This past year has had a particularly profound impact on teenagers: Many of the formative experiences that shape this special and often confusing time of life—prom, graduation, senior ditch day—disappeared, or were poorly replaced by virtual stand-ins. What did teens learn about themselves during this remarkable period in human history? And what single experience, object or discovery would they want their future selves to remember about their Covid year?
We asked high-school-age kids to share their pandemic stories in hopes that they’ll look back on them a decade or more from now and reflect on how they—and the world—have changed. Here are the reflections of 12 teens from across the U.S. and Canada.—Julie Jargon
America Lopez, 15
Hapeville, Ga.
Ten years from now, I want myself to be able to look back and realize that life will never stop moving. Time is a matter of science. We don’t know why it’s 7:19 at one moment and the next it’s 7:20. All we know is we have to keep moving.
Maybe the stores did close and so did school, but personally, our growth didn’t. I learned new things about myself. I did fall on hard times with my family, and school took a huge mental toll, but I couldn’t just stop a moment because everything was happening so fast. I let myself get taken into the tornado around me, but finally noticed I can conduct a change for myself. This year alone has helped shape me into something better, not just for me but for others. I became more open, expressed myself and stood up for what I believe in.
So what if at one point I dyed my hair pink and purple that ended up fading into the rainbow. I did it because I wanted to. I did it because I found this new sense of love within myself that I would have never found sooner without this year, without the time.
I learned how to meditate, learned about my mental health, and became more healthy slowly, and finally started my spiritual journey. So to my future self: Don’t regret anything you do. Don’t conform to people’s ideals of you. Instead, use your time wisely to become a better and stronger you.
America Lopez, 15
Hapeville, Ga.
Ten years from now, I want myself to be able to look back and realize that life will never stop moving. Time is a matter of science. We don’t know why it’s 7:19 at one moment and the next it’s 7:20. All we know is we have to keep moving.
Maybe the stores did close and so did school, but personally, our growth didn’t. I learned new things about myself. I did fall on hard times with my family, and school took a huge mental toll, but I couldn’t just stop a moment because everything was happening so fast. I let myself get taken into the tornado around me, but finally noticed I can conduct a change for myself. This year alone has helped shape me into something better, not just for me but for others. I became more open, expressed myself and stood up for what I believe in.
So what if at one point I dyed my hair pink and purple that ended up fading into the rainbow. I did it because I wanted to. I did it because I found this new sense of love within myself that I would have never found sooner without this year, without the time.
I learned how to meditate, learned about my mental health, and became more healthy slowly, and finally started my spiritual journey. So to my future self: Don’t regret anything you do. Don’t conform to people’s ideals of you. Instead, use your time wisely to become a better and stronger you.
Theodore Carter, 16
Chevy Chase, Md.
An object I want my future self to remember is my bike. During the pandemic, exercise options were very limited, especially at the start, and I needed to find a way to stay active as my school discontinued sports in March 2020. Biking allowed me to express my freedom: I could go anywhere I wanted without asking a parent to drive me, and the feeling of the wind in my face while biking on trails and roads was exhilarating. Being able to get out and stay active helped my mindset.
Initially I only wanted to play videogames but that soon enhanced my depression. Biking brought me out of that hole and gave me enough energy that the days were bearable. I strongly recommend it to people who need help in that manner. As well as being great exercise, as the rules loosened throughout summer 2020 and especially in winter 2021, biking allowed me to see my friends and keep in touch with people, such as classmates and teammates, who I previously only saw over screens. All in all, please remember to stay active and keep biking!
Video: Farrah Skeiky for The Wall Street Journal
Hannah Bang, 19
Flower Mound, Texas
To commemorate the pandemic, I am creating a digital collage of everything I did in 2020. I made a social platform for students’ feedback, a productivity tracker, a podcast, GarageBand songs, foods. I was in a marching-band state competition. I’ll add excerpts from books I’ve read, virtual flute competitions I won, and more. Out of all the items in my collage, my social platform and times I spent with my family are the most meaningful.
I put a lot of work into my website because I’m passionate about youth representation and giving voices to students. I’d never done anything in the technology realm, so this summer I took this opportunity to try something new! This project was like my first baby step into contributing to the real world. I learned many things like grant budget management, leadership skills, business analytical skills, digital creativity and much more.
As for my family, I’d always taken my time with them for granted. But I realized in the middle of my college application that college was only a year away, and I was going to miss them so much. Although quarantine limited many outside activities, I got to spend more time with my parents and my sister. Every second and minute of us together was valuable to me.
