78 Lockdowns, Lessons, and Lost Milestones: My COVID Journey
Sara Al-Nabih
During COVID, I was in Oakville, Ontario, experiencing the last year and a half of high school online. The lockdown was announced during the second semester of my junior year, completely changing the trajectory of my high-school experience. My city went into a full lockdown for approximately three months and over time restrictions gradually lifted, allowing for small gatherings. My daily routine changed drastically, simple things like the time I woke up altered, and I found myself trying to reduce screen time by incorporating more beneficial activities, such as reading. One of my greatest challenges during COVID was finding the motivation to complete even the simplest tasks. Without the structure of in–person schooling and social interactions, it became difficult to maintain a sense of routine or purpose. Another significant challenge was staying connected with friends and maintaining connections while being physically isolated. However, despite these struggles, one positive aspect was the increased time spent with my immediate family. The lockdown eliminated the strict schedules that had previously kept us all busy, allowing us to grow closer in ways we had never experienced before. Virtual schooling was another major adjustment, and for me it had a largely negative impact. Learning in an online format made it easy to become dependent on digital resources, often encouraging shortcuts rather than genuine learning. Additionally, the lack of a physical classroom environment led to a shorter attention span and a diminished ability to focus overall. The absence of face-to-face interactions with teachers and peers also made the learning process less engaging and more isolating. While technology made remote learning possible, it also fostered a reliance on digital tools that may have long-term consequences for students of my generation. Many of us struggled with staying motivated when there were no in-person interactions to keep us accountable, and this sense of detachment made schoolwork feel more like a chore than an opportunity for growth.
The pandemic also meant missing out on significant life events that traditionally mark the end of high school. Due to the lockdown during my senior year, I missed my prom, graduation, and the experience of physically walking across a stage to receive my diploma. Although an online graduation ceremony was organized it never felt like a real graduation. The sense of accomplishment and closure that comes with in-person celebrations was lost, making the transition to the next stage of life feel abrupt and incomplete. Graduation is a symbolic milestone and not having that experience in the traditional sense made it difficult to fully process the end of high school. Many of my classmates and I felt a sense of loss, knowing that we had worked so hard for years but were unable to celebrate in the way we had always envisioned.
A prominent theme that emerged throughout my COVID experience was blame. I noticed that many people, upon contracting COVID, immediately deflected responsibility, blaming others rather than acknowledging their own actions. Ironically, these same individuals often disregarded COVID regulations, gathering in large groups or neglecting safety measures. Instead of taking responsibility for their choices, they shifted the blame to innocent people around them, creating a cycle of accusation and avoidance. This behavior highlighted a larger issue of accountability and the unwillingness of some individuals to accept the consequences of their actions.
Beyond the immediate disruptions, COVID also altered my perspective on life in ways I never expected. It taught me resilience and adaptability, showing me how quickly life can change and how important it is to make the most of every moment. The lockdowns forced me to find joy in small things, to appreciate the people in my life, and to recognize the value of human connection. It also made me more aware of mental health challenges—not just my own, but those faced by my friends and family. Isolation, uncertainty, and fear took a toll on many people, and the importance of checking in on others became more apparent than ever. Learning to prioritize mental well-being and emotional health became a significant takeaway from the pandemic. Overall, COVID brought a mix of challenges and unexpected positives. While it disrupted many aspects of life, it also provided opportunities for self-reflection, family bonding, and personal growth. The long-term impacts of this period, particularly in terms of education and social development, remain to be fully seen, but it is clear that the experience has left a lasting impression on me and many others who went through similar struggles. The theme of blame was particularly evident during this time, as people sought to shift responsibility rather than accept their own roles in spreading the virus. This highlights a broader tendency in society to avoid accountability, a lesson that remains relevant beyond the pandemic itself.
