2020—not the best year BY FAR. I could write a hundred books on what happened, but I choose to look for hope and what the future holds. Governor Jay Inslee has finally permitted my high school, and many othe r schools in Washington to begin hybrid-learning. My school, Kennedy Catholic, begins hybrid-learning on January 25th, 2021, which is the beginning of 2nd semester. Since last spring, I have been doing fully online school, and the lack of physical interaction with others is the most difficult part. I am a very sociable, outgoing individual, and online school does not help with that. This year, I am a senior, and I am SO EXCITED for hybrid-learning.

Last spring, online learning was so sudden to the teachers and students, so it was less organized. I took my AP test online, and SATs and ACTs were all cancelled. Fast forward to senior year and “whooh” it was way different than last spring. Zoom classes this year begin at the normal school time, 8:00 am, and there’s an established schedule for all my classes. I like how it forced me to create a routine, similar to waking up for in-person school. Since the beginning of this school year, teachers have told us students that we are planning to go back into in-person school, so I’ve been waiting for this moment.

I feel bad for students, but also for the teachers. It’s really difficult for students to focus online, and their mental health is plummeting. On the other hand, teachers work hard and had to change their teaching style to all online, which feels burdensome. Both sides are suffering in their own ways, and they both want students to be on campus. Many schools in America, even some schools in Washington, have been doing in-person learning since the beginning of the school year. Now is the time for my high school to join the club and be hybrid!

For student-athletes, sports are an outlet for them. Currently, the plan for my school is they are going ahead with sports and allowing us to play when the time comes. At this moment, my school’s football team and cross country teams are practicing. Hopefully, our girls’ soccer team will practice soon, and our season will start. The girls’ soccer team has had 2 practices so far, but we had to wear masks the whole time, and social distance. I can’t wait for the day our practices start and then it’s time for our season to begin! 

It’s my senior year, and I’m hoping for some normal in this second semester of school. I CAN’T WAIT to get back to the lively feeling of seeing others on campus, talking to people, and finally playing high school soccer. I have a feeling it’s going to be okay, and I hope it all works out. Hope is something we all could hold onto during these tough times. The fact that I can look forward to something, and it’s actually happening, and not being taken away from me, makes me ecstatic. Hybrid-learning--YAY!!!

I’m as happy for Hybrid-learning as I am in this photo!