This is The Mav’s third editorial, a piece written on behalf of the publication’s editors about an issue they feel is important and have an agreed-upon stance. We chose this editorial topic because we, as editors, believe that the voice of students needs to be heard about the effect COVID-19 has had on them and the impact it has had on their lives. These articles are meant to persuade readers and to promote critical thinking and sometimes encourage people to take action.

COVID-19 has shut down schools and other facilities around the country. Although some people might think “Oh, you get an extra week of spring break and you get to do school online… Lucky you!” most students, and especially seniors, are not feeling grateful at all. In fact, COVID-19 seems to be doing nothing but bringing on more anxiety than can be imagined. 

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can be mild and dealt with at home or severe and can require hospitalization or even result in death. The latest list of symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath and can appear from about 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. 

“The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales… Other people can catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick,” says the World Health Organziation. Although social distancing is not an easy thing to follow, it could help stop or slow the spread of COVID-19. 

According to the CDC, scientists do “not know the exact source of this virus. Public health officials and partners are working hard to identify the source of COVID-19. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person.” With that said, scientists don’t have any evidence to believe that pets are the source of COVID-19 or can spread COVID-19. 

Because of this pandemic, schools are closed and students are to remain home. Although the other grades may see this as an enjoyable, extended break from school, seniors are missing out on the last semester of their high school experience. Everything is being canceled: their last sports events (maybe ever), concerts, school trips, musical rehearsals, class parties, and more. Because of all of these cancellations, no event feels secure. Even things like prom and the spring musical feel up in the air. Seniors are missing out on all their lasts, but also missing out on time with their friends, teachers and administrators, people that they may not see after graduation. Missing these things is distressing and feels out of everyone’s control. 

With all of this being said, what is in your control is what you do with the time you’re given. As hard as it may be, the Mav Editorial Board challenges you to not look at this time as stolen, but as a gift. Look at this as a blessing in disguise to spend extra time with your family. Especially for seniors who may be moving away for college, this is an opportunity for you to spend more time with your loved ones before you move on to the next part of your life. This would also be a good time to reach out to friends who are also struggling and friends you haven’t talked to in a while. Although you may not be able to be with them in person, you can call, FaceTime, or text with them. 

To the seniors who are struggling with this year being put on hold: you don’t have to cancel your relationships, your compassion, or your goals for the future. Spend time with loved ones and try to focus on what you can control. That’s not to say that this situation isn’t hard and that your feelings aren’t valid in these unknown times. Keep persevering through this difficult time, Mavs.