Madeline M., May 2020
I remember that in January, everyone was feeling really hopeful about 2020. It’s the start of a new decade, it’s an election year, and we were all hoping that this new year would be the start of a better future. Perhaps this is because I’ve been getting older and more aware of the news each year, but since 2016, each year seemed like it carried more problems than the last. Although beginning a new decade doesn’t renew the world, I was among those optimistic people who believed that 2020 could be the start of something great. Cue Australian wildfires, the prospect of global conflict, murder hornets, police brutality, and, of course, COVID-19. Talking about 2020 feels like I’m describing some weird dystopian novel I read. There are often empty shelves in grocery stores. Everyone is isolating themselves and wearing masks when they have to go out. Most of our lives revolve around technology because that’s the only way we can communicate with those we don’t live with. People are avoiding each other, well...like the plague. Everyone is living in a state of anxiety. Our president is doing little to remedy the situation and isn’t acknowledging the responsibility he had in how hard America was hit by the virus. What we’re going through right now is completely unprecedented, and it has turned all of our lives upside down.
Our last day of school was Thursday, March 12th. It was my friend’s 17th birthday. It felt mostly like a normal day, but as time went on, we were all growing more aware that we wouldn’t be at school the next day. We had to take all of our belongings home with us, and we weren’t entirely sure how long we’d be gone. Some speculated that we’d just be out for the next day so that the custodial staff could clean the school, while others believed we’d have two weeks off like other schools. That afternoon, the superintendent announced that we would be out of school for three weeks. Shortly after, three weeks turned into over a month, which turned into nearly two months, until finally, we were told we wouldn’t go back to school this year. Even now, we can only hope that we’ll actually be back in school come September. The abrupt change from constant busyness between school and extracurriculars to rarely leaving the house difficult to cope with at first. I find that I always need to have something to do, so when I couldn’t go to school or play rehearsal anymore, I felt lost and impatient; huge change is never easy. I realized how much I took school for granted. While the workload could be stressful, school allows me to see my friends and explore the topics that I care about. Online school just can’t replace in-person lessons. Being in class is far more engaging and structured, making learning the material much easier. The loose structure has also made keeping up with deadlines much more difficult for many students, including myself. I miss seeing my friends every day, going to rehearsal, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I’ve been trying to find ways to stay positive and hopeful for the future, which can be difficult. It can be difficult to believe that brighter days are in the future when you can’t be sure that the dark ones will end. I often remind myself that everything in life is temporary, so I should appreciate the good and understand that the bad will pass. However, when there’s so much uncertainty, I’m finding that trying to wait this pandemic out isn’t an effective way to live my life. Instead, I’m just trying to enjoy the little things in life as much as I can. I’m going for walks and appreciating nature. I’m savoring the time I spend with my friends, although we can only connect virtually. I’m trying to make the most of online school. Even though things are hard right now, and I can’t do all the things I love or was looking forward to, I believe that there is always something good in life, no matter what; our job is to make the most of it.
I can’t discuss my experiences with this pandemic without mentioning that I am very privileged compared to many people in the world right now. I still have access to food, toiletries, and other necessities. Neither of my parents have lost their jobs. I have access to technology and the internet. I don’t live alone or with someone who is abusive. To my knowledge, I am not sick, and if I am, I’m not showing any symptoms. I don’t believe that I know anyone personally who is sick or who has died from the Coronavirus. So many people are far more severely affected by this pandemic than I am, and I hope that future historians focus on their experiences. COVID-19 has severely harmed so many people and their families, and my heart goes out to those people. During times when so many people are in bad positions, it’s vital that everyone does their part to help the community. Right now, that means social distancing, wearing a mask when one goes out in public, respecting others’ space, and finding ways to support people in your life and those in need. Some people are protesting the expectations and requirements around wearing masks, insisting that the safety parameters of the pandemic infringe on their personal freedom. Similarly, some people are demanding for the quarantine to end. Thankfully, I haven’t seen anyone in Wayland taking those positions, but there are people around the country who do feel that way. While I understand that it’s hard living in quarantine and masks can be inconvenient, both give us the best chance possible of stopping the spread of the virus. I think that people will always value individual freedom vs the good of the community differently, but in this case, choosing to act for the common good is the difference between life and death for thousands of people.
