painting new obstacles

By Kayla P

Covid-19 left a negative mark on some individuals. It made people sick, lose their jobs, start distance learning, etc. However, for Yerba Buena freshman David Monroy, returning at the beginning of his 8th grade year during the pandemic led him to having some support and confidence preparing him for the new start by the end of the year.

At first, he felt afraid, nervous, and anxious. But by the end of the year, he realized who’s been there for him for his tough years and what’s been there to support him.

When the pandemic first started, 6th grader Monroy, like every other kid in school, didn’t expect for their two week break to become two years.

Monroy said, “At first, I was actually happy, not happy that the world was in danger but happy that I didn’t have to go to school for like, the first two weeks. And then I realized we have to go to social distance learning and I did not like that because I don’t like school but I know we have to go.“

During quarantine, he spent some quality time with his dog, Flash. Flash has been by his side since the age of nine. Ever since, Monroy always had someone by his side no matter what. He mentioned how his dog brings joy and excitement to him whenever he gets home from school or when he wakes up with his dog right next to him. A great start in the morning.

Another thing that kept him busy and entertained was art. He had a passion for art, a thing to look forward to doing everyday. He would prepare his paints and sketchbook for the day ahead of him. Sometimes he would even fall asleep to an unfinished sketch. Did anyone support him through the process though?

Monroy said, “It was mainly my parents. They knew I really enjoyed art at a really young age and I guess they told my other family members and they would, like, for Christmas or birthday gifts, they would get me, like, art supplies."

In life, you may need support for many obstacles in your time of growing. It may be a new job you’re applying for, or a presentation that you’ll be soon to present. For Monroy, it was his family who supported him throughout the pandemic.

He said, “I would say my parents and my aunt 'cause first off, my parents were like, more than anything, they paid more attention to me and my brother and I rather than themselves. Which, all I can really say is thank you because they put my life before theirs. So I would say I just think that was very selfless of them and my aunt, because since we really couldn’t get out the house 'cause we did get Covid so it was her, like weekly, who would bring us stuff that we might need.”

Starting the Covid-19 quarantine with the support of his family, the support that he needs continues when he goes to in person school. Part of Monroy was glad he was going back to school but the other part of him wasn’t.

He explained earlier how school wasn’t a joy to attend but was a must. A reason why he was glad he was returning back on campus was because the way in person teaching changes the reality of his learning experience. He continued on how he’s a visual learner, and how learning online wasn’t his favorite option. So, finally when the school year started, of course he was excited and nervous.

Throughout the year, he made some close friends that he still cherishes memories with till this day. With the support of his family and friends, he learnt that everything will take time. He thought he would be quarantined inside his home, bored with nothing and no one to be aside.

Like Monroy said, “Being patient with yourself is the key to success and happiness.”