Dealing with a quarantined summer

How students handled a socially distant summertime

Theo Heim, Staff Reporter
Originally published November 20, 2020

This summer vacation for the student body was hazy in that the students found it difficult to see any people or have an eventful summer. Governor Jay Inslee reopened a lot of the state on May 15 during phase 2 of the virus, which meant people could go out as long as they were masked and socially distanced. 

COVID-19 really put a spin on the student body’s plans this summer, and having a long lockdown meant that students were eager to have a great summertime.

Marley Rankin, a senior that graduated to study film, recounted her last summer holiday at Ballard. 

“This summer was great” Rankin said “I was fortunate enough to work on COVID-19 friendly film sets, which gave me an opportunity to see some friends that I hadn’t seen in a month,” Rankin said.

Rankin remained optimistic and made sure to make the most of the time alone.

“Adjusting to COVID was interesting, and it was scary to put loved ones at risk for the virus.” Rankin said. “I tried to be positive though, and was able to connect with family before I left for college.”

Some students didn’t have an easy summer vacation. Sophomore Hugo Heim found his repetitive days to be tiring.

“Summer was quite boring for me. I had the chance to play video games and be with family, but it got old quickly in my opinion,” Heim said. “It was hard to see friends, and we couldn’t travel at all.” 

Since then, COVID-19 cases have been rising steadily, and Governor Inslee announced on Nov. 15 that new restrictions would be put in place.

High schoolers have been eager to spend time with friends this winter, like Senior Kat Mattson.

“I hope that we’re allowed to see our friends soon,” Mattson said. “It’s tiring to be at home all the time but after Inslee’s announcement it seems that any holiday plans will have to be cancelled.”