With the recent coronavirus sending students across the globe packing for home, many are finding that social isolation and online learning strain their mental health.

Holy Cross closed all campus activities until April 16, but as of March 25, Maryland governor Larry Hogan has decided to close all Maryland public schools until at least April 24 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Junior Mackenzie Peacock misses friends and interacting with people outside of her house.

“So much time at home is difficult because I am such a social butterfly,” shared Peacock. “I miss my friends like crazy and I wish I could just see them,”

Charlotte Whittier feels the intensity of the high-stress situation the world is experiencing, as well as the loss of many experiences and opportunities in school.

“I definitely feel anxious about it all, I mean it’s really scary wondering if someone around you is sick, or if you’re sick and you just don’t know it. I worry for me and my family and others who might be at risk,” shared Whittier.

School Counselor Amy Stowe acknowledged the stress that comes with the current global situation, particularly on students.

“The important thing to remember is that all our feelings are okay – none of us have ever lived through a time like this before and we are all trying to make sense of it,” shared Stowe. “Being worried or anxious about the unknown makes sense, but it is also important to remember that there are really brilliant people who are working to help us all get through this.”

Stowe urges students to remain hopeful and focus on school work and the things they can control in such an uncertain time.

“We don’t control the course of the virus, but we can control how we respond to it,” advised Stowe.

Leaders across the globe have urged people to stay home in self-quarantine, leave the house only when absolutely necessary, maintain as little contact as possible with others, and practice healthy habits such as regularly washing one’s hands and avoiding touching one’s face. To prevent further spread of COVID-19, leaders stress that it is essential to stay home.

However, a silver lining is that, being out of school and stuck in the home, there is added free time for students and workers alike.

“It’s nice to have [time] at home because junior year has been so crazy that I was barely home at all,” Peacock described. “I occupy my time with my phone, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Netflix, online shopping, eating, napping, and occasional walking.”

Yet, most of all, LOTAs are missing their friends and school life.

“I also just miss school more than I ever thought I would. It’s hard being away from my friends, not getting to see them or go out, but I also know it’s for the best in the end,” said Whittier.