Hannah Bang, 19
Flower Mound, Texas
To commemorate the pandemic, I am creating a digital collage of everything I did in 2020. I made a social platform for students’ feedback, a productivity tracker, a podcast, GarageBand songs, foods. I was in a marching-band state competition. I’ll add excerpts from books I’ve read, virtual flute competitions I won, and more. Out of all the items in my collage, my social platform and times I spent with my family are the most meaningful.
I put a lot of work into my website because I’m passionate about youth representation and giving voices to students. I’d never done anything in the technology realm, so this summer I took this opportunity to try something new! This project was like my first baby step into contributing to the real world. I learned many things like grant budget management, leadership skills, business analytical skills, digital creativity and much more.
As for my family, I’d always taken my time with them for granted. But I realized in the middle of my college application that college was only a year away, and I was going to miss them so much. Although quarantine limited many outside activities, I got to spend more time with my parents and my sister. Every second and minute of us together was valuable to me.
Taylor Lin, 17
San Jose, Calif.
2020 was a year of struggle and change for everyone. For me, I was inconveniently struck with additional stressors. The pandemic isolation increased the tension between my parents to its limits, ultimately leading to their divorce. Home became the opposite of comfort for me, plummeting my wellbeing. Despite the hardship, I’ve maintained positivity by finding my passion for mental-health advocacy, allowing me to embark on a journey of self-growth and realization. I am able to practice mindfulness, while simultaneously providing support to those pushing through similar situations.
Impacting others through leadership, a previously foreign quality of mine, has now become my main philosophy. The most vital step in cultivating a positive mindset was to accept the inevitability of the situation, recognize my strength, and shine that energy towards self-improvement.
I am proud of how far I’ve come in discovering myself today, but my life is not completely settled yet. The divorce logistics are still ongoing, and the residential switch is planned for this summer. I want my future self to remember my resilience throughout this year. I have high hopes that the future will hold better days, for both my family and myself. When I read this in 2030, I can reflect on how far I’ve come, and truly realize that even in the most unpredictable occurrences, pathways of revitalization can be found.
Video: Helynn Ospina for The Wall Street Journal
Rithwik Garapati, 17
Sammamish, Wash.
I was a high-school junior studying in a residential school in India. One fine day, my dad called me and told me that we got our green card approved and we will be moving to the United States shortly. Firstly, my mind went blank. It took me a week to slowly digest the fact that we are shifting. We applied for our family-sponsored green card in 2004. It took 16 years to get approved. We were soon called for an interview at the U.S. embassy. After the interview, the green card was officially declared. There was a sense of relief and joy, but the big questions awaited us. “What is the plan?”
Before we even pondered our next steps, heart-wrenching news of the novel coronavirus disrupted the entire process. Although, in the initial stages, we were a little optimistic about our move, the growing intensity of the pandemic had shattered the least of our hopes. The phase between April and May of 2020 was extremely detrimental to our family, since our future was at stake. I was in a dilemma whether to continue my junior year here in India or start it over in the U.S. The situation of my parents’ jobs, of whether to continue in India or apply for transfer in the United States, was still uncertain and the days were numbered as our green-card approval was coming to an end by August. In the month of April, the country-wide lockdowns, ban on international travel and President Trump’s tweets were all adding to our dilemma.
Amongst all the uncertainty and ambiguity, we made a decision to make the best use of the long-awaited green-card approval. We spent many sleepless nights scrolling through different airplane websites to reserve four tickets due to the limited availability. Finally in July, the big day came where we were all masked up, wearing Covid-protective gowns, gloves, face shields and ready to start a new beginning. The 14-hour flight was a nightmare due to the uncomfortable dress and uncertainty about us getting accepted into the United States. After the long and tiring journey, we landed in Chicago’s O’Hare airport.
I still remember all of us holding our breath and sitting in the waiting lounge just to hear the sound of a stamp. If we heard it, we were admitted. If not, we were denied. Against all the odds, now we are free to explore the western land.
Photo: Gayatri Garapati
Rithwik Garapati, 17
Sammamish, Wash.
I was a high-school junior studying in a residential school in India. One fine day, my dad called me and told me that we got our green card approved and we will be moving to the United States shortly. Firstly, my mind went blank. It took me a week to slowly digest the fact that we are shifting. We applied for our family-sponsored green card in 2004. It took 16 years to get approved. We were soon called for an interview at the U.S. embassy. After the interview, the green card was officially declared. There was a sense of relief and joy, but the big questions awaited us. “What is the plan?”
