“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” - Maya Angelou

7th Grade English teacher Sydney Clarke asked students to reflect: Everything has changed recently, for you, for your family, for your friends, for your community, and for the world. Your assignment is to reflect on this change.

Here are some of their responses:

During these times in which I often feel like COVID-19 is shutting down our world, I have found myself experiencing many different strong emotions. The most prevalent of all the emotions I have felt throughout this time is gratefulness. The COVID-19 pandemic has made me realize how much myself and many others take small “everyday” activities for granted. I’m grateful for being able to text a friend and hangout only minutes later. I’ve become much more grateful for the nature that surrounds me each day. And most surprising to myself I have even become very grateful for and have started to miss, simply walking through the school doors and greeting my friends on a cool spring day.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is truly devastating I think everyone can and will learn something from this experience. I have already learned to be grateful for the small things in life. I've also learned that no matter how hard life gets there will always be a bright side to things, you might just have to find it. I think as a society we can learn from this experience as well to realize that we are stronger together and we must do our best to be there for each other and provide support in tough times like these. Last but certainly not least, in all of the chaos I’ve learned just how far a smile goes. 

Change

I see change in how my mom rarely goes out

In the way my dad stays home from jobs

I see change when I can’t be with my friends

In the way my best friends are now my cats

I see change in how less cars drive by 

In the new found quietness of my street

I see change in interactions with neighbors 

In the way we make small talk as a chance to connect 

I see change in stores’ now empty shelves 

In our stocked up fridge full of all kinds of food

I see change in the way I distance myself from others

In the way everyone looks nervous when you come close

I see change in the stressful worries crowding my brain 

In the tension I can’t seem to let go of

I see change in how I constantly feel dreary 

In the way there is nothing to get excited about

I see change in the sadness that fills me

In the grief of this pandemic surrounding me 

I see change in my newly found hope 

In the way China is recovering 

I see change in my new distractions

In trying to forget this is happening

I see change in the blossoms blooming

In the new season bringing the unknown

Part of the quote says “if you can't change it, change your attitude.” I have been told my entire life to have a good attitude. It can be hard to just change your attitude when you feel sad or angry. I don't like the Corona Virus at all and if I could cast a spell and have it disappear I would immediately. Sadly, I can't do that, so look at the positive aspects of your situation. I could complain for hours about Corona but that would just make me more angry. l look at the positive things Corona has brought me. For example, I get to spend time with my family, I get to bake crazy things because I have the time. For me the littlest things can change my attitude and the best thing I can do is look at a different perspective and change my mind set.