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OPINION: Transitioning to back to school in Squamish

The transition from summer break to heading back to school has been a challenge. For some, it was a chance to reconnect with friends, but for others, it was a giant leap of faith.
Don Ross Middle School
Don Ross Middle School.

The transition from summer break to heading back to school has been a challenge. For some, it was a chance to reconnect with friends, but for others, it was a giant leap of faith.

With school starting amidst the pandemic, it has been confusing and tough for many of us to adapt to the changing environment. Don Ross Middle School has had to make changes to its COVID-19 plan, causing some students to panic. It has not been easy for youth in Squamish, and around the world, in times like these.

Aside from affecting youth both emotionally and mentally, COVID-19 has put the brakes on most extra-curricular activities, along with banning all large gatherings. On top of that, a flood of smoke rushed in from the fires on the west coast of the U.S., forcing us to stay inside. Despite all of this, we have still managed to persevere.

Thanks to the community around us, we have been supported through our struggles. Our teachers, classmates and parents have helped us through our changing routines. Though the COVID-19 school environment has shifted dramatically, staff have been working hard to help us to further understand the new guidelines and rules as we do our best to approach this “new normal” with a positive mindset. And of course, we have our peers — our friends and classmates — who we can rely on to support us in tough times, and help us get from point A to point B with little or no struggle. But, it would be hard, maybe impossible, to imagine what we would be doing if it weren’t for our teachers. Our teachers have raised the bar. They have guided us through “school” in a pandemic. They have supplied parents with tips and information to help them better understand what is happening in school.

The smoke, on the other hand, affected our air quality. It definitely affected us, but yet again, we managed to carry on. While it may have agitated some, most of us have already gotten used to staying inside, a practice we have had to adjust to while isolating during the final stretch of the last school year. Luckily, we now know better how to just go with the flow.

Youth are resilient. We can handle what has been thrown at us. It may be difficult, but in the end, we can get through it. With credit to the community around us, we can turn the worst into the best and that is what matters the most.

Grant Boguski, 13, is a student at Don Ross Middle School.

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