DUE TO ILLNESS THERE ARE NO SESSIONS AVAILABLE AT PRESENT TIME, SORRY :(
DUE TO ILLNESS THERE ARE NO SESSIONS AVAILABLE AT PRESENT TIME, SORRY :(
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This page contains a collection of articles written by my students during online workshops I conducted as the world was locking down in early 2020.
I knew that my students would be worried and lost during this time, so I wanted to provide a forum where they could connect with me, with friends, and create a safe zone for discussion about what was going on, and how it impacted their lives.
For 10 weeks, I held 2-hour sessions, discussing a new topic about what was happening, and giving them writing tasks for homework. I promised them that I would keep these essays up on my site for them to view when they got older, to remind themselves about this once-in-a-century event that they witnessed firsthand.
These articles are a testament to the resilience and creativity of my students. They wrote about their fears, their hopes, and their dreams for the future. They wrote about the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. They wrote about the lessons they learned, and how they will grow from this experience.
I am so proud of my students for all that they have accomplished. I hope that these articles will inspire others to share their own stories, and to come together as a community to support each other during difficult times we face together.
If you are a student who participated in my workshops, I encourage you to come back to this website often to read your articles and to reflect on your experience. If you are a visitor to this site, I hope that you will enjoy reading these articles and that they will give you a glimpse into the lives of young people during this unprecedented time.
💕Debra
by Flora, 14, Footscray, Australia
With the rapid progression of technology, society is constantly changing. It seems as if days are over in a blink of an eye, and things are always continuously moving. However, with the current COVID 19, everything has stopped, and for the first time in decades our world has paused.
From the perspective of someone who was born during the 2000s, my generation have never experienced anything quite like COVID 19. Our world has never slowed down, and we always had liberty in moving around and connecting with others. This global pandemic is offering something that many my age have never experienced. Isolation. Not just physical isolation, but also psychological isolation. Although we have the complete freedom to text our friends, not being able to see their faces, nor interact with them makes us feel remote and alone.
Along with this new feeling of isolation, for the first time our liberties are being questioned. For the first time, going to the supermarket with your family is illegal. For the first time, attending a birthday party is forbidden. For the first time, talking to a stranger was shamed upon. Despite this, in the mist of Corona, we come to one definite conclusion. Our world will never be the same again. People will prejudice the Chinese, and practically any Asian race, even more than they use to. The blame game for who is responsible will continue to be open for debate.
However, schools will be more open towards distance and online learning; the government will invest more money towards the health and research fund, and corporate brands will be more flexible with workers working from home.
After we overcome this pandemic, the scars that it leaves behind will serve as a reminder to what we have been through, and it is crucial that we learn from our mistakes and move on to a brighter, happier and more peaceful world.
by Aakriti, Melbourne
Why I would not offer to participate in coronavirus vaccine trials
Would I offer to participate in a vaccine trial?
In a word, no. I would not volunteer to take part in the vaccine trials for COVID19.
Vaccines are developed to prevent infection from a deadly virus. Sometimes, however, vaccine trials can expose us to more severe danger than the deadly virus itself.
Various human vaccine trials are notorious for their side effects. After a phase 1 clinical trial in France, one person became brain - dead, and five more were hospitalised. At least three of the patients suffered irreversible brain damage. All of these victims were previously healthy.
The first clinical trials of Theralizumab caused catastrophic systemic organ failures in the trial subjects. Six volunteers were hospitalised, and four suffered from multiple organ dysfunction.
Who’s going to guarantee there won’t be a similar outcome with the COVID19 trials?
Who will take liability if something goes wrong?
Exactly. No one will.
by Aakriti, Melbourne
“Dear Aakriti,
Well. What do I say?
This is undeniably a hard phase in your life. Your dance competition was cancelled, so was your holiday, you’re missing your friends, you can’t go out for dinner or for shopping... everything’s been postponed and whatnot. I can’t say much other than you should get used to it, I guess. But let's also see the positives as well hm?
You get to sleep in everyday! You can sit in your pyjamas all day! You can spend more time with your family! You get more time to do work out, and now you can work at your own pace in “school”!
There’s nothing you can do, silly. You can’t come up with a miracle vaccine, or turn back the time, can you? Enjoy it; I can assure you that this will pass. Your dance competition will happen, you will be able to travel around the world, you will be able to hug your friends, and you will be able to go out to eat or to buy so many things until you’re broke again.
I know you’ve heard it too many times, like a cliche almost, but for now, this is the new normal. For now, just sit back, eat ice cream and relax.”
