As school begins, some students have not completely transitioned into the new “normal”. Due to COVID-19, schools offered students the option of attending virtual, hybrid, or on-campus learning. 

Due to social distancing and cases increasing, most students have chosen or moved to virtual learning. Some schools do not have masks as a requirement to enter the campus. 

“It’s very stressful. One, because I can’t see my family members. And I would like to go out to places,” Sophomore Arthur Rigual said. “I’d like to go out to eat ramen with my girlfriend, but we can’t risk our health. You can’t really do anything.” 

The United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) delivered a speech on September 25th relating to COVID-19 and the mental health of youth all over the world. Powerful nation leaders attend these assemblies every year and discuss ways to help children around the world live a better life. The UNICEF United Nations General Assembly included Nation Leaders such as President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, President Ram Nath Kovind, and Prime Minister Naredra Modi of India.  

“COVID-19 and the measures put in place to contain it has been challenging for children, adolescents, and young people,” Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Henrietta H. Fore stated on  September 25th,2020. “Schools closed, health services stretched, and canceling insight of social support being lost, isolation, and being cut off from friends. These are all having an impact on the mental health of young people.” 

Some students have mental illnesses like severe anxiety or depression, online-learning, and cancelations of different events can affect them greatly. Mostly, seniors are affected by memorable events like Prom or Grad-Bash due to COVID-19. Seniors no longer can make memories as the other students did before them. 

“It’s very difficult to stay positive during these times,” Senior Paolaris De Jesus says. “Being stuck at home, missing all the things a normal Senior does, really does affects me… Simple things like going to Prom or going to Grad-Bash really do mean a lot in the hearts of seniors. To miss all these memories because of COVID-19, really does suck.”