Before we even pondered our next steps, heart-wrenching news of the novel coronavirus disrupted the entire process. Although, in the initial stages, we were a little optimistic about our move, the growing intensity of the pandemic had shattered the least of our hopes. The phase between April and May of 2020 was extremely detrimental to our family, since our future was at stake. I was in a dilemma whether to continue my junior year here in India or start it over in the U.S. The situation of my parents’ jobs, of whether to continue in India or apply for transfer in the United States, was still uncertain and the days were numbered as our green-card approval was coming to an end by August. In the month of April, the country-wide lockdowns, ban on international travel and President Trump’s tweets were all adding to our dilemma.
Amongst all the uncertainty and ambiguity, we made a decision to make the best use of the long-awaited green-card approval. We spent many sleepless nights scrolling through different airplane websites to reserve four tickets due to the limited availability. Finally in July, the big day came where we were all masked up, wearing Covid-protective gowns, gloves, face shields and ready to start a new beginning. The 14-hour flight was a nightmare due to the uncomfortable dress and uncertainty about us getting accepted into the United States. After the long and tiring journey, we landed in Chicago’s O’Hare airport.
I still remember all of us holding our breath and sitting in the waiting lounge just to hear the sound of a stamp. If we heard it, we were admitted. If not, we were denied. Against all the odds, now we are free to explore the western land.
Photo: Gayatri Garapati
Maureen Fox, 17
Needham, Mass.
I have always loved to bake. Before Covid-19, I would make big batches of desserts that I would surprise-deliver to my family and nextdoor neighbors at night, and the next day bring all the leftovers to be devoured by my lunch table at high school. However, in quarantined life, I found myself only having my immediate family of six to bake for and I took on a new mission to make small batches. Once my triplet college siblings went back to school in the fall and cut that number in half, I learned to bake a batch of only three lava cupcakes. Perfecting the hot gooey center often came down to only seconds in the oven.
I mastered the “quartering” of my chocolate-chip cookie recipe into a new and improved “Corona-cation” cookie—based on the Levain Bakery chocolate-chip cookie but half the size and with vanilla extract added. As the world started to open back up, I would bring these cookies to cousins, grandparents, and friends’ porches and even would drop them off on the porch of college kids in quarantine and isolation. I learned through this experience that home-baked desserts really do bring people together, even from afar.
Video: Rania Matar for The Wall Street Journal
Siera Long, 18
Brooklyn, N.Y.
I am a person who struggles with anxiety. During quarantine, I felt so alone, isolated and trapped. Yet my friends started a tradition where we called every night, played games, helped each other with homework and eventually helped each other with the college process. Some of the games we played were Roblox, Cards Against Humanity Online, Minecraft and Fun Run. All of which held us together by laughs, broken sleep schedules and copious amounts of excited screams. However, during the college process, we made sure to get serious. We took it even further by continuously sending each other TikToks about scholarship and grant opportunities.
We all watched the presidential and vice-presidential debates and we frequently talked about racism and the Black Lives Matter movement and how they affected us now and in the future. While we watched, we often paused at both parties’ talking points to discuss how we felt about them and what they meant to us as women of color, and people of color.
My friends created a “Friendship Survey” so that we could express our feelings about the friendship, the things it lacks and the flaws in each other that needed to be addressed. We all realized that the communication between us wasn’t what it had been since the college process had started. It was almost like we neglected our friendship because we were consumed by the college process and everything it came with.
Honestly, ever since we did the survey our friendship has improved tremendously and we are more inseparable than ever. To this day, we still call every night. We sometimes stay up until two or three in the morning just talking, playing games and enjoying our last speck of teenage years. I hope my 2030 self always remembers this time where I found friends, stability and love.
Video: Makeda Sandford for The Wall Street Journal
Elizabeth Cay, 14
Toronto, Canada
Dear Elizabeth 2030,
As of now, we’re still well into the pandemic. It honestly feels like Covid has been going on for much longer than it actually has. So much has happened, yet I wonder if you’ll remember any of this, being that far into the future. If there’s any experience worth remembering, it’s going to your first rally.
When Auntie came to me with the idea of going to the anti-Asian-hate rally, I was thrilled. It felt like I could actually contribute rather than constantly reposting Instagram infographics. We arrived a little before it began, and the experience of walking in and seeing so many people was undoubtedly memorable. The extensive stay-at-home orders made me forget how much people actually see things from the internet, but everyone showing up in support and recognizing this issue made me remember how much bigger the world is in person.