I’ve learned a lot about life and hardship by living through this pandemic, and I hope that in the future, others can take lessons from our situation as well. As I’ve said previously, I believe that finding the silver lining in an upsetting situation can be a helpful coping mechanism. I also stated that doing your part to help your community is vital. In addition to those ideas, I think one of the most important things I’ve learned is that we have to appreciate the good parts of our lives, our passions, and the people we love while they’re there, because we never know when it can all be taken away, or if/when they’ll come back if we lose them. Spend time with your friends and family. Dedicate what time you can to what you’re most passionate about. Appreciate all of the opportunities you’ve been given and make the most of them. Hard times come around in everyone’s lives, but embracing everything that you enjoy about life can make your challenges a little easier to get through.
Madeline M., June, 2020
For a while, it seemed as though COVID-19 would be the most impactful event of 2020. The virus affects every aspect of our daily lives, from how we work and learn to how we socialize. The situation is completely unprecedented, but it should be an event for future generations to learn from. However, recently, the country - or really, the world - has shifted its collective focus onto an issue that has plagued American society since before its foundation: racism and the mistreatment and abuse of people of color. Right now, we live in a society where Black Americans are being beaten and murdered by police officers at a disproportionately high rate. The American criminal justice system actively harms people of color, between mass incarceration and police brutality rates. After years and years of these issues rampaging through the nation, Americans are finally beginning a widespread movement to end racial injustice. People who weren’t actively speaking out are starting to do so, massive protests are being held around the country, people are educating themselves, donating, and signing petitions; I have never seen this level of activism in my lifetime, and it makes me hopeful for the future. Still, the progress we’ve been experiencing was sparked by multiple devastating events. In February, Ahmaud Arbery was murdered by two white supremacists while he was going for a jog. Breonna Taylor was shot eight times by police officers who were raiding the wrong home. Most recently, George Floyd was killed by a white police officer who was kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes; he said “I can’t breathe” eleven times, and three other officers present did nothing to help him. Several people who witnessed Floyd’s death filmed the event, and upon seeing the videos, of course, the American public was outraged. Each of these stories are heartbreaking, frustrating, and disgusting. The reality is that racism is still very much alive and well, and that our police system is deeply corrupt; thus, Black Americans are being killed.
These last few weeks have been intense in all senses of the word. I believe George Floyd’s murder was the straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of fighting for justice; after so many instances of Black Americans being killed or beaten by police officers, we’re finally experiencing a massive wave of activism against police brutality. The video of Floyd’s death is incredibly difficult to watch. I was sad, angry, frustrated, appalled, disgusted, and disappointed in the state of the country; I can’t find the right words to describe what it’s like to watch a person suffocate under the knee of a police officer while other officers stand by doing nothing as the man was pleading for his life. What’s worse is that the video of Floyd closely mirrored that of Eric Garner in 2014, who was killed by a police officer that unnecessarily held him in a chokehold while he, like Floyd, repeated, “I can’t breathe”. It’s horrifying to realize that so little has changed since Eric Garner’s death that such a similar event could follow it years later. Since the video of Rodney King being brutalized was released in the 1990s, there have been so many instances of police brutality in America, caught on camera or otherwise, and yet, there has been little change. Several organizations, including Black Lives Matter, have been pushing for reform for a long time, but major change is very difficult to achieve unless society as a whole sees the problem. In recent years, people have kept responding to the phrase “Black lives matter” with “all lives matter”, which may seem like a good sentiment, but it only serves to invalidate the point being made, which is that Black Americans are facing severe discrimination and violence. Instances of police brutality often become obscure over time because the population as a whole wasn’t continuing to act or talk about the events once they stopped being current. That being said, a lot is changing in our society right now. George Floyd’s death was a horrific tragedy, and it never should have happened. He deserved so much better than to face such a gruesome end, and his family deserved so much better than to have to continue on without him. That being said, the massive hurt that came from his death is becoming a catalyst for a nationwide, even global, demand for huge social and structural change.