Acrostic by Chloe, Melbourne
by Aakriti, Melbourne
Catastrophic, apocalyptic
Omitted from society
Restricted to the four walls - that have become all too familiar
Old and frail, they sit in uncertainty
Neglected, left to fight this war alone
Agonizing pain
Virulent, violent, vicious
Inevitable, they say
Ruthless, ferocious fire
Uncontrollable, untamed waves crashing violen
by Aakriti, Melbourne
Catastrophic, apocalyptic
Omitted from society
Restricted to the four walls - that have become all too familiar
Old and frail, they sit in uncertainty
Neglected, left to fight this war alone
Agonizing pain
Virulent, violent, vicious
Inevitable, they say
Ruthless, ferocious fire
Uncontrollable, untamed waves crashing violently at shore; won’t be kept at bay much longer
Sinister, baleful clouds of thunder
Acrostic by Saam, Melbourne
Careful
Of
Running
Out of
Nurses
And eat
Vegetables
Intensely while
Running away from
UFO’s
Searching for a cure
Acrostic by Lauren, Melbourne
Cases all around the world
Overflowing pantries filled with food
Restricting
Over exaggerated coughs
No toilet paper
Air should not be inhaled
Very sick
Insane shoppers
Rest In Peace people who didn’t get toilet paper
Under no circumstances can you leave the house
So many face masks
Crisis
Acrostic by Harpreet, Geelong, Victoria
Corona
Oh Corona
Running out of tissues
Over the world
Now a pandemic
And is now hard
Virus is spreading
I am begging
Remember to wash your hands
Uniting the world
Stay safe
Acrostic by Flora, Melbourne
Covid19 indeed has taken over our lives, but let’s stay
Open minded and wise. Although
Reality is harsh, we can be
Optimistic, and together as a
Nation, as a world, we are
Able to fight this pandemic. The
Virus is unpredictable, but scientists across the world are
Investigating for cures, so stay
Reassured!
Understand
Acrostic by Flora, Melbourne
Covid19 indeed has taken over our lives, but let’s stay
Open minded and wise. Although
Reality is harsh, we can be
Optimistic, and together as a
Nation, as a world, we are
Able to fight this pandemic. The
Virus is unpredictable, but scientists across the world are
Investigating for cures, so stay
Reassured!
Understand that we need to stay hygienic and keep our
Social distancing, to keep this virus from spreading!
Acrostic by Uyen, St Albans, Victoria
Acrostic by Aarushi, Melbourne
by Flora, 14, Footscray, Victoria
Creative writing: Write your own conspiracy theory about COVID19.
Mistakes, we all make them; so, it’s understandable if the notorious Wuhan Hospital makes them too.
China is known for their mass production of products, their culture, food and people; however, not many know that China has one of the most advanced hospitals in the world. A hospital’s rank depends on its performance in treatment, research and overall equipment.
Wuhan’s hospital currently holds as one of the best medical centres in China; they have access to high technology, advanced medication but most importantly, test subjects. In early January when the disease first starts to sprout, reports state that the Wuhan hospital received (dead) animal testing subjects like pigs, rats and rabbits. Usually, after research has taken place, these subjects are disposed of right away, to avoid any cross-contamination or bacterial infection.
However, last month there were rumours about doctors working in the Wuhan hospital selling these test subjects to the local market. There's a very high possibility that the doctors who are responsible for these actions have stopped illegally selling these contaminated animals after realising what they had done.
COVID19 is a virus that requires a very specific environment for the bacteria to grow. Rumours state that only this hospital is able to provide such requirements, since it is the only advanced hospital in Wuhan. The fact that people within the market are claiming that many have interacted with anonymous meat traders reinforces this theory.
Why do people make up conspiracy theories about COVID19?
by Flora, 14, Footscray
There are many reasons as to why we make conspiracy theories to COVID19. We may be generally curious at this abrupt pandemic, and hence make up theories to satisfy our curiousness.
How does the internet, and particularly social media, contribute to conspiracy theories spreading?
Nowadays, news spread within a matter of seconds. No longer is there time wastage on delivering messages. Now, information is accessible at our fingertips. Information about COVID19 is constantly updating, and quickly reaching us, making everyone aware of the issue. However, not only are news outlets a source of information, but different social media accounts also spread fake news, and create theories of their own. This rapid spreading of information, combined with the mass input of people around the world, explains why theories are constantly spreading.
Why do people believe conspiracy theories?
Conspiracy theories gives us explanation behind things that stay unanswered. These theories, despite their validity, gives us an answer and make us question the environment around us. They draw our attention, and offer a different new perspective which we did not consider. Their ability to make us question our mundane environment serves as a reason why we choose to believe in them.
Conspiracy Theories about COVID19 - Classwork
This week, we identified and listed some crazy conspiracy theories! Check these beauties out!