This sounds a bit dramatic of me but I honestly think that this was the biggest racial/cultural identity moment I’ve had. It’s easily one of the worst feelings, being paranoid of your relatives’ safety, but it was relieving to see people fighting alongside each other for this issue. I think that’s why this rally experience was so special to me because it encompassed everyone’s sense of injustice with the situation, and I didn’t feel alone or silly about it knowing other people felt the same way.
Cheers, Elizabeth 2021
Elizabeth Cay, 14
Toronto, Canada
Dear Elizabeth 2030,
As of now, we’re still well into the pandemic. It honestly feels like Covid has been going on for much longer than it actually has. So much has happened, yet I wonder if you’ll remember any of this, being that far into the future. If there’s any experience worth remembering, it’s going to your first rally.
When Auntie came to me with the idea of going to the anti-Asian-hate rally, I was thrilled. It felt like I could actually contribute rather than constantly reposting Instagram infographics. We arrived a little before it began, and the experience of walking in and seeing so many people was undoubtedly memorable. The extensive stay-at-home orders made me forget how much people actually see things from the internet, but everyone showing up in support and recognizing this issue made me remember how much bigger the world is in person.
This sounds a bit dramatic of me but I honestly think that this was the biggest racial/cultural identity moment I’ve had. It’s easily one of the worst feelings, being paranoid of your relatives’ safety, but it was relieving to see people fighting alongside each other for this issue. I think that’s why this rally experience was so special to me because it encompassed everyone’s sense of injustice with the situation, and I didn’t feel alone or silly about it knowing other people felt the same way.
Cheers, Elizabeth 2021
Umika Arora, 16
Morton Grove, Ill.
I want my future self to remember that it’s going to be okay. It’s always going to be okay. You have to keep going.
We live in a society of complainers. When you’re trapped at home, and everybody tells you that the world is ending because a virus has caused a global pandemic and killed millions, it can be hard not to complain. I went through this depressing phase of hopelessness and no motivation. After all, the world was ending, and I couldn’t do anything about it.
After months of waiting and cancellations, making myself get up again was no easy task. But I did it by remembering one thing: It’s going to be okay. And it was. Even though it seemed as if my entire life had been put on pause by some imaginary remote control from hell, there was still some light in the sea of darkness. I had to desperately cling to that light, that hope that it would get better.
As soon as I started believing that it gets better, I realized that it was never really that bad. I learned how to find happiness and hope in the small things—seeing the sun glisten on the tree leaves outside my bedroom window, FaceTiming friends for hours, even spending extra time with myself—and I kept going.
So, if I am to remember anything from this year, life doesn’t stop until you do. So don’t stop. Never stop dreaming, doing and believing. Because what else is life about?
Umika Arora, 16
Morton Grove, Ill.
I want my future self to remember that it’s going to be okay. It’s always going to be okay. You have to keep going.
We live in a society of complainers. When you’re trapped at home, and everybody tells you that the world is ending because a virus has caused a global pandemic and killed millions, it can be hard not to complain. I went through this depressing phase of hopelessness and no motivation. After all, the world was ending, and I couldn’t do anything about it.
After months of waiting and cancellations, making myself get up again was no easy task. But I did it by remembering one thing: It’s going to be okay. And it was. Even though it seemed as if my entire life had been put on pause by some imaginary remote control from hell, there was still some light in the sea of darkness. I had to desperately cling to that light, that hope that it would get better.
As soon as I started believing that it gets better, I realized that it was never really that bad. I learned how to find happiness and hope in the small things—seeing the sun glisten on the tree leaves outside my bedroom window, FaceTiming friends for hours, even spending extra time with myself—and I kept going.
So, if I am to remember anything from this year, life doesn’t stop until you do. So don’t stop. Never stop dreaming, doing and believing. Because what else is life about?
Oona Erickson, 14
Charlotte, N.C.
“Oona, this is your past self of 2021. Do you remember?”
Going into public school last year for the first time in my life was going to be the most frightening experience to happen to me yet. I was homeschooled since I was developed enough to begin learning. The fear I had of the idea of stepping into a public school, alone, with no information of how the system works—only to find out months later I would not be able to attend in person due to a global pandemic. This news unexpectedly brought me disappointment and more fear. Not only did I not know how in-person school works, how would I now navigate an at-home system that no one knows how to navigate?
Since the day my school started in August to my current days almost finishing freshman year, I have come so far. Not only did I overcome the fear of school during a pandemic, I also adapted to losing friends, dealing with anxiety, ignoring the negativity of social media and the horror of the pandemic. But, most importantly, I learned to love the person I am today. If I can accomplish so much during a global pandemic, I can face any challenge that threatens me in the future.