Right now, everywhere I look, people are finding ways to make their voices heard and create the change needed for people of color to be safe in America. There are so many incredible organizations that need donations, so many petitions demanding structural change or for police officers to be charged appropriately for their acts of brutality, so many resources with contact information for public officials, etc. I believe there have now been protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in every US state, and even in other countries. Even though I haven’t been able to go to any protests, I’m trying to do what I can to support the cause by donating to organizations like Black Lives Matter, signing petitions, and sending emails to public officials, and sharing any helpful information I find with others, and I know a lot of people are doing the same and more. There is a huge demand for change, and change is coming. Now, all four police officers responsible for George Floyd’s death have been charged and convicted appropriately. People are fighting for the same to happen to the officers who shot Breonna Taylor. People are campaigning for massive reform in the police system. Although the motion forward hasn’t been without problems, change is happening and it’s happening fast. Unfortunately, even when the protests are peaceful, police officers are using tear gas and rubber bullets (which are metal bullets with a thin rubber coating) against people. There have also been some instances of looting, but to my knowledge, only a small minority of protesters have engaged with it. The protests haven’t always been safe, but they are effective, and they will continue. My hope is that this movement, this energy around activism, carries on for a long time, until real reform is made to the criminal justice system nationwide. If not, Black Americans will continue to be killed at the hands of police officers and incarcerated and a disproportionately high rate. Racial injustice has to end now, because Black lives do matter.
I’ve noticed that there has been a huge shift in the mentality and culture of America in light of these recent events and movements. Many people have been awakened to the current crises within the justice system, but beyond that, they’re becoming more aware of their own privilege and realizing that they don’t know the full story. For me, this is the first time that I’ve really internalized the fact that I carry privilege on the basis of my race. I always knew that I was privileged, at least on some level, but I don’t think I fully comprehended what that meant or how it applied to me. I’m a mixed-race person; my father is white (broadly European), and my mother is Indian. I have fairly light skin; I’m lighter than either of my brothers. People usually aren’t sure what my ethnicity is until I tell them, and I’ve heard a variety of (incorrect) guesses. Although I don’t know what every person is thinking, I imagine that the average person I meet will see me as a white person, or at least partly so. I’ve never felt totally comfortable stating that I’m white or a person of color; I’m technically both, so I don’t feel like I fit into either cleanly. So, when it came to the idea of white privilege, I was never quite sure if or how much it applied to me. Recently, however, I realized that I do carry white privilege, even though I am not fully white. I appear white, but beyond that, I have never faced discrimination, oppression, violence, or hardship on the basis of my race, and it’s unlikely that I ever will; that is privilege. Although I wish I had internalized that idea sooner, I’m glad that I understand it now. My epiphany was largely fueled by the conversations surrounding white privilege that people have been engaging in recently. For a while, I think people had a hard time accepting the fact that they carried privilege, and people didn’t talk about it much. I think that a large part of the reason why people didn’t feel comfortable talking about privilege was the misconceptions that being privileged made one a bad person, and that carrying privilege means that you haven’t had any struggles in your life. Lately, I’ve noticed that people are updating their beliefs. Being privileged isn’t a bad thing, but it does mean that one has a duty to educate themselves and use their given advantages to help others gain the same opportunities, resources, and treatment that they have. Having white privilege doesn’t mean that one hasn’t had any hardships in their lives, but that their hardships were not tied to their race. Privilege isn’t an inherent lack of morality, but an inherent presence of responsibility to use it to help others, and Americans are now engaging with that idea. Coupled with privilege, people are having conversations about racial injustice and educating themselves and others. Education is the first step towards change.
I hope that the work being done today makes a difference for future generations. I hope that the future holds a world in which nobody has to live in fear, monitor their behavior, or face discrimination based on their skin color. It’s sad that we’re still not there, but I’m glad we’re at least moving forward. I intend to do what I can to keep us moving in a positive direction, and if there is injustice in the world when you’re reading this, I hope you do the same. Something I’ve learned in the last month is that there’s almost always something you can do to help, you just have to find it. Any action towards a better future is a step in the right direction, so don’t be afraid to instigate change, big or small. If you are in a position of privilege, use it to help others; lift up others’ voices and find ways to support them. Every person can do something to make the world a better place, and if you think you can’t, you aren’t looking hard enough. Justice is an all-hands-on-deck mission. Be open-minded, educate yourself, don’t be afraid to make mistakes (and correct yourself if you do), and listen to others. Your voice is a powerful thing; use it well.
