Coming back to school can be pretty crazy, especially during a pandemic. Three different students voiced their thoughts on how they are dealing with the transition.

 Anna Guo ’22, Vietnam 

What are you doing in your spare time?

During the summer I took a psych course and did some school work such as writing essays and studying for the SATs! I was stuck in Maine for 5 months so there wasn’t much to do other than that. 

What are the challenges of these conditions? 

It was hard seeing my friends in Vietnam having so much fun because in Vietnam they have been able to keep COVID-19 under control. It was also difficult not being able to see my parents for six months! I was supposed to fly back home, but then the borders closed and they weren’t letting anyone come through. 

How has your situation impacted you?

When everything first started like Virtual Hill, it was fun and exciting, but then it quickly got boring. I’m an in-person learner, so with everything online it’s hard to keep track of. It was also too much screen time and not enough social interaction. 

 What are you looking forward to?

I can’t wait to go back to the normal things like going to the mall, having fun, hugging people, seeing my friends and family from home, living life normally.

What do you miss?

I miss my parents and my friends back at home. I also miss the traditions and fun times we had here at Hill.  

What did quarantine make you realize? 

Not to take things for granted and being grateful for what you have, because you never know when it could be taken. I also gained such gratitude to friends and family friends. I stayed with a family friend for a few months then I quarantined with a day student before coming to Hill, and I’m so thankful for them.

Callie Connelly ’22, Elverson PA

What are you doing in your spare time?

I spend a lot of time riding my horses, playing tennis, going on walks, and, now because school has started, schoolwork. 

What are the challenges of these conditions?

I recently got my driver’s license, and I was really excited to use it this summer and hang out with my friends, but, because of COVID-19, we couldn’t. 

 How has your situation impacted you?

Although my situation isn’t as bad as some other people, it definitely did impact us all differently. It taught us all a lot and being thankful for what we already have. 

What are you looking forward to? 

I am looking forward to going back to school normally and having a normal senior year.

What do you miss?

I miss some of The Hill traditions and my friends. You feel like you’re missing out on a big part of your life and not having the normal high school experience. 

What did quarantine make you realize? 

To be more aware of the things you take for granted and realize how good you do have things. 

Noah Macielag ’23, Rock Hall MD

 What are you doing in your spare time? 

I have been spending more time with my family and friends! I have spent a ton of time fishing and sailing down in Rock Hall and sometimes practicing sports! 

What are the challenges of these conditions? 

School definitely isn’t as fun as it used to be; masks limit my ability to get better in strength and conditioning. I also spent so much time with my family that I started to get annoyed haha! 

How has your situation impacted?

In Rock Hall, there are only 13 confirmed cases and the rules aren’t as strict there, so coming to Hill where it’s super strict is a little difficult to change to.  

What are you looking forward to?

I can’t wait to be able to travel again and ditch the mask system. I want to be able to go to concerts, gatherings, movie theaters and ceremonies! 

What do you miss? 

I miss the freedom we used to have at Hill and being able to go to stores normally. 

What did quarantine make you realize?

It made me realize I really enjoyed listening to music, which then influenced me to practice playing the drums, which I really started to love. It’s definitely a new passion I have.