The girls' list:
COVID-19 is man-made
There is COVID19 in toilet paper
You can get COVID19 from your dog
The virus is an evil world government plot
Being able to hold your breath for 10 Seconds means you don't have COVID19
Eating Garlic Prevents COVID19
Covid-19 Arrived from Space
Covid-19 is caused by 5G attacking our brains
COVID19 is all about population control
China created COVID19 in a laboratory and unleashed it on the world
USA created COVID19 in a laboratory and unleashed it on China
The virus outbreak was from an advanced hospital in China
China grew it as a bioagent
China already had the cure and was prepared
The government killed everyone because of population growth
Smaller nations wanted to take down China
Bill Gates is said to have known about the coronavirus beforehand
The boys' list:
COVID-19 is made by 5G technology because it damages the immune system
Travels through the air, takes oxygen
China created COVID-19 to create power
Anti-Vaccines causes COVID19
China created it to reduce the population
Coronavirus is man made
Bill gates created coronavirus for his own gains
Coronavirus was engineered to kill old men
China hid their death toll
Earth -v- COVID19 - A SWOT Analysis
by Aakriti, 14, Footscray, Melbourne
Strengths:
by Aakriti, 14, Footscray, Melbourand evolving, 21st Century, modern world. The Swine Flu pandemic occurred in the very early 1900’s. Scientific research was nowhere near as advanced as today, and the influenza was able to claim a multitude of innocent lives. Back then, not a great deal was understood about the virus, its properties, even whether or not it was a virus! Knowledge was drastically limited then. Medical professionals even believed the influenza was a common, simple disease that presented seasonally, generally in the winter. Due to the inadequacy of research and development in the area, scientists lacked certain diagnostic tools - the tools of the 20th Century weren’t equipped to detect smaller pathogens, only bacteria. This meant that mild cases of the flu were confused to be acute respiratory illnesses, and not given the proper medical attention that was required. However, as the world evolves, so does the research, as more scientists encounter breakthroughs for modern illnesses and diseases - and the industry is working day and night to find or create a vaccine. Australian scientists have been able to recreate the virus in a lab without even a definition of the strain from China! While tests on animals have already begun, the UK and China have approved 2 vaccines trials on humans, the first test on humans to be conducted shortly in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Weaknesses:
Although a progressive evolving world is a huge perk, it is as much a perk as a weakness.
COVID-19 had one root origin: Wuhan, Northern China, but it managed to spread through aviation lines, and, infamously, cruise ships. In the 1900’s, the Swine Flu only managed to spread due to the war. Other than that, technology wasn’t advanced to such a point that international travel was available and more importantly affordable, for the masses. In a 21st Century world, with extensive international connections, hordes of resources, like metals, machinery etc., arrive on Australia’s docks every day. A multitude of people also arrive every day, by the means of planes or ships. To make it worse, the COVID-19 breakout began around the time of Lunar New Year, when roughly 20% of the world’s overseas travels occur. Okay, so the global spread of the virus can be labelled inevitable. But now we can just stay at home, and it’ll pass by… right? Wrong - because of the Australian way of life. The whole foundation of the typical Australian lifestyle is social interactions. Every second day, you pop over to your mates house for a BBQ or for a quick beer. When you go out to shop for a few groceries, you might bump into someone you know, or make a friend waiting in line, you might go for a jog in the morning with your friend and grab a kebab on the way back. Self-isolation means Aussies can’t continue with the traditional way of life, and this can be a real struggle for some. Research is already showing a spike in alcohol consumption, by up to 70 percent. It’s clear these times cause distress, in numerous ways, to everyone.
Opportunities:
Although times like these bring hardships, it allows us to pause, or even press reset, on Earth.
Corona virus has led people off the bustling streets and inside the four walls of their home. While this virus poses a global health risk, each coin has two sides.
This means
The water in Venice’s waterways was choked with pollution, but with the deserted city, the water is the cleanest it's ever been, and wildlife, such as swans and dolphins, are returning to reap its benefits. The water in the famous Indian river, the Ganges, usually slain with mud, is now crystal clear. Elephants are now trudging freely, across India, taking a walk in the seemingly new world. Due to the drastic reduction in air pollution, the Himalayas are visible from 200km away. Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen in New York by 50! and in China by 25 - 40 percent!
Threats:
COVID-19 presents a range of threats, the most substantial being the effects on global economies.
Back in the 15th Century, is when globalisation began. Like I mentioned earlier, the countries are now substantially interconnected, and over 600 years, the world’s nations have come to rely on each other for resources, imports and exports etc. It’s somewhat like a tapestry - but that also means that if you pull one string, the entire thing comes undone. While globalisation may have its perks, it means that alongside the countries themselves, nationwide economies are reliant on one another.
When countries are hit hard by pandemics akin to this one, it reflects in their economies. And a strain in one economy will affect numerous more economies, which will affect numerous more economies. In essence, a worldwide blow is almost inevitable.
by Harpreet, 14, Geelong, Victoria
Strengths:
During this pandemic, the world is united and wants to help each other.
Also, nations are able to strengthen their bonds.
It is also very good that the world has identified how we can prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
Weaknesses:
Unfortunately, there are also weaknesses when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include losing a lot of money, fighting over toilet paper and ultimately showing the worst side of humanity.
Opportunities:
This pandemic gives the opportunity for businesses to get online.
It also helps UberEats and other delivery services. This pandemic also gives the world the opportunity for research in immunology and prevention tactics.
Threats:
Threats which we have encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic is that there is an unknown end.