I remember that in January, everyone was feeling really hopeful about 2020. It’s the start of a new decade, it’s an election year, and we were all hoping that this new year would be the start of a better future. Perhaps this is because I’ve been getting older and more aware of the news each year, but since 2016, each year seemed like it carried more problems than the last. Although beginning a new decade doesn’t renew the world, I was among those optimistic people who believed that 2020 could be the start of something great. Cue Australian wildfires, the prospect of global conflict, murder hornets, police brutality, and, of course, COVID-19. Talking about 2020 feels like I’m describing some weird dystopian novel I read. There are often empty shelves in grocery stores. Everyone is isolating themselves and wearing masks when they have to go out. Most of our lives revolve around technology because that’s the only way we can communicate with those we don’t live with. People are avoiding each other, well...like the plague. Everyone is living in a state of anxiety. Our president is doing little to remedy the situation and isn’t acknowledging the responsibility he had in how hard America was hit by the virus. What we’re going through right now is completely unprecedented, and it has turned all of our lives upside down.
Our last day of school was Thursday, March 12th. It was my friend’s 17th birthday. It felt mostly like a normal day, but as time went on, we were all growing more aware that we wouldn’t be at school the next day. We had to take all of our belongings home with us, and we weren’t entirely sure how long we’d be gone. Some speculated that we’d just be out for the next day so that the custodial staff could clean the school, while others believed we’d have two weeks off like other schools. That afternoon, the superintendent announced that we would be out of school for three weeks. Shortly after, three weeks turned into over a month, which turned into nearly two months, until finally, we were told we wouldn’t go back to school this year. Even now, we can only hope that we’ll actually be back in school come September. The abrupt change from constant busyness between school and extracurriculars to rarely leaving the house difficult to cope with at first. I find that I always need to have something to do, so when I couldn’t go to school or play rehearsal anymore, I felt lost and impatient; huge change is never easy. I realized how much I took school for granted. While the workload could be stressful, school allows me to see my friends and explore the topics that I care about. Online school just can’t replace in-person lessons. Being in class is far more engaging and structured, making learning the material much easier. The loose structure has also made keeping up with deadlines much more difficult for many students, including myself. I miss seeing my friends every day, going to rehearsal, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I’ve been trying to find ways to stay positive and hopeful for the future, which can be difficult. It can be difficult to believe that brighter days are in the future when you can’t be sure that the dark ones will end. I often remind myself that everything in life is temporary, so I should appreciate the good and understand that the bad will pass. However, when there’s so much uncertainty, I’m finding that trying to wait this pandemic out isn’t an effective way to live my life. Instead, I’m just trying to enjoy the little things in life as much as I can. I’m going for walks and appreciating nature. I’m savoring the time I spend with my friends, although we can only connect virtually. I’m trying to make the most of online school. Even though things are hard right now, and I can’t do all the things I love or was looking forward to, I believe that there is always something good in life, no matter what; our job is to make the most of it.
I can’t discuss my experiences with this pandemic without mentioning that I am very privileged compared to many people in the world right now. I still have access to food, toiletries, and other necessities. Neither of my parents have lost their jobs. I have access to technology and the internet. I don’t live alone or with someone who is abusive. To my knowledge, I am not sick, and if I am, I’m not showing any symptoms. I don’t believe that I know anyone personally who is sick or who has died from the Coronavirus. So many people are far more severely affected by this pandemic than I am, and I hope that future historians focus on their experiences. COVID-19 has severely harmed so many people and their families, and my heart goes out to those people. During times when so many people are in bad positions, it’s vital that everyone does their part to help the community. Right now, that means social distancing, wearing a mask when one goes out in public, respecting others’ space, and finding ways to support people in your life and those in need. Some people are protesting the expectations and requirements around wearing masks, insisting that the safety parameters of the pandemic infringe on their personal freedom. Similarly, some people are demanding for the quarantine to end. Thankfully, I haven’t seen anyone in Wayland taking those positions, but there are people around the country who do feel that way. While I understand that it’s hard living in quarantine and masks can be inconvenient, both give us the best chance possible of stopping the spread of the virus. I think that people will always value individual freedom vs the good of the community differently, but in this case, choosing to act for the common good is the difference between life and death for thousands of people.
