It cannot be denied that COVID-19 is forever reshaping the world. Like the aftermath of World War II, 9-11, or the 2008 financial crisis, when the baby boomer generation thrived, airline security heightened, and the way homes were bought changed, it is probable that a lot of things may be modified after this pandemic has been resolved. In the present moment, confusion and apprehension are abundant, but it is certain the ways of the future will change, for better or for worse.

According to Politico Magazine, from now on, people may be more reluctant to shake hands or be physical, and the use of technology may be far more widespread. People may ask “Why don’t we do this online?” rather than “Why don’t we do this in person?” Maybe doctors and other healthcare workers will be treated like military and valued even more. Parks may be revived and people may realize the importance of life.

In the meantime, however, the impact of the coronavirus is really hitting people hard. No matter one’s age or background, no one can take this situation lightly. Events of all kinds are being cancelled, jobs are being lost, and what’s worse is that the end is not in sight. The word unprecedented is being used over and over again, hanging in the uncertain air. It seems like the world is frozen in anticipation in hopes of this pandemic to run its course.

When asked how he thinks the coronavirus is going to overall effect and change the world once it is all over, Alex Green, a senior at FHS, said that he thinks better border control to and from airlines and such will be in place so this doesn’t happen again.

When asked if he thinks the United States is taking overly drastic measures to stop this pandemic, Green mentioned that closing parks isn’t a good idea because people need to be outside.

Finally, Green was asked, “Being a senior, how does it make you feel that this virus has taken over your second semester?” He said: “Sad. I was looking forward to track and spending time with my friends till I left.”

Alayna Sparr, a sophomore, said her piece on the pandemic.

When asked how she thought COVID-19 would change the world once it’s all over, Sparr said: “I think that people won’t take things for granted anymore. I know that I have learned to appreciate the little things that I didn’t before.”

When asked if she thinks the United States is overly taking drastic measures to stop the pandemic, she said: “No, I don’t. I think they are doing a great job in trying to stop the spread but I still believe that the only way to stop the spread is to enforce a mandatory lockdown for the whole nation. Honestly, I still don’t think they are doing enough.”

Sparr then talked about how it makes her feel that the coronavirus has taken over the things she enjoys.

“It definitely makes times like this harder, especially when you train for something for a whole year and then all of a sudden it gets ripped away. This is probably the hardest thing that I’m having to cope with right now, which, if this is my biggest struggle then I would call myself pretty lucky since people are dying and losing loved ones.”

When asked how she thinks the coronavirus will overall affect and change the world once it’s all over, Natia Turner, a senior, said: “Once the coronavirus is all said and done with, I think the world will hopefully understand just how fast viruses can spread, and that they are serious. I also think that most individuals will return to their normal lives, as the virus has a vaccine made, and the infection is doing less harm.”

Turner continued: “I personally do not know if the United States is overeating or not. I think that individuals are going to get the virus some time or another, and I think the US has a goal right now of slowing the rate of infection as much as they can. I think that is probably smart to a certain extent, but it is causing numerous issues in regards to local businesses and non-essential jobs. People are going to begin hurting financially. Does the hurt financially outweigh the hurt of infection? I am not certain.”

Turner then spoke on her feelings on how COVID-19 has taken over the second semester of her senior year.

“It does sadden me that my senior year has been compromised. It only makes me sad for the ‘big’ moments that every senior looks forward to. I had waited my whole life looking forward to my senior prom or walking across the stage at my graduation. However, if that means less people getting infected with a potentially fatal virus, I completely understand, and life will still go on.”

There is no questioning the fact that COVID-19 is majorly disrupting the lives of everyone. Life as we know it has changed drastically. In the future, people will recall the Pandemic of 2020 and remember the importance of health and cleanliness. It will be a constant reminder to take illnesses seriously. From now on, people will realize how fragile the economy can really be. The effects of this crisis, just like 9-11 or World War II, will forever be imprinted on the American psyche.