In December 2019 there was an outbreak of a virus that would come to be known as Covid-19 in Wuhan City, China, leaving thousands of people dead. Later, in early March of 2020, every corner of the globe was infected with this silent, but deadly foe. Soon after, the USA went from the least affected nation to the most, shocking millions of Americans.  

   “When I first heard of Covid-19 I wasn’t worried because it was all the way in China, I, like everyone, expected it to eventually reach us,” stated junior Kyara Bermudez. “I never would’ve imagined it would hit the United States as intensely as it did.” 

Was your mindset affected? 

   Maintaining a healthy mindset through this pandemic is one of the most important and hardest things Miami High students have had to deal with. An anonymous male freshman said, “My mental health was at the worst it could possibly be. I felt trapped with no one to turn too, it was one of the toughest things I had to overcome.”  

   Sophomore Natalie Hernandez added, “I don’t like to admit it, but on most days, I found myself crying for no reason. It felt like there was this constant weight on my chest, and my anxiety was over the roof.” 

How did you try to keep your mindset healthy? 

   Overcoming the dark phases that life throws at you is no easy task, especially when everywhere you look there’s a new report of death after death due to Covid-19. “When I felt myself becoming anxious, I would read, draw, talk to my friends, spend some time with family members,” said George Fernandez, a sophomore, “basically anything to get my mind off of what was going on outside in the world.”  

   Junior Shemarie Ferguson added, “I attempted to keep my mindset healthy by trying to focus on the positive things in my life. Make your mental health a priority.” 

What are you most excited about after quarantine? 

   Many, if not all, of us have been anxiously awaiting the news that quarantine is officially over. Whether it was to go out with friends, see your boyfriend or girlfriend, or just be able to go outside without a mask on. “I’m really excited to be able to travel again. I miss all my friends and boyfriend in Cuba,” said an anonymous female sophomore.  

    For freshman Monica Smith, it was to be able see her best friends and being able to go out with her family again.   

What’s something you’ve learned throughout this experience?  

   Whether we liked it or not, this pandemic has taught everyone something. “Tell the people you love, you love them because you don’t know when it’ll be the last time you see them,” said Andrew Wilson, a sophomore.  

    Junior Jam Torres said, “I learned not to take things for granted, because you’ll never be sure when those things are lost. Also, that you don’t have to go through things alone.”  

Tips to maintain a healthy mindset 

1. Talk about your feelings 

2. Keep active 

3. Eat well 

4. Drink sensibly 

5. Keep in touch

6. Ask for help 

7. Take a break 

8. Do something you’re good at 

9. Accept who you are 

10. Care for others