Interviews About the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Age: 14 Born: Oakland, CA Occupation: Student Interviewed at Edendale

During the pandemic, Stephanie has been learning more about social issues, and she's also been listening to music and painting. She started getting in to different music genres and got more open into learning new and different things. In the interview, she shared how she was having really bad depression and that she was in a really bad place. So, Stephanie and her mom decided that she should go to therapy and maybe that would help. Since she has started going to therapy, she feels better and she loves it. After COVID, Stephanie wants to go to her first concert or a festival so she can see more than one artist, and she hopes that her piano skills get better. She also feels like she's lost all her social skills and that has made her scared to come back to school, and I agree with her.

8th grade Emergent Bilinguals document the diverse voices of the Edendale community during this historical time. Since March of 2020, people in California have been sheltering-in-place in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. None of us could have forseen the outcome of a global pandemic. As we wrote the book, schools were just re-opening in April of 2021. To write this book, students had to create interview questions, record and transcribe interviews, and take or find photographs that best respresented their interviewee. Some students have included the audio recordings of the interviews or shared their reflections. Special thanks to Jeffrey Placencia for sharing his expertise on photography with us. Thank you to Voice of Witness for providing us with a class set of Solito, Solita, which was the inspiration and catalyst for writing this book.

Taken during in-person learning

Age: 17 Born: Oakland, CA Occupation: Student Interviewed in Hayward, CA

How was it having COVID? It was very bad I couldn’t taste or smell and my whole body was sore.

Julianna, my cousin is from Oakland, CA during the pandemic Julianna has been cleaning her house, watching Netflix, watching siblings, and going to school. During the Interview Julianna and I were trying to be as serious as we can.

How did the pandemic affect your life? I feel like I got more anxious seeing people, like social anxiety.

During this interview I’ve realized that this pandemic is not easy and many people have to work harder because they have lost their job. Taking care of you siblings, cleaning, and doing school at the same time is not easy. Having your parents at work most of the time is hard. I hope people will understand what other people go through during this pandemic.

Do you miss in person school and why? Yes, I miss it a lot. I miss how we all get to be together in the same area not 6 feet apart laughing and hanging out and yea.

About the Book <a href="bookcreator://page/t0evZJjMTe-dza2v_WSZog">Interview by Irania </a> <a href="bookcreator://page/uv17VEqlR9eLJU98zDX2_A">Interview by Javier</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/aXw7AO7rRGq3kLKgB8Asbg">Interview by Vanessa</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/-veD4IItTcq8W9H6Tr379Q">Interview by Kevin</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/1laUlnppShaZTDOql3JS3A">Interview by Armando </a> <a href="bookcreator://page/vvJY3TQGRcy8Wtw1aXLFuw">Interview by Ezequiel</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/0sWvFCbWR4mlIIze_G9ngg">Interview by Alejandra</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/4EcjcLq_T6CxTTn9wRWWZQ">Interview by Rene</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/fBbXjPu2TQu5ECCmfIskZA">Interview by Christopher</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/3v6mf8u0Rsec8_uEDwP5fA">Interview by Cassey</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/y8dyFCd-QP68F6DnvPdJoA">Interview by Gerardo</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/zph7_uQYScKGoGgR7ATsHg">Interview of Alma by Ms. Eng</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/lZ8Ghwq6RY229PLQCSXqpg">Leslie's Perspective</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/I_DmJIwEQ-OGZm-7_CiDjQ">Interview by Hyacinth</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/q19sFL6lTDW1FXbfWHtiTg">REOPENING: Interviews by Jackie</a>

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Viridiana Gutierrez Photo taken in house in Hayward,California

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Interviewed by: Ezequiel Lara

Age: 13 Born: In Hayward, CA Occupation: Student Interviewed at Edendale by Ezequiel Lara

Cassey lives in Hayward California. Cassey likes to play basketball and during the pandemic he has been doing school online 

How did you feel when you heard that covid-19 got to California? I was scared because I could've gotten infected and my family would've gotten it too.

Did the pandemic impact your studies? The pandemic affected my studies because we had to learn online and I kind of got distracted because I was home all day.

What things did you like and dislike about the pandemic? I like how we got a break, but since it was too long i got bored.