In the Midst of Change
by Harpreet, 15, Geelong
We are in the midst of change. Every day, new information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is discovered and everyone needs to act fast. In response to this, our lives have changed, and it is not like how we knew it. We are currently in stage three lockdown, where we can only go out for essential things - and with only one other person. Social distancing is new jargon which we are constantly reminded to do. The world is not like it was before: everything is sold out and our routine has completely changed. Nothing is certain.
Two words which we hear continuously are ‘social distancing.’ During this pandemic, to reduce the spread of the coronavirus we are required to stay inside, and when interacting with others be at least 1.5 metres apart or 4 square metres when inside. At school, I was not able to high five my friends or else this would breach the rule. Now as a greeting many use the ‘Wuhan shake’ or ‘elbow touching.’ In assembly, we were required to sit one seat apart to try to ameliorate the coronavirus.
Throughout the last few weeks, the world has been creating a big difference regarding when we were able to access resources. Every store aisle is majority empty because people are stocking up on all essentials. It took me five stores to finally get some toilet paper after the shelves were empty while shoppers cried for more stock. Currently, there is a lack of supply because of the increased demand. My life has been affected by this because we are unable to purchase essentials when we need to do so.
Every day used to be the same for me: wake up, go to school, exercise, practice my instruments, eat, watch TikToks and sleep. Now, the majority of my day is wasted talking to friends on Skype. I have more time to sleep since the government ordered schools to ‘extend the holidays.’ My school is over 50km from my house and I feel happier and refreshed with more sleep and less travel time. When school was still open, everyone made sure to practice proper hygiene. Thus, throughout the past few weeks, my life has been impacted by COVID-19 because it was anomalous.
Although the future relating to COVID-19 is not certain, there is hope and with proper practices of hygiene and social distancing we will be able to flatten the curve and our life will be normal. My life currently involves social distancing, staying at home and wondering when life will become normal again. Currently, I am in the struggle of living life day to day not knowing what will happen next.
by Grace, 14, Melbourne
When I heard schools were shutting down, I was so excited and was so ready to sleep in every day.
However, people’s rage for hand sanitiser, toilet paper and home supplies is quite chaotic. The last time I went to the supermarkets all preserved food, toilet paper rolls, sanitising items were all g
by Grace, 14, Melbourne
When I heard schools were shutting down, I was so excited and was so ready to sleep in every day.
However, people’s rage for hand sanitiser, toilet paper and home supplies is quite chaotic. The last time I went to the supermarkets all preserved food, toilet paper rolls, sanitising items were all gone. Most items left were snacks and foods that couldn’t be preserved. Unfortunately, it has affected many people, like the elderly and the many people who don’t have enough food to live on. They have all been taken by selfish people.
This wasn’t exactly what I thought my holidays were going to be like.
Being in quarantine actually sucks. Holidays shouldn’t have to be like this! We should be able to go outside and hang out with our friends, yet we are stranded in our houses binge-watching Netflix all day. Now, since the coronavirus is spreading so quickly, I’m not even allowed to go to supermarkets. Since Scoot Morrison closed my school, I have only left the house once, and since then, everyday has felt the same. The first few days of being at home felt like holidays. After a week, it got so boring. It's like living in a loop but this is best for us right? Schools are now online. Sometimes I feel like online school gives you more work than actually going to school. People didn’t want to go to school, but since they have shut down, people are missing their friends. Facetiming doesn’t feel real. You aren't able to see them for weeks.
At the beginning when coronavirus was not that serious, everyone was joking about it. Now, the number of cases of coronavirus is more than a million. Luckily, the many doctors who are able to cure people with the virus, are working very hard. Most of them have caught the virus by helping the others. We should be thankful that doctors are risking their lives to cure many others. They are currently our heroes.
After all this is over, hopefully the torture of being at home can be over. Then we can have our freedom back and do whatever we want.
by Flora, 14, Footscray
Never did I think I would miss school, or the occasional Maccas’ run. They say you only value what you have lost, and truly at this point I think everyone realised how normality can be so precious.
It was the start of 2020, when the pandemic first broke out, right after the Austr
by Flora, 14, Footscray
Never did I think I would miss school, or the occasional Maccas’ run. They say you only value what you have lost, and truly at this point I think everyone realised how normality can be so precious.
It was the start of 2020, when the pandemic first broke out, right after the Australian bush fire. Still overwhelmed by the natural disaster, I didn’t think much of the disease. It wasn’t until when my final regatta got cancelled that I’d realised this pandemic has started to govern over much of our normal day-to-day life.
That following weekend, pictures of empty toilet paper aisles filled my phone, and the news of how supermarket chains failed to supply people’s needs started to get more and more attention. I laughed at first, thinking this was only a small number of people acting irrationally and impulsively. But, as more news of Asian people facing getting prejudiced against and beaten up enter the media, I process how the nature of our culture has turned people to act so irrational and inhumane. The rapid progression of the virus has caused great such panic and fear among people, and as a result we are acting according to our selfish needs and wants.
