A kindergarten boy’s journey through a pandemic

Written by Arohan Banik



December 2019, near a seafood market in Wuhan, China there were some bats which spread one type of virus called coronavirus to one person. Later he or she got infected by the virus and then it started to spread to dozens of them. After 3 to 4 months, the situation got even worse. By then it has spread to most of the countries in the world and many people died. Then countries made lockdown and people won't meet each other, so they cannot be infected by the virus. Later scientists found more information about the virus and advised people for maintaining 6 feet distance across each other for lowering the spread of the virus. People were also wearing a mask so the virus can’t go into someone’s nose and mouth.

Because of this pandemic my school closed on March 12, 2020. Teachers were worried for the infection and wanted to come up with an idea so the kids can still do school. Later the teachers got an idea that doing online classes was the best option to choose. But it was still a mess. Poor internet connections for students, teachers were facing technical glitches and dropping away from the call when presenting the screen, and students were missing the class sometimes. Lots of confusion, and those technical problems are still happening today. But we didn't have any more options. There are some things that I miss in online classes that make me worried, like we can't go to the playground and play together and eat in the cafeteria together with my friends.

At home, attending my online class

Did you know that this pandemic affected me to not go anywhere? At the very beginning, my parents were scared, panicking because this never happened in our lifetime. I could not go to movie theatre, playground, markets, zoo etc. Everything was closed. Just people weren't prepared. Since the school was closed and I was staying at home, either my mom or dad had to stay with me and these are still happening today. My dad borrowed a bicycle because the bus riding was not safe. He went to work only by riding his bicycle. I was also not allowed to go outside. So, it was a hard time for me and kind of a tough time for my family. It took months for me thinking that when this unusual thing will go away. 

Making music with household things

So, when I spent my time at home, I played with Lego blocks, building cars and airplanes and played with my mom and dad when they are free from work. Then I started reading many books like fiction and realistic fiction and nonfiction. I also read cartoon books. Then I started doing lots of painting. Then I got an idea of writing a blog each month and this is my 8th blog. Sometimes I also made toy reviews by sharing my interests on something that I build with my Lego blocks. I made new music with my household things when my music teacher gave homework. I also did artificial ice skating on the carpet, so I skated with plates, and it was fun! I also used to fight with my hover. It was just for passing time.

Ice skating on the carpet

Fighting with my hover

After 3-4 months I started going outside. I could see some changes like people were wearing masks and there are lots of stickers about social distancing in the markets. I also followed all the social distancing rules. Wearing a mask is one of the rules which makes me uncomfortable because it is hard to breath with the mask. But I still wear it so I can be protected. After coming back from outside, I should immediately go to the bathroom because the things that I touch, could have the virus. So, for cleaning the virus off, I should wash my hands with soap.

On my birthday last year, all alone

My last birthday was so boring because I could not meet any of my friends. Instead, I celebrated only with my family. One day, I was missing my school so much that I visited the school with my mom and dad. No one was there and the school was empty. Cars were also not there at the parking lot. It felt like I was in an alien world on another planet. I was so anxious but what to do? I should have patience that one day my school will open once again. Finally, after 333 days my dream came true. I went to school for taking a test and It felt like I was back to the earth. I met the principal, my teachers and my friends. It was so much exciting that my heart was beating very fast. When I met with my kindergarten teacher, I gave her a rainbow painting and she promised that she will keep it forever in my kindergarten classroom. Finally, our teachers decided to reopen our school and I am so excited because tomorrow I will go to school after almost a year.

Meeting my kindergarten teacher after 333 days

Although it is a difficult time, but scientists made a vaccine for the coronavirus, and soon our teachers and parents will get a shot. All I can just say that I believe, we can defeat this virus, and one day our life will become normal as it was before.

Till then stay safe!


Edited by my dad

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