While doing this project, I learned about Casseys life and his thoughts. I also learned how to do an interview. I hope readers can relate to him. 

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Age: 34 Born: Guadalajara, Mexico Occupation: Nursing Student Interviewed in San Lorenzo

Sandra is from Guadalajara, Mexico who moved to the United States. During the pandemic, she has been studying to be a nurse. In the interview, she shares how life has been a little boring since COVID-19 started.&nbsp; Was your life better before COVID? I guess yes it was a little bit better. How do you feel about distance learning? I think I like it. What do you think life will be after COVID? I think it should be better. This project taught me how to conduct an interview. I felt very nervous while doing the interview because I hadn’t done one before. I hope that readers can connect with her.

May, 2021 Photo of track field at Edendale

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Ezequiel is from Oakland who is a student at Edendale. During the pandemic, he has been at home. In the interview, he mostly talked about the pandemic. How did COVID impact your life? It was kinda harder because there were a lot of problems with the computers. What did you like and dislike about the pandemic? Well, we didn't have to go to school. We got homework but not as much. There were a lot of problems. How did you feel knowing that your family members could get COVID? I was scared because there is a chance they could die if they get infected. I learned how Eziquiel felt about the pandemic.&nbsp; This project taught me how to interview someone. I felt good doing this interview because we are kinda friends. I hope that readers can learn more about Ezequiel.

In your opinion, what's the best part of teaching? * If you ask most teachers the best part of teaching is the students, I love working with students, I think that's why most of us get into teaching like I love hearing their ideas and I love their passions. What is the hardest part of teaching during a pandemic? * The most difficult thing during pandemic teaching is not being able to talk and see your students. Like, I am used to seeing their faces, interacting with them, developing relationships with them. It's much harder doing that in Zoom because some students I haven't seen have ever seen their faces ever and it’s also hard to call on people because you don’t know if they're there or not. I can’t read people like I used to like if I tell a joke is it funny? I Don't know? Am I the only one talking? Possibly? How do you stay organized during class? and as a teacher? * I don’t feel organized. I try my best by setting deadlines, making a to-do list, and making jokes to find humor. While doing this project, I learned many things about the person I interviewed and the style of their living. For example, I learned that Ms. Eng has to take care of her family while teaching many students in all of the classes she has.&nbsp;After doing the interview, I felt illuminated by Ms.Eng’s answers because she was comprehensible and understandable. I want readers to acknowledge and understand that during this pandemic many things have happened, but talking to others about how you are feeling can help to cope with stress and to overcome hardships.

Tina Eng Photo by Hyacinth Taken over Zoom 2021

Age:16 Born: Oakland, California Occupation: Student Interview in San Leandro, California Brenda Hernandez lives in San Leandro, California.&nbsp;During the pandemic, she was doing chores and&nbsp;looking for jobs.&nbsp;In the interview, she shares her experience before and during the pandemic.&nbsp; How was your life before the pandemic? My life before the pandemic was much better because I didn’t have to worry about forgetting my mask or having to wash my hands every time I went out or having to use hand sanitizer. What has been your experience during quarantine? My experience during quarantine has been boring so there isn't much not to do at home.&nbsp; Would you ever consider taking the vaccine? Why or why not? I am not sure because of the things I have seen on the news.&nbsp; While doing this project, I learned how different our experiences were,&nbsp;but our actions and feelings were the same.&nbsp;While doing this interview, I felt like I had gotten a little closer to my sister. I hope that readers can relate to my sister's experience.

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Age: 16 Born: Oakland, California Occupation: Student Interviewed in Hayward, CA

Christopher's Interview

Ozzy Is from hayward, He studys in Lps High school he is an athlete, He is very smart, during the pandemic it has been rough for him because he gets more depressed

What have been some of the benefits and disadvantages of shelter-in-place?

How have you been staying sane during the pandemic?

For some people its difficult because of work and also it will be harder to interact with their friends and family.

What do you miss the most since quarantine?

Playing games, playing soccer and relaxing with family.

How do you feel about distance learning?

I miss my friends and going out, i used to go out with friends and to the mall but now we are extra careful because of covid.

Distance learning is okay in a sense because they are many people who have trouble with their internet or having quiet place but its also helpful for some people to get more done.