We claim that with this new modern era, we are more accepting and intelligent than ever, but this global pandemic disproves so. Does intelligence refer to how people are making money off reselling masks, whilst hospitals are failing to provide safety for their doctors? With the new quarantine measures in place, many are forced to stay within their homes, restricted from going outside. Our activities now consist of binge-watching on t.v. shows, cooking, studying and perhaps playing an instrument.
With the current fast-moving situation, I can only hope that the future upholds better luck. Although I strongly believe that if we all choose to take part in restricting COVID 19 from spreading, we will definitely get luckier.
Dog Days
by Nelson, 14, Sunshine, Victoria
It is currently the start of April, meaning winter is coming. Melbourne is getting colder, and our streets are getting empty. The coronavirus is making everyone worried and scared. Students are locked up in their homes, not being able to do anything.
Being quarantined is not fun, but it what we ne
Dog Days
by Nelson, 14, Sunshine, Victoria
It is currently the start of April, meaning winter is coming. Melbourne is getting colder, and our streets are getting empty. The coronavirus is making everyone worried and scared. Students are locked up in their homes, not being able to do anything.
Being quarantined is not fun, but it what we need to do as a society to help prevent this virus from spreading. Every day is nearly the same, I wake up, eat, play, work and then sleep. It is like being locked up in a cell, that you want to go out, however, you know there are dangers out in the world.
In a normal day, I sometimes call my mates and catch up with them; school is off, and I probably will not see them in at least 2 months. I sometimes play basketball in the backyard to help me relax.
People are still trawling for food and toiletries, as we don’t know whether Australia will go into a 2-week lockdown.
Sometimes I get to go to Woolworths with my family, it is not a pleasant place. People are rushing to get things; rows are being emptied and the waiting queue is like a snake.
Shops are closing, as people ain’t buying their products.
This virus affects each and every one of us. It is like a domino line; one bad thing happens everyone falls apart. The government tells us to not panic, however, to follow up on with the news and follow the guidelines. The number of cases is skyrocketing with cases doubling on some days.
To stop this virus, Australia must be prepared, for the worst.
by Uyen, 15, St Albans, Victoria
2020 was a year that I had dreaded for a long while. I had dreaded it in primary school. I had even dreaded it just the year prior. It was the first of my VCE years. Year 11. Although it definitely wasn’t going to be as crucial as the following year, it still didn’t stop my worries. I had many expectations for myself. I wanted to obtain a good foundation for the subjects that I’d be undertaking. I wanted to be organised and on top of my work so that I could well and truly ease into my year 12 classes. I just didn’t expect more troubles to arise that would fuel my anxiety that was already sparking for the school year.
At the beginning of 2020, before the school year had even begun, there were bustling rumours of “World War III” alongside the uncontrolled bushfires that were beginning to peak. And although these events didn’t directly affect me, it still made me quite uneasy hearing about all the homes that had been destroyed, about those who were directly affected and about those indirectly affected. The air quality was worsening as the days went by. It really didn’t occur to me that things could even further escalate.
It really didn’t occur to me that we would be hit with a disease, a pandemic. A pandemic that, as of now, has a total of a million confirmed cases. Covid-19, the name of this disease, has caused so much panic and fear across the globe in these past few weeks. From panic-buying --- beginning with, ridiculously, toilet paper --- to introducing the concept of social distancing, to countries going into quarantine to further prevent the transmission of the disease. A lot of measures have been put in place to keep the situation somewhat in control, but I still can’t help but feel uneasy for our future, and the future that I had always been so scared about.
About 4-6 weeks ago, school was still running as normal, as were businesses, restaurants, and other workplaces in Australia, despite the steadily increasing number of cases of Covid-19. It almost felt like everything was normal.
Given that my school was quite a distance away from home, I commuted by public transport everyday to and from school. Public transport would probably be in the top 10 list of things to avoid in the case of a pandemic. I just did what I had to do; I packed a mask with me everyday to, at the very least, try to reduce the chance of transmission. I actually only wore a mask once on PTV: the first day that I had decided to take one. Then after, I was constantly hesitant and a bit self-conscious because I felt like the mask was bringing me unnecessary attention and giving other people more of an opportunity to be somewhat racist.
I have never directly faced racism but it is still something I fear and therefore I actively try to avoid putting myself into situations that make me so vulnerable and exposed. I probably should have just ignored my conscience and wore the mask but it really was something I could not help at the time.
Rather than fearing death if I ever do catch the disease, I am much more fearful of other possibilities. I worry for my family, I would hate for them to be the ones suffering. I worry for my school-life, with online classes, I can only imagine how difficult it would be to ask for help and not get direct assistance.
I just worry for our current situation and how much worse it’ll get.
by Chloe, 14, Coburg, Victoria
How has coronavirus changed our everyday lives...
