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As an end-of-year assignment, I asked my students to answer this prompt: “Who or what made you feel valued this school year? Who or what did NOT make you feel valued?” I told them to frame it in light of coming back to in-person instruction.
Here is a sampling of their responses, used with permission.
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Coenia Sanchez, 17
Only experiencing six months of ninth grade and then going straight into quarantine for basically two years was really something. The thought alone of doing school in person felt strange and unfamiliar. Having to go back in September 2021 was a bit nerve-racking but I looked forward to it. I always preferred in person education anyway. Online schooling wasn’t the best for me; I didn’t have any motivation to do work, I was slacking, and to be honest, it was the worst I’ve ever done in school before, so the change was something refreshing for sure. Of course, there was some doubt about going back due to anxiety and feeling unsure about meeting people, but I made myself get over that feeling.
Marquis Myers, 17
My teachers are all so hardworking and just make my heart melt. I love when they get excited when they see me. They make me feel like I belong in school. Just typing about this makes me teary eyed. Without them I don’t know if I would have made it through the school year. There are also two lunch ladies that I love very much; I am so upset that I don’t know their names, but I am always happy to see them, and they are always happy to see me.
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Lalia Raly, 17
Virtual school was tough and hard. I couldn’t focus in class while I was at home. It was just so hard because a lot of things happen at home. Sometimes my mum will need help with cooking or other things. And the worst part is when you wake up in the morning, you will feel lazy and you just grab the computer, log in and go back to sleep.
The teachers also gave a lot of homework. But I never gave up.
Kam Woodley, 18
This year’s school experience was better than when we were in virtual. I would say that it was better because I couldn’t really get used to online learning. This year I learned a lot more being in person. It’s more helpful and more hands-on. I feel like in person the teachers actually care and help more. During virtual, I would ask for help and my teachers would just give me the basic information, but in person, they go in full depth and actually help you out. This year has been way better actually going to school with friends rather than just sitting in the house staring at a computer screen all day. My internet was bad so sometimes I couldn’t join the Zoom calls.
This year the mask mandate was both annoying and very helpful. It was annoying because the mask hurt your face and made it very sweaty. The benefits of the mask were keeping everyone safe and not catching COVID. Next year, I hope that we stay in person and we stay mask free. Hopefully nobody gets sick and gets COVID so we don’t have a reason to wear masks again.
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Evyn Romero Infante, 16
Coming back to a crowded school after a year of fully virtual school had me very concerned about my health and COVID. But it was a big relief to see everyone with masks, and staff making sure everyone had their mask on. Every week everyone went to get COVID testing; the procedure was quick and easy and it mitigated any stress I had about catching the virus. It felt very welcoming to walk into a school that clearly valued the health of the students, both mentally and physically.
Kerry Graham teaches high school English for Baltimore City Public Schools and is a Creative in Residence for The Baltimore Banner.
Read more: Long hours, no respect: one teacher’s cry for help
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Kerry Graham is part of The Baltimore Banner's Creatives in Residence program, which amplifies the work of artists and writers from the Baltimore region.
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