It’s no secret that many kids say that they don’t like going to school, even though it’s necessary. Students often complain about having to get up early or how much homework they have to do. Now that the Stay at Home Order has halted person-to-person schooling, I’ve discovered that I appreciate school more than previously thought. 

When Michigan first announced the closing of all public schools, I was ecstatic that school was canceled until further notice. I was getting a lot more sleep which improved my mood and mental health. I had more time to do fun things like watch TV and draw instead of doing homework. I was able to spend a lot more time with my family. The Stay at Home Order created for me a much needed break, and it was amazing to be able to take a breather from school and relax. 

Despite my new free time, it didn’t take long to miss the daily routine of getting up and going to school. I started talking to my friends online a lot more than usual, orchestrating voice-chat rooms just to hear their voices again. I also miss my teachers, despite not caring for some of the subjects they taught.  I realize that even though school wasn’t the greatest thing to have to do every day, it gave me the ability to interact with people outside my family unit, something that is very hard to do now that we’re under a shelter in place warning. I love my family, but I don’t want to hang out with only them for an extended period of time.

Being isolated in my home has helped me realize I like school a lot more than I thought. I enjoy getting a hug from my friends every day, even if I had to wake up at 5:00 a.m. for it. I like greeting my teachers through the day and having little conversations before class starts. I love playing Dungeons and Dragons and chess after school with my fellow nerds. I even like the school lunches most of the time. Now that online school has been established, I’m finding it a lot harder to stay focused and attentive because I’m not in the traditional classroom setting. I’m at home, a place I’ve associated with relaxation and comfort, which makes it that much harder to try and get back into the learning mindset. 

I still enjoy being able to get the sleep I need, but it’s starting to be outweighed by the need to socialize with other people. I look forward to when this is all over, when I can go to my friends’ houses whenever I want and do homework with them. 

I recognize the need to be kept at home, but it’s starting to wear on me. I can’t wait to go back to school with people that I can hug and talk to in person. 

Please wash your hands regularly and stay home if possible. This Stay at Home Order will be over faster if we all put forth an effort to stay safe and healthy, and then we will be able to go out into the world with others again.