COVID-19 has changed numerous aspects of society and the way people go about their daily lives. Politically, campaign events for the upcoming 2020 Presidential election have been put off, leaving the two candidates no choice but to use virtual campaigning methods in order to garner support. A multitude of businesses have suffered financially, and retail stores have been forced to utilize the digital web heavily in order to maintain profit. On the other hand, companies like Netflix and Bytedance (Parent company of TikTok) have thrived as a consequence of people being forced to stay home. On a more relevant note, students have dealt with arguably the most changes. The transition from in-school to virtual learning has been a tough one, mentally, students have been drained and emotionally it’s been a rough ride which has had fluctuating effects on their school performance. Before more school and college updates, I would like to say that we will get through this. There will be a time and place, where we are once again going to enjoy the wonders and joys in life, so to anyone reading this and having a hard time, my heart is with you and stay strong, focus on doing the things you love to do but in a different, safe manner.
Rising seniors have dealt with the most conflicting (or for many students, GOOD!) adjustments as all 8 Ivy League schools, along with several others have declared that the SAT/ACT along with SAT subject tests have all been deemed optional. You may be asking, so what will colleges look at as previously, grades and your SAT scores mattered for the most part. What admissions committees will look at is, “The rigor of a student’s curriculum, their academic achievement, and their demonstrated intellectual curiosity,” and students WILL NOT be negatively impacted if they do not submit their standardized test. In fact, Scott Jashik of MIT’s Higher Education has stated that “it will not consider the scores of students who submit them [SAT SUBJECT TESTS].” Furthermore, with regards to school overall, President Donald Trump has tweeted, “In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but it is important for the children & families.” He then goes on to threaten to cut funding if schools are not reopened. Reading along the lines, it’s an assumption, but certainly a plausible one to state that reopening of the schools would be an aspect of society that would return to normal, and that would add to the false notion that Donald Trump has indeed gotten the country back together. It’s a cunning ploy to assert his reelection credentials, however, Germany, Denmark and Norway have flattened the curve. The U.S. have not. As it pertains to students in New York State specifically, Andrew Cuomo has taken a more cautious approach in stating that a Final Decision is yet to be made, and one will be made by the start of August. This will be a state decision involving Chancellors, Mayors, and the Governor. Schools reopening are directly affiliated with increasing Economic growth and overall stability, as transportation methods such as Trains, Buses will all reopen along with having more capital being put in stores (i.e.students buying more food, necessities, supplies). With the way things are going, taking into account the Coronavirus cases and overall situation it does seem as if schools will reopen in the fall, as the Governor hinted many times that he is “all for reopening schools.” The main goal of these politicians is to facilitate the economy, education, and other aspects of society to ensure that pre-pandemic circumstances are restored and recovered slowly but surely. What should be the main objective is to ensure that everyone is healthy and free from falling victim to COVID-19. How the schools will be reopened, that is yet to be confirmed. The solution that seems most likely is that there could be a mix of virtual and in-class learning with the ever-growing numbers. Releasing wild teenagers and equally, if not more, wild middle-schoolers may have detrimental effects on the case numbers of the virus but the priorities of the politicians are clear, to “restore society.” Regardless of the final decision, attendance numbers will most likely not be counted against someone so, I would like to leave everyone with saying that your health is the most important thing at this moment in time. Grades can come second, they relatively define short-term inconsistencies or successes (based on whatever you see your grades are). What does matter is maintaining your health now so in the years to come, we’ll be alive to talk about this with each other, our families and the future generations. Reach out if you have any questions or if you just want to chat, my email is [email protected]. Stay safe everyone!
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