We invite Trib readers to share stories about their lives during coronavirus. Write to Director of Content John Allison at jallison@triblive.com. Please include your full name, neighborhood and phone number. Send photos, too, of what you are doing and seeing.

Here’s a story from Jenna Parker of McCandless Township, a fifth-grader at Peebles Elementary:

When the coronavirus started making its rounds, I wasn’t sure what was happening. I was confused, scared and frustrated. Activities that I was excited to participate in, sporting events I was excited to watch, and celebrations of contests I had won were being canceled. All my thoughts were along the lines of “Come on, people!” “It’s not that bad!” and “Stop panicking, nothing’s going to happen!” I was so frustrated everything was canceled and overwhelmed by the daily changes. But then something happened that changed my feelings.

Friday, March 13, my science class ended earlier than usual for a special announcement. Just as I got back to homeroom, the intercom screeched on. Everyone in my class glanced around at each other. I could tell we were all thinking the same thing. Were they going to close school? Our principal talked for a couple minutes about washing our hands and then came the news. No school for the next 10 days! I was thrilled. Our teachers announced that we would start learning at home at some point. Later in the week an announcement came out that remote learning would start Monday, March 23. As I started to think more about it, I realized I had really underestimated the virus. It was closing schools. How much worse could it get?

I found my answers at the World Health Organization web page. I learned about how coronavirus is spread, where it originated from, and who is at high risk for getting it. One of those things opened my eyes to how important it is for me to stay healthy.

I have two younger brothers, ages 7 and 9. My 9-year-old brother has an asthma condition that makes him at risk for covid-19. My mom also has an asthma condition, but unlike my brother, has ulcerative colitis and takes medicine for her intestines. That means she is in a high-risk group. If I, my 7-year-old brother, or my dad get coronavirus and spread it to my mom or other brother, they could die from it.

My week has been anything but normal. I didn’t wake up and go to church Sunday morning or sprint out to catch the bus to school Monday. But I am still finding ways to spend my glorious school free time.

My parents set up a schedule for us that includes school time, instrument practice (I play viola, piano and ukulele) and outdoor play time. We’re all learning how to type, and we have also taken a couple virtual field trips in the past couple days. I have baked treats for my brothers as well.

But by far my favorite quarantine activity is mountain biking.

My Uncle T.J. bought my brothers and me new mountain bikes last year, and my family loves biking together. We have a lot of fun soaring down trails at North Park. On the rainy days we’re playing a lot of board games. I also chat with my friends on Google Meet. It is sometimes almost just like school. But I still can’t ignore what is going on around me.

I don’t know when I’ll go back to school — if it’s next month or next year. All I know is that the coronavirus is affecting everyone, even children. This is an important time in American history, and as a fifth-grader, it’s frightening to be a part of it.

But I’m not about to just sit back and let all the adults do the talking. Kids are involved in this too. And I’m writing this on behalf of all of them.

And one thing is certain, covid-19 is affecting everyone.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)