I’ve learned a lot about life and hardship by living through this pandemic, and I hope that in the future, others can take lessons from our situation as well. As I’ve said previously, I believe that finding the silver lining in an upsetting situation can be a helpful coping mechanism. I also stated that doing your part to help your community is vital. In addition to those ideas, I think one of the most important things I’ve learned is that we have to appreciate the good parts of our lives, our passions, and the people we love while they’re there, because we never know when it can all be taken away, or if/when they’ll come back if we lose them. Spend time with your friends and family. Dedicate what time you can to what you’re most passionate about. Appreciate all of the opportunities you’ve been given and make the most of them. Hard times come around in everyone’s lives, but embracing everything that you enjoy about life can make your challenges a little easier to get through.
Madeline M., June, 2020
For a while, it seemed as though COVID-19 would be the most impactful event of 2020. The virus affects every aspect of our daily lives, from how we work and learn to how we socialize. The situation is completely unprecedented, but it should be an event for future generations to learn from. However, recently, the country - or really, the world - has shifted its collective focus onto an issue that has plagued American society since before its foundation: racism and the mistreatment and abuse of people of color. Right now, we live in a society where Black Americans are being beaten and murdered by police officers at a disproportionately high rate. The American criminal justice system actively harms people of color, between mass incarceration and police brutality rates. After years and years of these issues rampaging through the nation, Americans are finally beginning a widespread movement to end racial injustice. People who weren’t actively speaking out are starting to do so, massive protests are being held around the country, people are educating themselves, donating, and signing petitions; I have never seen this level of activism in my lifetime, and it makes me hopeful for the future. Still, the progress we’ve been experiencing was sparked by multiple devastating events. In February, Ahmaud Arbery was murdered by two white supremacists while he was going for a jog. Breonna Taylor was shot eight times by police officers who were raiding the wrong home. Most recently, George Floyd was killed by a white police officer who was kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes; he said “I can’t breathe” eleven times, and three other officers present did nothing to help him. Several people who witnessed Floyd’s death filmed the event, and upon seeing the videos, of course, the American public was outraged. Each of these stories are heartbreaking, frustrating, and disgusting. The reality is that racism is still very much alive and well, and that our police system is deeply corrupt; thus, Black Americans are being killed.
These last few weeks have been intense in all senses of the word. I believe George Floyd’s murder was the straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of fighting for justice; after so many instances of Black Americans being killed or beaten by police officers, we’re finally experiencing a massive wave of activism against police brutality. The video of Floyd’s death is incredibly difficult to watch. I was sad, angry, frustrated, appalled, disgusted, and disappointed in the state of the country; I can’t find the right words to describe what it’s like to watch a person suffocate under the knee of a police officer while other officers stand by doing nothing as the man was pleading for his life. What’s worse is that the video of Floyd closely mirrored that of Eric Garner in 2014, who was killed by a police officer that unnecessarily held him in a chokehold while he, like Floyd, repeated, “I can’t breathe”. It’s horrifying to realize that so little has changed since Eric Garner’s death that such a similar event could follow it years later. Since the video of Rodney King being brutalized was released in the 1990s, there have been so many instances of police brutality in America, caught on camera or otherwise, and yet, there has been little change. Several organizations, including Black Lives Matter, have been pushing for reform for a long time, but major change is very difficult to achieve unless society as a whole sees the problem. In recent years, people have kept responding to the phrase “Black lives matter” with “all lives matter”, which may seem like a good sentiment, but it only serves to invalidate the point being made, which is that Black Americans are facing severe discrimination and violence. Instances of police brutality often become obscure over time because the population as a whole wasn’t continuing to act or talk about the events once they stopped being current. That being said, a lot is changing in our society right now. George Floyd’s death was a horrific tragedy, and it never should have happened. He deserved so much better than to face such a gruesome end, and his family deserved so much better than to have to continue on without him. That being said, the massive hurt that came from his death is becoming a catalyst for a nationwide, even global, demand for huge social and structural change.