The current demand for toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and frozen perishable foods has impacted the lives of many Australians. It has become harder and harder to find everyday items that have now been cleared from shelves. This global pandemic has taken over the world; shutting down schools, causing stores to shut down and forcing everyone into self isolation.
How the coronavirus impacted my life…
Coronavirus has become something bigger and more dangerous than we all thought. At first, people joked about it and didn't take it seriously. Then it began spreading faster and the numbers showed how serious this virus is. My school had shut down along with many other schools and we had to continue our learning online. This impacted my learning since I was in a home environment instead of an educational one, which I can be easily distracted in. My work standards dropped and I couldn't pick up the information that I was being taught. During this coronavirus pandemic, I became sick with a runny nose and a temperature which scared my whole family. Luckily, I tested negative but I was more likely to contract this virus, which was quite terrifying.
COVID-19 has also affected my relationships with the people I am stuck in a house with: my sister has become very stressed and moody, she has been annoyed and ranting throughout this whole 'coronacation'. My parents have also become very stressed during this outbreak due to the decrease in business.
We must work hard to flatten the curve so that everyday life can return to normal.
by Aakriti, 15, Footscray, Victoria
Dear Diary,
I’d only ever seen it on TV. I didn’t know it was real... until we went to buy toilet paper.
“Let’s go,” Mum huffed, unbuckling her seat belt.
I sighed, getting out of the car. It was our third day in a row, trying to score some toilet paper. Jesus, we only needed one pack! Not 6, not 4, just one.
Panic Buying is not only plain stupid, but it creates a cycle, because even sensible people begin to think that there won’t be enough supplies for the next shopping cycle, and then they panic buy, and then everyone panic buys, and then there’s nothing left for people like us :(
We walked to the store, and, thankfully, there didn’t seem to be a line.
“Come quickly,” I said to my mum, “maybe we can get some toilet paper.”
We walked to the toilet paper section, a glimmer of hope peeking through. However, to our dismay, the shelves were stripped bare. I pouted in anger.
“The store only opened like one hour ago!” I muttered in annoyance.
I looked at my mum who looked back at me in the same way. ‘We can’t do anything,’” read her face, as she shrugged in defeat. A lot of other shoppers in the same situation shared the same feeling, and made small talk. At least we haven’t lost human connection yet, I guess.
Just then, as if miraculously, a staff member came out, wheeling a pallet… of toilet paper!. It was as if the sight drugged every customer in that store… everyone became hypnotised and, like zombies, began advancing towards the stacks of, well, toilet paper.
It wasn’t long before the staff realised. He turned and said cheekily: “Hey guys, what can I do for you today?” I laughed, but nobody else did: they only wanted their toilet paper. “I’ll let you guys… dig in,” he smiled, and left.
All the customers eyed each other, and at once, they jumped forward, grabbing like, 10 packs each. The scene wasn’t very different to a pack of savage wolves caving in on their dinner.
Mum managed to grab a pack, and as she placed it in our trolley, I nudged her saying, “I didn’t think all this was actually happening.”
Another lady with wide eyes heard me, and replied, “It is, unfortunately.”
by May, 14, North Melbourne
Remember when you could go outside wherever and whenever you wanted? Well, that changed when COVID-19 was introduced. When I first heard of this virus that had seemed to hit China like a steam train, my mind brushed past it. It’ll definitely pass soon and it’s not like it will get too serious... at
by May, 14, North Melbourne
Remember when you could go outside wherever and whenever you wanted? Well, that changed when COVID-19 was introduced. When I first heard of this virus that had seemed to hit China like a steam train, my mind brushed past it. It’ll definitely pass soon and it’s not like it will get too serious... at least that was what I thought.
A few weeks passed and the number of cases rose significantly, affecting countries all across the world. Supermarkets were filled with nothing but empty shelves and the unnecessary craving for toilet paper became out of control. Each time someone turned on the TV or radio, the main news story of each channel/station would always be about “coronavirus this" and "coronavirus that”. It had taken over the world.
Each day, the number of students in my classes began to decline, nearing an average of eight out of twenty five students in each class. I started to become a little overwhelmed. Should I be worried or should I just continue with my daily routine? I didn’t know what information was credible and the level of concern that this pandemic had reached.
All over social media we are seeing alarming information and criticisms of the government i.e. ScoMo. Are these social media outlets doing this solely for the viewer’s sake or are they using our fear to make more money? Is my country even doing enough to control this pandemic? The questions continue to build up, while more and more restrictions are established into everyday life.
by Aarushi, 14, Footscray
The sun gleams in the sky outside my glass window, shining as bright as a sack of diamonds, calling my name, attempting to lure me outside. I look at the door and the invisible chains on the door look back at me sternly, saying, “Nope, don’t even think about it.” I sigh and go back to reading the boring n
by Aarushi, 14, Footscray
The sun gleams in the sky outside my glass window, shining as bright as a sack of diamonds, calling my name, attempting to lure me outside. I look at the door and the invisible chains on the door look back at me sternly, saying, “Nope, don’t even think about it.” I sigh and go back to reading the boring novel sitting in my lap.
