Chloe McGraw ’22

The Catalyst (TC): So what do you think about the announcement to continue online distance learning until December?

Chloe McGraw (CM): I wasn’t going to go back to school anyway so I think it’s actually like a good thing for a lot of people because COVID isn’t going away anytime soon. And I think it’s, it’s safer to just stay home even though it’s disappointing for some people. And if you had a school, you would have to quarantine at home…it would be, like, even more stressful. So I think just staying home right now, until like maybe till after semester would just be everyone just prioritizing safety.

TC: How are you doing with school right now academically, socially, and personally?

CM: I think I’m actually doing pretty well. It’s obviously kind of hard I don’t get to see my friends every day, and I like can’t meet the new teachers and everything like that but honestly, I don’t think I’m doing bad… I know like a lot of people are having trouble right now but for me personally, it’s just how it’s been since like last year and I’ve gotten kind of used to online.

TC: How have your classes, tried to build community?

CM: my math class, for example. She [the teacher] even though she’s a math teacher she’s actually very into mental health and like spreading awareness for that. So that’s less stressful for me because normally because math is like my hardest subject. So when I have a teacher, who really cares about us and cares about our well-being. then it relieves me in a way.

TC:  But for those who are [going back on campus] how do you feel about those who are not as careful with handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing?

CM: I get really mad at those people, because there’s still people who are dying in this world from COVID, and…to wear a piece of fabric on your face, it’s not hard, and just do it, it’s not that hard. And, this isn’t like a for sure thing, I kind of want to go back one day maybe just to see how it [school] is…But at the same time, it’s kind of risky because I do live with my grandparents, so that’s true. So I’m still thinking about it, but, good luck to the people going back.

TC: So how has working from home affected your home and work-life?

CM: I feel like it’s annoying being in my room all day, like, because, you know, when I go to school, I’m at school and that’s like my work environment and then when I’m in my room it’s supposed to be chill. But now…I’m doing both school and sleeping…all in that one room. So I’m actually like trying to switch it up.