by Diego Hernandez Staff writer
In the midst of the current Covid-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus, families are stuck at home as the lockdown is still in effect. As students are stuck at home, new hobbies have become aware of us in helping ease the physiological suffering of isolation. These have included baking, art, and spending time with family. Sophomore Samantha Mendoza shared that streaming services have been her salvation in these hard times.
“Netflix has been my go-to if I need something to numb myself during this period of self-isolation. I’ve mainly been obsessed with Tiger king and Netflix since it is the only place I can view it,” Mendoza said.
These hobbies have been of help for a number of weeks now, with the confirmed cases still high and businesses are still minor functioning. Those who have chosen to use streaming services as a source of aid have ranged their assessment from minor to large in the week to monthly period. Sophomore Dillon Cervantes states he may be brief in technical logging in, but is not turned off for a lengthy period of time.
“If I could give an amount per week I’d say I go on them for about 7 days because each day I turn on the TV. Once that’s done I leave it on for the rest of the day wall I do homework or just relax,” Cervantes said.
The national knowledge of Covid-19 existed in the previous months before the NISD spring break took effect. Students entered the week’s worth of vacation time knowing to be cautious of those they encounter and where they choose to be. However, school delays for the district came for the following week. Sophomore Thai Carlton shares his adjusting to the new absence of school.
“It hit me the first week of official school suspension, the week after spring break, how much I’d depend on them. Especially Disney Plus because it has all the Star Wars films, I’m a big Star Wars geek,” Carlton said.
As we have grown, movies and television shows have impacted our lives and taught lessons on how to encounter worldly matters, these trying times are no different. By being home and now having virtual learning, we are able to revisit the movies of our youth by using physical DVDs or streaming services. Junior Haidon Sills states his views on how movies are beneficial during these times.
“Movies are really impactful because they give us an entertaining reason to stay home. By doing this it ultimately helps the situation we’re in right now and gives us hope for when it’s over,” Sills said.
With safety precautions becoming a necessity for the safety of individuals and populations, we are thrust into seeing only those who live in our homes. Parents or older siblings try to look out for each other and assist the younger family members in comfort. Streaming services act as a group gathering ideal for the allowance of families to come together for an hour and a half to two for a digital story. Sophomore Raina Briscoe shares who she spends her movie experiences with.
“When not alone in my room I spend time with my little niece watching her movies. She seems really scared right now and I want to make sure I can help her in any way possible,” Briscoe said.
The home being of itself is known to be a sanctuary from the world around us. In this time, even with a mask and hand sanitizer, the world is considered considerably more dangerous for the risk of the interaction with unknown cases of the virus. Sophomore Mitchell Wasmus states where in his house he feels most safe.
“I usually choose to watch them in the living room. Mine is open and has a lot of natural light, with the movies it gives me a nice feeling and makes me calm,” Wasmus said.
Although we may be in a worldly crisis, we can make use of the time we have at home to make memories and experiences that will last for us to tell our children and grandchildren. For teens to experience binge-worthy shows or for families to come together, streaming services provide the atmosphere that gives us the hope that a day for relief will come. Other ideas besides those with technology could include taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood or learning how to further skills in a field such as art. These can create a joyful experience that will help you through this crisis.