Just a few weeks ago I would’ve been outside, running around and going out to eat with my friends. My life has become a mess. All my classes and music lessons are now online? How am I supposed to learn through a video? I haven’t done any work since my school shut down and I think my brain is becoming defunct.
“Come,” Mama walks into my room, “we need to go now.” I stand up, inertia sliding off me, trying hard to keep its grasp. The door sighs and lets us out of the house, we get into the car and drive off to the grocery store.
Ten minutes later we’re in the parking lot, and Mama throws her hands up in frustration, “Where am I supposed to park?!” I peer out into the store’s parking to see a jam.
“Seriously?” I search the parking lot to see one spot, I point my finger, “over there Mama, quickly, before someone else gets it,” unfortunately, someone else does get it, they push in and don’t even say sorry. I know, people these days have no manners. Mama’s going to lose it now, I can see the flames of fury in her eyes, raging like wildfires. I need to put them out, “Mama, it’s ok just search the other parking lot, it’s only a little farther away.”
After twenty minutes we finally park and walk over into the store, simultaneously, my eyes widen and my mouth drops open, “Oh my gosh, what happened?” I ask aloud, “why does it look like this place got robbed?” Mama and I exchange glances as we walk past the shelves, gazing at each one, empty, they’re all empty. We’re going to starve if we don’t get anything today, we have nothing at home. I turn to tell Mama this but she’s staring at something else, I follow her gaze to see the last pack of toilet paper. Uh oh.
Mama and another lady both eye the last packet of toilet paper, then they eye each other, I hold my breath. They turn back to look at the toilet paper, I hear a commentator’s voice, “Looks like it’s happening folks, get ready! 3. 2.” A long pause, “1!!” The horn sounds, and I look at Mama, those flames return as she watches the other lady’s every glance, every move. Oh no.
They run, they both run for their lives, the crowds go wild, cheering them on, my eyes watch them like a hawk, after just two minutes, the other lady tires, and Mama gains a lead, she’s got the advantage she needs now, she runs faster, gliding with the wind behind her, hang on, where’s the wind even coming from, we’re inside. Oh well, she runs faster, and faster and faster, finally she makes it to the finish line. SHE WINS! The crowd goes wild,
“Thank, thank you, thank you all!” She huffs triumphantly, and her trophy? The last packet of toilet paper.
The other lady’s face turns red with anger, even though her trolley was already full of toilet paper. It seems she wanted all of them. I look up and sigh, is this really what our world has come to? What’s happened to everyone? When will the madness end?
by Preet, 14, Melbourne
Many of us would know quite a lot about or at least would have heard of the new global Pandemic COVID-19. The coronavirus began in China during the latter part of 2019. By February 2020, it had dispersed throughout the world, making it only ideal for it to be announced as a global pandemic in the first half of Mar
by Preet, 14, Melbourne
Many of us would know quite a lot about or at least would have heard of the new global Pandemic COVID-19. The coronavirus began in China during the latter part of 2019. By February 2020, it had dispersed throughout the world, making it only ideal for it to be announced as a global pandemic in the first half of March 2020. However, this isn’t the first time the world has faced such a crisis. In January 1918, a very similar event took place. The Spanish flu, also known as the 1918 flu pandemic, is very similar to the current case of COVID-19.
Firstly, both viruses are considered novel. This means that nothing like these viruses have been seen before their outbreaks. Novel viruses are very dangerous as it takes time to understand the new virus and invent a treatment or a vaccine for them. This means that while the cure is being found, thousands of deaths worldwide are bound to occur. During both pandemic outbreaks a considerable ratio of lives were lost.
As we all know the Coronavirus is an airborne disease. This means the virus spreads by people coughing, sneezing and releasing germs in the air and by touching surfaces where the germs have landed. Much like COVID-19, the Spanish flu was an airborne disease which spread the same way. During both times human hygiene was extremely important. People all over the world were encouraged to wash their hands frequently, wear masks when travelling outside and to stay inside unless required to go out. Many precautions were taken. However, if an infected person coughed or sneezed on you then there was a high chance you were infected by that virus. During 1918, when people were infected with the Spanish flu, they also had no vaccines present at the time. During both outbreaks, thousands of lives were lost due to the fact that there was no cure during the early stages of the pandemic.
Although both of the viruses have occurred in different eras - 100+ years apart - the lifestyle situations are similar. During the Spanish flu outbreak, it was noticed that there weren’t sufficient health care workers. The same scene is being played out right now, in countries all over the world. Many are opening new hospitals in order to increase the number of staff and vacant beds for infected people.
However, there were some differences. The human population has grown from 1.8 billion (1918) to 8 billion people (2020). Regardless, even though there were many hospitals in 1918, they were overflowing with the intake of infected people. This time, we are more prepared, and even with a much higher population, we are controlling the spread by staying home, so hospitals can cope. Over time, technology has also become a big part of human life. Technology in hospitals has allowed nurses and doctors to quickly and efficiently cure the infected. This technology that is present now, wasn’t available to hospitals back in 1918.
