Editor's note: For this three-part series, PBS NewsHour Classroom reached out to students who have participated in PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs (SRL) on their pandemic reflections over the past two years, and what they hope for the future of education and student well-being. This is the third entry in the series . Be sure to read the first piece and second piece as well.
Logan Tsukiyama, age 18
Maui High School—Maui, Hawai’i
Although the past two years have often seemed dim, I’ve chosen to believe that the pandemic is a blessing in disguise.
At the start of the pandemic, issues like unemployment, social isolation and virtual learning were popular topics in the media. I was especially interested in investigating the underlying effects of pandemic life, one of which was the negative effects of sitting for prolonged hours. I covered how living a sedentary lifestyle can be detrimental for young people.
Since the production of that piece, I’ve devoted much of my time to making lifestyle changes to stay active and involved. I've had time to think and be more conscious about not only the things I do, but the thought and intention behind each action.
It wasn't until I was forced to slow down that I began to fully cherish the experiences of life for what they were. I learned to relish the details: catching up with neighbors, taking my dog to the beach, exploring an unfamiliar part of town.
It wasn't until I was forced to slow down that I began to fully cherish the experiences of life for what they were.
I've made it a point to get out and get active instead of continuing to live vicariously through my social media feed. Of course, there have been occasional events that were rather unpleasant to experience, and putting myself out there has resulted in a few mistakes and mishaps. However, I've ultimately decided to welcome this change for what it is, and I'm grateful for doing so.
Born and raised in Hawai’i, Logan Tsukiyama is a senior at Maui High School and an aspiring health care professional. Although thoroughly involved in digital media for the past seven years, she has been actively working to pursue a career in pathology. Throughout her college career, Logan hopes to use her background in journalism and biology to research catalysts behind the public’s distrust towards scientific and medical professionals.
Do you know a student who would like to contribute to NewsHour Classroom's Student Voice blog and share their experience over the past two years of COVID? Email us at education@newshour.org for more information.
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