Student Voices in Remote Learning: Jazmin's Story

This pandemic started around January in the U.S., but it wasn’t until March. We began the shelter in place order ,and I had my last day in class on March 16th. I couldn’t believe this was happening! At first, we didn’t know when we’d return to class. I wasn’t too worried at first, because I thought I’d see my teacher and friends later on in the school year. My 6th grade teacher, Ms. Paz; however, was extremely prepared. She told us to pack almost all our books and gave us packets to work on during this supposedly short time to clean the schools. I said bye to my teacher and friends thinking I’d see them soon.

I was partially wrong. A bit after that, It was announced that we wouldn’t be going back to class this year. I was shocked and confused. I wouldn’t see my friends or teacher and I wouldn’t learn anything new. I was actually emailing my best friend Jaky at the time and she seemed confused. I was a little happy though. Sometimes, I didn’t feel like going to class. I don’t really like being with a lot of people and prefer to be alone.

My teacher began to email the class that we’d have group chats online. When I first heard this, I was extremely joyful! I even dressed nice that day which was a shame because I didn’t even go on camera. I even saw my friends and was so happy since I missed them already. I began to wonder if they missed me. Lots of questions came to me. How are they holding up? Have they done their homework? How do they begin each day? I guess I’m really lonely from this whole thing. I haven’t turned in my packets yet since our printer sort of stops working from time to time. I hope I can turn those in soon. Another thing I ask myself is, why did it have to be 2020?! Why not 2019?! I really liked this class and feel like this is the best class I’ve been a part of. I really miss my teacher since she’s really nice and smart. I’m really glad I still see them, even if it’s during a google meets.

Something good that came out of this was that I was able to spend more time with my family. I learned to bake, sew, and partially write with my left hand. I’m still working on that one. I’ve seen my niece more and was able to draw with her much more now. Apparently, she’s into anime art. I tried to draw that with her but it didn’t end up the best. That’s what I think at least.

You would not believe how much video games I’ve played! Since Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out on March 20th, I’ve played around 50 hours! That’s nothing compared to my sister’s. She has around 150 already. I hear them playing more Animal Crossing as I type this! I also got The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild around 3 weeks ago and already have 100 hous+. I really don’t know how that happened. I play a lot while still doing my homework so it’s okay.

I actually haven’t gone out of my house area since the last day of school. I don’t touch my face and my parents always sanitize everything they buy. I still exercise and spend plenty of time outside with my family. My sisters even said that they would make mini plans for me after their exams! They planned every subject and included physics for me to learn. We’ve sort of already planned what my mini classes would be and I really like the idea!

I watch the news a lot. I’ve seen the progression of the number of cases as they rise everyday. I really hope that everyone is doing alright. Something else I want to say is, thank you. Thank you Ms. Paz for everything in this school year. I’m really glad that you give online classes because you're pretty funny and it’s nice to see you. I hope you're having a wonderful time and staying safe.

Pictured above Jazmin Gamez (Photo by Doris Gamez)