All in all, we can conclude that the Spanish Flu and the COVID19 aren't entirely different. They are both similar due to the fact that both viruses are considered novel. Both are airborne diseases; human hygiene was crucial during both times and that there weren’t and aren’t sufficient health workers for both viruses. They are different due to the fact that there are different living conditions now then there were in 1918. Along with that, the population has increased tremendously in the last decade.
by Flora, 14, Footscray
With the current outbreak of COVID 19, it is said that the pandemic is quite similar to the Spanish Flu outbreak, which occurred in 1918. Whilst both pandemics share many similarities, as they are both airborne diseases and are both novel, they differ in terms of death rate and surrounding conditions.
COVID 19 and t
by Flora, 14, Footscray
With the current outbreak of COVID 19, it is said that the pandemic is quite similar to the Spanish Flu outbreak, which occurred in 1918. Whilst both pandemics share many similarities, as they are both airborne diseases and are both novel, they differ in terms of death rate and surrounding conditions.
COVID 19 and the Spanish Flu are both airborne diseases, meaning the viruses are transmitted through air, and can be spread through coughing, sneezing or close contact. Due to this, both diseases can spread rapidly throughout the world, and create harm towards people with weaker immune systems. Furthermore, both diseases are classified as novel, meaning no one has immunity to them, and there are no vaccines or medication available for treatment (at the current time). As a result, people who are infected must turn to non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as quarantine or self-isolation.
Despite the similarities which both pandemic share, they are vastly different. Firstly, it must be considered that both diseases occurred at different times, meaning different environments. Whilst the Spanish Flu happened during World War I, COVID 19 occurred during the modern era. Both times offer different medical facilities and technology, as well as communication. With the current social awareness that we have, information about the disease is much more accessible, and more people are attentive about staying hygienic. Whereas during the Spanish Flu, information about the disease was strictly limited, as governments wanted people to stay stable and confident during the time of crisis. Moreover, the current COVID 19 has a higher death rate in comparison to the Spanish flu. This is most likely due to the increase in air travel and population.
Whilst observing that both pandemics are airborne and novel, it can be concluded that they differentiate in terms of medical facilities, technology and death rate.
by Saam, 15, Footscray
It's like our world today is in a dystopian story. A virus that mutated in Wuhan had spread across the globe, infecting thousands and killing hundreds. The community being forced to self-isolate, with nothing but dust blowing and maybe a tumbleweed dancing on the horizon. Many people are calling this epidemic a repe
by Saam, 15, Footscray
It's like our world today is in a dystopian story. A virus that mutated in Wuhan had spread across the globe, infecting thousands and killing hundreds. The community being forced to self-isolate, with nothing but dust blowing and maybe a tumbleweed dancing on the horizon. Many people are calling this epidemic a repeat of the 1918 Spanish flu. Many similarities are shared between both viruses. They are both considered novel, don’t have vaccines to stop further infections and overall effect on the world are the same.
As stated before, both COVID-19 and the Spanish flu are considered novel which means they are new. If not known, the word novel is used when something is new or unseen. When the Spanish flu first came around, there was nothing ever like it, and the people at the time did not know how to deal with the situation. The result was the death of millions. The same could be said for our new virus, COVID 19. It is a new virus, one which we have never seen, and has already mutated into 2 strands. With the death toll reaching 100,000, we could expect a near percentage death rate with both viruses. Moreover, with the US topping the infection board with half a million, it would be expected that at the end of the crisis there would be a high death toll due to this novel virus.
There are currently no vaccines for COVID 19, which poses the threat that our bodies will naturally have to build immunity to the virus, which takes years to develop, since this is how most people survived the Spanish flu until vaccines were created. The first proper flu vaccine was created in 1938, well after the end of the pandemic. This could be the case for COVID 19 as well. Countries such as Canada and the USA have already started development on types of vaccines. This process can take anywhere from 10 to 15 years, to get the complete vaccine, and this time is minimum. This is how the COVID 19 vius, and the Spanish Flu are similar.
On the contrary, it can be said that COVID 19 and the Spanish Flu target different age groups. The Spanish was lethal to all age groups but had surprisingly high mortality rates for young adults as well. However, the COVID 19 virus targets all individuals, but high mortality rates are for people above the age 65 with pre-existing health problems already. Even if this is true, the overall effect on the world is the same. The planet is in lockdown, we don’t know how to solve the problem and our healthcare system is stretched. All of this was also seen in the 1918 Spanish flu, since the healthcare system at that time couldn’t treat everyone, and the healthcare system was basically broken. This is why the current pandemic is so similar to the Spanish flu.
Ultimately, there are many valid points proving that the COVID 19 crisis is similar to the 1918 Spanish Flu. Both viruses are novel, the Spanish flu didn’t have a vaccine and nor does the COVID 19 virus at the moment and the overall effect is all around similar to each other.
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