[JSR] Editors Column - An Unordinary Summer

Going to the park and spending time with friends, as shown here, is not as easy as it was before the pandemic. [Source: Author, Esther Jung]

Many people have started going hiking and camping lately, since these types of activities are starting to become more accessible. [Source: Author, Esther Jung]

This year is definitely going down in history. There have been so many crazy events in the span of only a few months, and now that summer is here, some people are feeling more down than usual. But how are people going to enjoy their summer to their fullest during this time of self isolation?

Esther Jung Grover Cleveland Charter High school

There are so many different ways in which people usually spend their time during the summer. Some go traveling to meet family in other states or countries, while others stay at home and spend their time with people close to them. Going to the beach, having picnics, and going on vacation are the basics of our ideal summer vacation. But now, during the summer of 2020, with the Covid-19 outbreak, the situation is the complete opposite. Many of these popular plans for summer break have been prevented by the government or are just illogical for the time being. Going to different countries or going to other public areas can be dangerous, and meeting up with friends can be hard, since some people have pre-existing medical conditions and parents may be skeptical of their children leaving the house. In a way, it is the biggest nightmare in summer break history.

Summer vacation is currently totally different than how it usually is. But why is it important to continue to follow the rules of social distancing and wearing masks, no matter how bad we want to live up our time? Firstly, the pandemic will not get any better as time goes on if we continue to live life as we knew it. Many are starting to feel more at ease with going outside since it has been approximately 4 months since states and public areas in the U.S. have been on lockdown. Since summer holidays are coming up, and police brutality and human rights protests have been happening around the country, although for a good cause, coronavirus cases have spiked.

So, how are we going to survive this dreadful vacation?! Here is what some teenagers have suggested: if you miss your friends or cannot meet relatives in other areas of the world, host a themed zoom party with friends or family (prom, beach, costumed) and chat. If you miss the gym, buy exercise equipment, or make some with household items. If there is absolutely nothing at home that you find entertaining, find a new hobby like painting or playing an instrument! Inspiration can easily come from apps like Youtube or Pinterest, since there are many creative DIYs and activities that people are posting all the time. Maybe this summer will be the most memorable summer of your lifetime. One thing we all have to remember, it is what we make it to be. So stay home, stay safe, and live it up!