equal, regardless of race, gender, sex, etc. Racism in the pre-Lincoln and until now is not acceptable, and we need to stop making excuses for examples of racism today. Holding those who commit racist action must be persecuted and social media has made it more accessible than ever to hold those people liable. In light of all of the looting and protesting, although I think we can be father, I am happy how much process we have made, not only for Black lives, but for women, and for anyone at a disadvantage in our society.
Dear Wayland High Students class of 2070,
Disregard this if I am wrong, but if I am correct you guys are in school probably doing a history project, learning about the magical novel coronavirus, COVID-19, that hit Wayland like a brick wall. The regularity of life has shifted, and masks are required most everywhere outside of your own homes. Although a mask doesn't do much, it gives an idea of safety and heath. Also we must "social distance," which, simply put, stay 6 feet from anyone you aren't quarantining with. That also is something that I don't truly understand because a cough or sneeze, unprotected, can launch germs 30+ feet. I am not complaining, and I am happy that people are considerate enough to keep out at risk population safe. It is really interesting though, I find that even simply speaking to people can turn into a heated argument over where they preside on the spectrum of quarantine vs reality. I am more moderate, I find that the more we learn about the virus the more we can identify the population dying, 80+ men and women who likely have underlying conditions, better we can shift back to normality.
I could drone on and on all day about what I think is appropriate and what is good and bad, but in reality, this is a pandemic. Loved ones will be lost, and economies may not recover. But, on the bright side, I have been happily stuck in my house with my whole family. We have had some hard times, like the day they cancelled prom, and some really good days, like when we hiked Mount Monadnock. Day to day, I would say I am handling this reasonably well. My mom and I love to go on super long walks, 10+ usually. I have connected with her in a way I wouldn't have been able to without quarantine. I have also bonded with my sister and brother, definitely fought, but bonded. I have also been able to do fun things with my dad, like mountain bike. And the best to spend time with during this void is my puppies. Zuzu and Ruby (known as Bear bear and Rubear, respectively) are living the life. They love all of the attention and especially love when they get to go swimming!
I have learned a lot during this time two. I have done a lot of crossword puzzles, which I would have never even glanced at if I were in school, and I am taking a free online nutrition class offered by Stanford, in hope to understand what I am putting in my body to be able to perform at the highest ability, athletically and academically. On a more abstract note, I am learning a lot more about who I am as a person, and who I want to become. Lots of college work going on too, but I am thrilled to have a change of scenery soon. A lot of the people who I know and love who didn't have an amazing high school experience are having so much fun in college. I feel like I may feel the same way.
I miss a lot of things. I miss being able to see people's smiling faces. I miss being able to read people's lips when I can't hear them saying something. I miss school so so much, so don't take it for granted. I miss the idiotic high school banter that I love being a part of. I miss passing acquaintances in the hall, and now that we have nothing holding us together, I do not talk to them. I miss joking with teaches. I miss checking in with Ms. Miller (media center GOAT). I miss live TV, I now watch old tv and I question why someone is going into someone else's house, or why they are hugging, or holding hands. I miss watching sports. As much as I think baseball games are so long and drawn out, I would give anything to go now. What I miss most is lacrosse season. I walk with my mom and see all the trees blooming during season, and it is so habitual of me, but I always feel like things are back to normal and I am driving home after practice. Team dinners will always hold a special spot in my heart. It can be really interesting some times, but it truly is the best thing to bond with people over food.
I have taken these long months to try to improve myself. I have become an avid baker and cooker. Highlights are probably chicken piccata and black bean brownies. I often, instead of watching TV will choose to workout. I help out a lot more around the house with chores. I talk to my neighbors a lot more which is nice. I honestly have turned into like an old women. I am thrilled when the crossword comes every weekday and I go on long walks around my neighborhood. I have learned a lot more about my family and I am so grateful I have this time to connect with them. I likely would not have connected with them without this.
Things that I didn't know two months ago include, crossword solving definitely. I know my family a lot better, and I know that I cannot wait for college. I also know how to get around the woods behind my house a lot better. I have also realized that I have to do things that make me happy, not doing things just to please others. I wish I would have know to take advantage of the time I had, be more spontaneous, who knows if that day in March was my last day of high school, ever.
So, I guess that’s about how much happens in a couple months without school or really anything to do.
Peace out class of 2070 and be grateful for every moment you have you may have to quarantine like me,
Ella
Ella, June 2020
#BlackLivesMatter, #BLM, #Blackouttuesday, #Untilweallwin. All of these hashtags represent black stories and power in social media. I love the idea behind these hashtags because individuals can share their stories with a bigger audience and draw support. This movement radiates positivity and equality. However, I have a really hard time when things like looting become included with rallies and protests. Black Lives Matter is a vital movement in our society, and ever since African-Americans came to this country, they have been oppressed. But, when the criminal activity becomes intertwined with social justice, it makes it a lot harder to make the strides forward that are necessary.
Furthermore, I think the social media and the attention to Black Lives Matter is amazing. I find empathy for those who share horrific stories, and I find hope for those sharing lovely sentiments about those lost in the cause. Where my support diverges is when people say things like, “If you aren’t rallying, you don’t care,” or “If you don’t share on social media, you aren’t a good person.” This toxic thinking is dividing, instead of unifying. We should be accepting of everyone and where they feel comfortable. If you want to rally, that’s amazing. If you post to social media, also amazing. If someone is reading an article and educating themselves more on Black Lives Matter, we should be fully supporting them. There is no us and them, there is everyone vs a system. People are free to have their own beliefs, and all you can do is try to educate them and help them understand a new perspective, not guilt them for not believing that same thing as you.
I have a hard time in the police brutality as well. The #ACAB hashtag is very loaded. All Cops Are Bastards. I completely disagree. I think this country has a whole has a system catered to the white male, and is oppressive to anyone who deviates from the norm. We cannot blame the police for that. Nobody is born racist, they get it from those who impact them. I was made aware by a fellow HUSH classmate that the roots of the police system actually started from the original slave catchers. I think that the police system, unfortunately, for many years, has also not been held accountable for their racism, they have not adapted since the time of Lincoln, and we need to make them liable. Individuals in the police force are racist, but you cannot say All Cops Are Bastards. To make strides in preventing police brutality to minorities, we should make better choices as to the people protecting our communities. We should make sure they are ready to protect our communities as a whole regardless of color. Using force against police officers only gives them an excuse to hit back. We should also restrict actions of police officers, and hold them accountable if the restrictions are not followed.
I would like whoever reads this to know, that I am a full supporter of Black Lives Matter, and I also believe that this oppression of minorities systematically by our government needs to be reformed. In my eyes, I see everyone as equal, regardless of race, gender, sex, etc. Racism in the pre-Lincoln and until now is not acceptable, and we need to stop making excuses for examples of racism today. Holding those who commit racist action must be persecuted and social media has made it more accessible than ever to hold those people liable. In light of all of the looting and protesting, although I think we can be father, I am happy how much process we have made, not only for Black lives, but for women, and for anyone at a disadvantage in our society.