Oona Erickson, 14
Charlotte, N.C.
“Oona, this is your past self of 2021. Do you remember?”
Going into public school last year for the first time in my life was going to be the most frightening experience to happen to me yet. I was homeschooled since I was developed enough to begin learning. The fear I had of the idea of stepping into a public school, alone, with no information of how the system works—only to find out months later I would not be able to attend in person due to a global pandemic. This news unexpectedly brought me disappointment and more fear. Not only did I not know how in-person school works, how would I now navigate an at-home system that no one knows how to navigate?
Since the day my school started in August to my current days almost finishing freshman year, I have come so far. Not only did I overcome the fear of school during a pandemic, I also adapted to losing friends, dealing with anxiety, ignoring the negativity of social media and the horror of the pandemic. But, most importantly, I learned to love the person I am today. If I can accomplish so much during a global pandemic, I can face any challenge that threatens me in the future.
Baijun Jiang, 19
North Haledon, N.J.
While the pandemic closed the door for many in-person college visits, it also opened a whole new world of opportunities to interact with colleges virtually from all over the country. I applied to more than 35 schools in 15 states and two countries, from the Ivies, top-tier private schools, liberal-arts colleges and huge public universities to small Christian schools no one has even heard of outside of the evangelical circle.
But none of these made things easier in any way. The college search process is full of anything but certainties. The search is not just about searching for the “right” college to apply to but even more on searching what the “right” college even means.
I love to be in control in life. I like to be organized and planned-ahead on things. I hate uncertainties. At one point, I realized it’s simply impossible to be in control of everything. Human wisdom can only take you so far. My Christian parents reminded me of the importance of trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding. Despite all the research I have done, my final decision is a decision of faith rather than fear.
Echoing the words of education journalist Jeff Selingo, the students who were the happiest with their college search are those who embraced the serenity of the journey rather than following the rankings of their peers. I ended up enrolling at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisc., a school I applied to on a whim. Even though navigating an unpredictable senior year was tough, I was incredibly happy with the way things turned out and how that has sharpened me to be a stronger person. It’s something I’ll never forget.
Baijun Jiang, 19
North Haledon, N.J.
While the pandemic closed the door for many in-person college visits, it also opened a whole new world of opportunities to interact with colleges virtually from all over the country. I applied to more than 35 schools in 15 states and two countries, from the Ivies, top-tier private schools, liberal-arts colleges and huge public universities to small Christian schools no one has even heard of outside of the evangelical circle.
But none of these made things easier in any way. The college search process is full of anything but certainties. The search is not just about searching for the “right” college to apply to but even more on searching what the “right” college even means.
I love to be in control in life. I like to be organized and planned-ahead on things. I hate uncertainties. At one point, I realized it’s simply impossible to be in control of everything. Human wisdom can only take you so far. My Christian parents reminded me of the importance of trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding. Despite all the research I have done, my final decision is a decision of faith rather than fear.
Echoing the words of education journalist Jeff Selingo, the students who were the happiest with their college search are those who embraced the serenity of the journey rather than following the rankings of their peers. I ended up enrolling at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisc., a school I applied to on a whim. Even though navigating an unpredictable senior year was tough, I was incredibly happy with the way things turned out and how that has sharpened me to be a stronger person. It’s something I’ll never forget.
Nirjra Gyawali, 16
Bear, Del.
Who would’ve ever thought that a bat would take over the entire world? Shut down the entire economy, take away precious lives, limit us to our homes? Yet it has and there is nothing we can do about it other than hope for a better tomorrow and obviously take care of ourselves. Years from now, I would put to use all that gardening, baking and painting I learned. But most importantly, I would constantly remind myself that I’m exactly where I am supposed to be and I am grateful for it. I have drawn some pictures of my emotions during the past year.
Photo: Ashna D Gyawali
Nirjra Gyawali, 16
Bear, Del.
Who would’ve ever thought that a bat would take over the entire world? Shut down the entire economy, take away precious lives, limit us to our homes? Yet it has and there is nothing we can do about it other than hope for a better tomorrow and obviously take care of ourselves. Years from now, I would put to use all that gardening, baking and painting I learned. But most importantly, I would constantly remind myself that I’m exactly where I am supposed to be and I am grateful for it. I have drawn some pictures of my emotions during the past year.
Photo: Ashna D Gyawali
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How did the pandemic year change your perspective on life? Join the conversation below.
—Coordinated by Madison Conte; Design by Michael Bucher; Photo editing by Ericka Burchett and Leah Latella; Video editing by Dave Cole.
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