Right now, everywhere I look, people are finding ways to make their voices heard and create the change needed for people of color to be safe in America. There are so many incredible organizations that need donations, so many petitions demanding structural change or for police officers to be charged appropriately for their acts of brutality, so many resources with contact information for public officials, etc. I believe there have now been protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in every US state, and even in other countries. Even though I haven’t been able to go to any protests, I’m trying to do what I can to support the cause by donating to organizations like Black Lives Matter, signing petitions, and sending emails to public officials, and sharing any helpful information I find with others, and I know a lot of people are doing the same and more. There is a huge demand for change, and change is coming. Now, all four police officers responsible for George Floyd’s death have been charged and convicted appropriately. People are fighting for the same to happen to the officers who shot Breonna Taylor. People are campaigning for massive reform in the police system. Although the motion forward hasn’t been without problems, change is happening and it’s happening fast. Unfortunately, even when the protests are peaceful, police officers are using tear gas and rubber bullets (which are metal bullets with a thin rubber coating) against people. There have also been some instances of looting, but to my knowledge, only a small minority of protesters have engaged with it. The protests haven’t always been safe, but they are effective, and they will continue. My hope is that this movement, this energy around activism, carries on for a long time, until real reform is made to the criminal justice system nationwide. If not, Black Americans will continue to be killed at the hands of police officers and incarcerated and a disproportionately high rate. Racial injustice has to end now, because Black lives do matter.
I’ve noticed that there has been a huge shift in the mentality and culture of America in light of these recent events and movements. Many people have been awakened to the current crises within the justice system, but beyond that, they’re becoming more aware of their own privilege and realizing that they don’t know the full story. For me, this is the first time that I’ve really internalized the fact that I carry privilege on the basis of my race. I always knew that I was privileged, at least on some level, but I don’t think I fully comprehended what that meant or how it applied to me. I’m a mixed-race person; my father is white (broadly European), and my mother is Indian. I have fairly light skin; I’m lighter than either of my brothers. People usually aren’t sure what my ethnicity is until I tell them, and I’ve heard a variety of (incorrect) guesses. Although I don’t know what every person is thinking, I imagine that the average person I meet will see me as a white person, or at least partly so. I’ve never felt totally comfortable stating that I’m white or a person of color; I’m technically both, so I don’t feel like I fit into either cleanly. So, when it came to the idea of white privilege, I was never quite sure if or how much it applied to me. Recently, however, I realized that I do carry white privilege, even though I am not fully white. I appear white, but beyond that, I have never faced discrimination, oppression, violence, or hardship on the basis of my race, and it’s unlikely that I ever will; that is privilege. Although I wish I had internalized that idea sooner, I’m glad that I understand it now. My epiphany was largely fueled by the conversations surrounding white privilege that people have been engaging in recently. For a while, I think people had a hard time accepting the fact that they carried privilege, and people didn’t talk about it much. I think that a large part of the reason why people didn’t feel comfortable talking about privilege was the misconceptions that being privileged made one a bad person, and that carrying privilege means that you haven’t had any struggles in your life. Lately, I’ve noticed that people are updating their beliefs. Being privileged isn’t a bad thing, but it does mean that one has a duty to educate themselves and use their given advantages to help others gain the same opportunities, resources, and treatment that they have. Having white privilege doesn’t mean that one hasn’t had any hardships in their lives, but that their hardships were not tied to their race. Privilege isn’t an inherent lack of morality, but an inherent presence of responsibility to use it to help others, and Americans are now engaging with that idea. Coupled with privilege, people are having conversations about racial injustice and educating themselves and others. Education is the first step towards change.
I hope that the work being done today makes a difference for future generations. I hope that the future holds a world in which nobody has to live in fear, monitor their behavior, or face discrimination based on their skin color. It’s sad that we’re still not there, but I’m glad we’re at least moving forward. I intend to do what I can to keep us moving in a positive direction, and if there is injustice in the world when you’re reading this, I hope you do the same. Something I’ve learned in the last month is that there’s almost always something you can do to help, you just have to find it. Any action towards a better future is a step in the right direction, so don’t be afraid to instigate change, big or small. If you are in a position of privilege, use it to help others; lift up others’ voices and find ways to support them. Every person can do something to make the world a better place, and if you think you can’t, you aren’t looking hard enough. Justice is an all-hands-on-deck mission. Be open-minded, educate yourself, don’t be afraid to make mistakes (and correct yourself if you do), and listen to others. Your voice is a powerful thing; use it well.