While doing this project, I learned that it is good to know&nbsp;other people's opinions. This project taught me to ask more questions in order to get to know people better. Doing the interview felt good because I could relate to my cousin. I hope readers will see that asking questions and listening to others will increase personal connections.

Interviewed by Ms. Eng Written by Alma

Age: 14 Born: Michuacan, Mexico Occupation: Student Interviewed at Edendale

I am from Sahuayo Michuacan, Mexico. While sheltering in place, I have been staying at home. In the interview with Ms. Eng, I share how my life has been since coronavirus started. What has been a struggle for you during this pandemic? Not going outside.&nbsp; I get a little antisocial and my anger issues increase. How do you feel about online learning? I hate it. I used to get all A’s but now with all the work, it's harder. How has your life changed since shelter-in-place? I lost relationships with friends but I'm glad I did. While doing this project, I've heard how life is going for other people during this pandemic started. I feel like this interview actually helps everyone that has been having some stressful moments during this pandemic because they share their feelings whit their partner it's like therapy. I hope that someone else could connect whit what Alma has shared and that they know they're not alone :D

Age:14 Born: Hayward, CA Occupation: Student at San Lorenzo High School Interviewed in San Leandro

Do you think the pandemic brought us closer? Since were stuck together, we talk a lot more, and we interact more.

Cynthia is from Hayward. She is a student at San Lorenzo High School. During the pandemic, she has been doing school online the whole time. In the interview, Cynthia shares how COVID-19 affected schools and many people’s lives.

How does it feel being with your family the whole time? It sometimes feels good but my sibling sometimes make it a little bad.

What do you think about the pandemic? The pandemic made us more distant from our friends and family. We can't go anywhere due to the pandemic,or it's closed. We lost one year of in-person learning.

While doing this project, I learned what COVID-19 did to us, and how it affected everyday things. After doing the interview, I felt sad because we can't get near each other, and people are dying. I hope what readers can get out of this,is to stay away from each other,&nbsp;clean their hands,&nbsp;and put a mask on.

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Age:36 Born: Los Angeles, CA Occupation: Teacher and Mother Interviewed in San Lorenzo, CA via Zoom Interviewed by Hyacinth Doria

Ms. Eng is from Los Angeles, CA who now lives in Castro Valley. During the pandemic, Ms. Eng has been teaching ELD online.&nbsp;In the interview, Ms. Eng shares about her life during the pandemic. We mostly talked about how the pandemic has affected our daily lives.

Is there anything that you wish you'd known as a first-year teacher? * That’s a tough question. I wish there were lots of things I knew. I wish I knew that it takes more time to get your lesson plans ready and that it’s ok. I wish I knew then that not everything had to be perfect. I was really obsessed with everything having to be perfect. I wish I knew then to forgive myself a little bit.&nbsp;

What is it like being a mom? * Being a mom is awesome and terrifying. It's awesome because you just love your kid so much and that was something I wasn’t ready for the love for you kids, and terrifying because I am always worried if I did something wrong “like oh if I do this will she turn crazy later" or “oh is she going to start have emotional problems” like I’m worried every time that are the things I’m doing right now with her will it lead to negative consequences later.

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Students interview people about their thoughts and feelings around in-person learning. Photographs were taken around campus.

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Interviews by Jackie with Ezequiel for Moral Support

What is your name and role? My name is Mr.Anthony/Coach Anthony and my role is campus security. What did you like about school re-opening? What I like about school re-opening is seeing the kids back, and I think it's good because it gets the kids out the house. What has been a struggle with re-opening? I don't think their has been a struggle with re-opening.

What is your name and role? My name is Ms.Martina or Martina Willson. I work in the office and I'm an office manager. What do you like about school re-opening? The one thing that I like the most about school re-opening is seeing you guys back. It's really nice seeing you guys, and I didn't realize how much I was missing you guys. It's great to see your faces. What has been a struggle with re-opening? The hardest thing I would say is getting up early like you guys.Also changing into regular clothes and making sure to eat on time and just getting back on the swing like a normal human person in the world.

