By Campion News –Loveland, Colorado …. Campion Academy is accepting the new normal with positivity and adaptability.
Students and staff have had to follow strict policies relating to COVID-19 and come up with new ways to interact in the classroom, the cafeteria, and other areas of campus life.
On top of that, Colorado’s unusual weather has been making national headlines with record-breaking heat, poor air quality, smoke from wildfires, and an early September snowstorm with record cold temperatures.
Students shared their reactions and thoughts on dealing with these challenging times.
On masks and social distancing:
“It’s nice that we can see one another again but I feel like since we were so used to being close, that masks and social distancing get in the way of the interaction we want. Overall, I hate it because I can’t see anyone’s expressions, and I can’t hear what they are saying, and I like interacting with people.” -Nelly Salinas, Campion senior
“I definitely didn’t think masks or social distancing would last over a month. Sometimes it’s inconvenient wearing a mask or social distancing because I want things to be “normal” or like they were before.” -Kendra Eickmann, Campion junior
On fires and smoke:
“The smoke is very annoying, because it postponed a lot of the activities I was looking forward to, and it was disappointing.” -Isaac Avila, Campion junior
“I’ve lived in Colorado all my life and I’ve never seen the smoke this bad. I wasn’t expecting to see ash actually falling from the sky along with it being hard to breathe outside.” -Ryan Bell, Campion senior
On September snow:
“With people mentioning the upcoming weather, I wasn’t surprised when it began to snow. However, I wasn’t expecting it in September. I’m not pleased and hope it goes away soon.” -Blet Htoo, Campion sophomore
“I wasn’t expecting it but it was a nice surprise. I enjoy the snow and think it looks nice, so I hope it stays for a while.” -Jared Sotelo, Campion sophomore
“I hate the snow. Summer is so much more fun and warmer; winter is just ugly and cold. I wasn’t expecting it this soon and I’m really disappointed. It’s so soggy and gross.” -Greg Lang, Campion sophomore
On keeping positive:
“Honestly, this year has been especially tough for me, and what has kept me positive is my friends. Whenever I was sad or discouraged, they were always there, reassuring me I could keep going. Also, I seriously could not have made it this far without God. He has been my stability through all of this, and He brought me back here where I can worship him more.” -Jynaya Wright, Campion senior
“This year has definitely been a rough one especially with COVID and the fires, but what’s been pushing me through is my friends from here and at home. Every time I was ever stressed or just feeling down, my friends were there to cheer me up and help me throughout my struggles. I’m glad that God has put people in my life to help me throughout all of this and I’m also glad that He gave us an opportunity to be here.” -Melody Mambo, Campion sophomore
“To be honest, it hasn’t gotten off to the best start and it really affected a lot of events negatively. One of the main things that keeps me positive is the fact that it has been only one month, and we still have a whole school year to go. God is the most important aspect that motivates me to keep going. A lot of times our plans don’t work out, but whatever God has planned for us is always perfect. It is best that we trust Him.” -Jayden A.
–Campion News; photos supplied
