What are People Doing Over Summer Break?
You’ve probably heard this many times in the past, but during the last two years, starting from 2020, to now (2022), the coronavirus has spread worldwide and become a horrific pandemic. As a result, borders around the world have closed, families have been torn apart, and mandates/regulations have been set—in short, our ‘normal’ life has been altered into a world that now functions mainly digitally. I bet we all remember when school was turned online (in 2020, and around January–February this year), and classes were held online on Google meets. Schoolwork didn’t change a lot, but our communication system did. No longer did we get to see our classmates and our teachers face-to-face. Instead, it was face-to-face through a screen.
This change is quite a controversial topic; I’ve heard from some of my classmates that they disliked it (myself included), and from others that they really enjoyed it. Nevertheless, I think we can all agree the pandemic and its consequences have affected us in numerous, drastic ways.
So, to the part we are all looking forward to: SUMMER BREAK! I can’t express my excitement for the two-month holiday, as it is the first time in two years of isolation that mandates will be lifted—to a point where our old normal life could be given back to us. We’ll finally be able to travel freely to see our relatives, and to some places with loose COVID mandates (such as not having to take PCR tests to go to the U.S. anymore!). In response to humans slowly being able to coexist with the virus, let’s hear what some of our teachers and students have to say about summer break, their plans, and more!
Ms. Maya
What do you think of having summer break with COVID-19?
I think everyone is feeling relieved that they can travel, and they’re getting ready to go home, and I think that is great.
Are you going anywhere exciting?
My family and I are going home, so that’s exciting. India is exciting because there is a range of food choices, from street food to a variety of international cuisines. Plus, we will meet our families.
Any final thoughts about summer break?
I think I am lucky to be a teacher and have these 2 months off, so I plan to just relax.
Mr. Russell
What do you think of having summer break with COVID-19?
I’m going to travel back to the UK for the first time since COVID started, so I think the situation has improved. However, it is still a bit scary, because it is my first time traveling abroad since the outspread of the coronavirus, and in the UK, no one wears masks anymore.
Are you going anywhere exciting?
Yes, I am going back to England, where I will get to see my mum, brothers, sisters, relatives, and their children and friends. I will also be going to other places in the UK.
Any final thoughts about summer break?
I am looking forward to getting out of Japan’s humid weather, and I really hope that the weather in the UK is good!
Julianna (G8)
What do you think of having summer break with COVID-19?
Since my family and I travel a lot, it is less hectic and tiring with the COVID-19 as we don’t go out of the country as much. I do want to go back to my hometown and catch up with family and friends.
Are you going anywhere exciting?
I am going around Japan, specifically Hokkaido, Fukuoka, and Nagasaki. I want to try the infamous Hokkaido ice-creams and am looking forward to Summer in Japan in general (as it is my first time).
Any final thoughts about summer break?
I’m really looking forward to having no school although there is probably going to be some forced studying involved.
Wataru (G8)
What do you think of having summer break with COVID-19?
This time around, we have gotten used to this, as this is our second summer with COVID. I just got my third COVID vaccine a couple of weeks ago, so I think I would go out more than I would usually without them—but then I usually don’t go out; I’m more of a gamer and reader. As I mentioned, I got the vaccine, so I am probably going to go to the waterpark with my father a few times over the summer.
Are you going anywhere exciting?
To be honest, I don’t think I will be doing anything super exciting over the summer. However, I will work on making a YouTube channel, and I think it will help me work on my editing and commentary skills.
Any final thoughts about summer break?
Please watch my YouTube channel I need views (The channel name is TBD).
So those are the plans that some of our teachers and students have to say about this summer break! Have a fun break!