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Age:38 Born: Leon, Guanajuato Occupation: Construction Interviewed in: San Leandro, CA

Antonio is from Leon, Guanajuato. The pandemic was hard for him because he couldn’t see his family, and he also tested positive. In this interview, Antonio shares what his life was like before and during COVID. How did COVID affect you? COVID affected me because I couldn't see my family and it was hard to get used to it. And hard to let one family member go. How is life for you during COVID and before? My life before COVID&nbsp;was better. We had parties every weekend and we hung out so it was way better. How does it feel to work outside the home during a pandemic? It feels that I might get my family sick because I get a lot of germs and some of those can be COVID germs, and my family might get sick because of me. While doing this project, I learned that my father had to make sacrifices in order to provide for our family. After doing this interview, I felt good hearing how my dad tries to take care of us even during something horrible like COVID. One hope I have is that people try to protect their families and try to help others be safe.

Age: 14 Born: Oakland, CA Occupation: Student

Leslie wrote about her own experience during this time. She shares how she has taken precautions to make sure she stays safe and the struggles of online learning--Ms. Eng I am from Oakland who attends Edendale Middle School. During the pandemic, I have been taking precautions during this whole situation by washing my hands, disinfecting everything, wearing a mask, and the other stuff. When I first heard about COVID-19, I really thought it would just be something like the flu but no. We had to stay home all day, everything was closed, all the stores were empty, no water, no toilet paper, and hospitals were full. Doing online learning has been a struggle for some people. Internet is slow, and we can't learn as much as we did like in person school. Some things I did to stay sane and positive was watch anime, paint, and piano. The hardest thing about this pandemic has been everything. I really hope that we can get through this pandemic as fast as we can so we can go back to how everything was.

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May 2021 Picture taken at Edendale by Tina Eng

Age: 25 Born: Oakland Occupation: Business System Analyst Interviewed in Oakland, CA Gustavo, my cousin, is from Oakland, CA.During the pandemic, he has been playing video games,&nbsp;working from home, and chilling with his family.While doing the interview, Gustavo had a difficult time&nbsp;moving his arm because he just got the second shot of the vaccine. How is your job during COVID-19? Good. I got my own office in the building. And I never stopped working like other people did. I do get money in and other people had to stop working. They are spending money and not getting money back from working so I think that COVID-19 f*** up a lot of people. Do you think everyone should get the vaccine ? Why? Yes, because it will protect you that what i think because it protects you 96 %because that what the doctor told me. How you feel after you got the vaccine? I felt like nothing. It just that my hand was heavy. Why did you get the vaccine? Because I needed it so I could work in the office. While doing this project,&nbsp;I&nbsp;learned that life is not easy&nbsp;. You can lose a job, which will make you unable to get your basic needs, like food, met.&nbsp;When I was doing the interview, i felt nervous because I was unsure about what he would say. I hope readers will&nbsp;get the vaccine for COVID-19 after reading Gustavo’s interview. This way, we could go back to our normal lives.

Interviewed by Armando Gutierrez Age:20 From:Guadalajara,Jalisco Occupation:Medical Assistant and Burlington

Armando's Interview with Sister

Viridiana is from Guadalajara, Jalisco who moved to California when she was a baby.During the pandemic, she has been working her two jobs in medicine; her work is in Burlington.In the interview, she talks about how she had to finish her medical career online.We talked about how difficult it was finishing schooling online while working two jobs. How has the pandemic affect your life? The pandemic has affected my life because I had to finish my schooling and career online. I wasn’t able to get much practice graduating before moving onto the next step on my career path. It was really stressful because I needed more practice. How have you been doing in Burlington with the pandemic? Working at Burlington during this pandemic has been stressful because there are times where the customers we have to work with don't respect the six different distances and some customers refuse to wear a mask.And sometimes it's really difficult because they don't understand. How have you been doing at the clinic with the pandemic issue? Working in the clinic with the pandemic has been difficult because I am exposing myself around patients who sometimes come inside the clinic and also because some patients refuse to wear a mask. While doing this project, I learned that people have been sad because because they lost family members. Doing this interview I felt happy because I got to learn important facts that I never learned about my sister's jobs. I hope readers can read or hear my interview so they can get an idea of how they want to create their own. I hope readers get important facts from their family members as well.

Photo of Alma's Grandmother She lives in Mexico.

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