Amber Berrey, senior
What have you been for during social distancing?
“I have been playing video games mostly. I have gone a few walks and bike rides.”
How has social distancing changed your life?
“I haven’t been able to hang out with my friends. Many of the events that I was looking forward to have been canceled.”
How has social distancing affected your family?
“My family is home all at the same time. Their events have also been canceled.”
Has social distancing had any positive benefits?
I’m not stressing as much because I’m working on classwork at home. I’m also given the chance to work at my own pace.
What has been the best thing about social distancing?
I feel like I’m wasting my time just sitting at home doing nothing. I was constantly busy, and now I have nothing.
What has been the worst thing about social distancing?
“My parents will not allow me to be in contact with people. If I do talk to someone I have to be six feet away.”

Tabitha Cantrell, junior
What have you been for during social distancing?
“During social distancing I have been fishing, and hanging out with my little sister.”
How has social distancing changed your life?
It’s changed my life because I’ve had to move back to Lawrence with my dad until it’s over.
How has social distancing affected your family?
We have all had to get back under the same roof.
Has social distancing had any positive benefits?
Schoolwork is easier.
What has been the best thing about social distancing?
Hanging out with my little sister.
What has been the worst thing about social distancing?
Having to deal with family all the time, and not being able to see my friends.
How have you been maintaining social distancing?
Not leaving the house, and when we do we stand six feet away from people.
What would you change about social distancing?
I’d be quarantined with my friends.

Erik Brakner
What have you been for during social distancing?
I have been chilling at home, starting a few art projects and getting homework done.
How has social distancing changed your life?
I really want to hang out with friends, but due to distancing, I can’t at this time.
How has social distancing affected your family?
My brother was scared for a bit; his wife was in another country at the time of the outbreak. He was worried she might not get back into the states before the borders closed.
Has social distancing had any positive benefits?
100%, with any contagious virus, limited contact with other beings that could be infected can always help, not only help you by not getting others sick who in turn can return the favor and get you sick once more.
What has been the best thing about social distancing?
People can have the opportunity to get closer to family if they are quarantined with family. Others can learn new things. I have a good friend and because of the boredom, she has started to learn the guitar. People can use this time to learn new things or take time for things they normally wouldn’t have time for.
What has been the worst thing about social distancing?
This epidemic has really hurt the businesses that depend on customers visiting their stores. Obviously, the lack of customers creates businesses to either close or somehow float along by firing workers or putting them on leave. This puts stress on the millions of citizens who need work to survive.
How have you been maintaining social distancing?
I have not hung out with friends and when we go shopping for essentials at stores, we wear rubber gloves to prevent the spread of germs, the potential, and very possible spread of this virus. We don’t want to be sick and if others don’t as well they should be taking the precautions to prevent the spread and do a service for other humans in the world by abiding by the CDC’s requests.
What would you change about social distancing?
I wouldn’t change anything, social distancing is in place for a reason, to change it, for example, lessen it, would be saying that such a contagious virus that has killed people is nothing to worry about. While greater social distancing wouldn’t be smart either and I think trying to request people what to do is all we can do, besides trying to inform the masses of what we are dealing with. Social distancing is ideal. It tells people this virus is serious, while not limiting business which is important to those who need to make a living right now. Just listen to the professionals; they know what they are saying when they are trying to help us.

Kirby Kenny
What have you been for during social distancing?
I have been reading, working out and doing some housework I’ve been wanting to. I just finished the yard and started painting my office.
How has social distancing changed your life?
Social distancing has helped me appreciate little things I took for granted: toilet paper, going to the grocery store and not having to wipe everything down when I get home. Taking an extra step every time you leave the house is so annoying. And I’m missing my coffee runs right now.
How has social distancing affected your family?
We’ve been spending more time together and enjoying doing activities together. My husband and I have been working on a puzzle and playing games. My dog loves us being home together all the time.
What has been the best thing about social distancing?
I think it’s made me want to reach out to more people. I’ve started calling people I don’t normally feel like I have time for and reconnect with them. I’ve been forced to slow down and try new things. Usually, I spend most of my time teaching or coaching and this has helped me find new hobbies or ways to spend my time.
What has been the worst thing about social distancing?
For me, I’m very outgoing and social, not seeing my friends on a regular basis has been hard. I’ve had a few moments where it’s been really difficult, but I know it’s for the best.
How have you been maintaining social distancing?
I have been face-timing my friends and family. We have done zoom meetings to catch up and eat dinner together. There’s a lot of ways to play games together online. You can get pretty creative when you want to be.
What would you change about social distancing?
I wish I could change how many people are not taking social distancing seriously. People are moving the virus, so if we want to be done with this, let’s stay away from each other for a while!