School has been hectic, that is something many students and staff here can agree on. The transition from online to in-person school has had a large effect on students and teachers alike. Many might argue about which method of schooling is better, but almost everyone agrees there are challenges with both.

One teacher, who wished to stay anonymous, has something to say in regards to the first change to online school back in September of last year. 

“Last year, we changed everything that we did…” they said, “We had an hour and a half of basic training, all things we could do, but we didn’t have enough time to teach how to do it.” 

They stressed the fact that the school often gave ideas for things they could do in their class and how overwhelming it was.

“So when I’m already struggling at this, just treading water, and [the school] wants me to learn that while I’m treading water, I’m gonna drown,”  they said.

To them, online school was “the worst experience I’ve had in [their] complete career”, so it’s safe to say that they’re glad about finally coming back in person again, even if it might not be the best right now. 

Junior student, Vidhi Kamat, has her own thoughts about coming back to school. 

“School’s been a little difficult because of junior year,” she said, “but getting back in person was really fun for me.”

While things have been generally good for her, her grades tell a different story.

“Academically, I’ve been seeing record lows in my grades…” she said, “I feel weirdly not motivated. I feel like that really is because of covid. The fact that I was not exactly putting in the most amount of work I could’ve been putting in last year and I’m seeing the results of that this year.”

However, some students have not been doing as well as others. Senior student Julie Anowi shares her experience. 

“Today I almost had a breakdown…” She said, “because right now I am getting ready for college and there’s so much stuff I have to do, and I am stressed out.” 

Megan Foster, an English teacher, had her thoughts about how the school could help out stressed and burned-out students. 

“I think that wellness Wednesdays need to come back,” she said. “ I think we need to rethink what a regular school day looks like.” 

Ms. Foster also expresses her concern about the pacing of the school curriculum. 

 “We need to slow down….” she says, “Troy is… overwhelming. We acknowledge it, but we don’t do anything about it.” 

Sydney Barosko, also a teacher here at Troy High, voices her opinion on why so many people tend to be stressed out during this time. 

“It’s been very stressful these past couple of weeks,” she said. “November is always really hard until you get to thanksgiving because all through September, October and November without any meaningful time off from school or breaks, it’s not enough.”  

But all in all when things get tough, sometimes it’s best to look for support from your peers and friends. 

“I still have my friends and we laugh during lunch and we have a good time,” Anowi said.  “ I’m just trying to hold on and they are always encouraging me like ‘oh you can do it and I’m trying to hold on… and praying to god.” 

Despite all the hardships going on, some people, including Anowi, are still trying to see the brighter side of things and sometimes it’s all you can do. It’s important to try to find a way to cope amidst the rise of tensions in Troy High. .