VHS finds the silver linings of the pandemic
By Lucy Rogers, Reporter

        The pandemic has not been easy for anyone. With so much change and conflict in the world right now, it is easy to feel down or upset. So instead of focusing on the negatives, VHS students and staff look at some of the positives.
        VHS vice principal Andrew Guss shares his views on how some people have developed positively due to the situation.
        “There are many of us out there… that are developing these… workflow routines in our personal space. How much time we need, how much time we can sit in front of a computer before we have to stand up… I think that's where you can find some benefits.” he said.
        Recently, Guss experienced a thought-provoking conversation with a friend that helped to bring some silver linings of quarantine to light.
        “I had a friend say to me ‘I'm really trying to use this time to think about… what will I thank myself for 14 years from now?’… I have a little bit of extra time now, so I'm choosing to do these things. I think it's a great way to structure your time.” he said.
With this new structured routine, Guss has found more time for himself and his family.
        “Stuff that I wouldn't have had time for, except on weekends, I get to do two to three days a week now, which is really nice.” he said.
        The activities that Guss has found more time for include reading, spending time on yard work, and playing card games with his kids before bed.
Senior Bella Mediavilla has also taken this time as an opportunity to spend more time with loved ones.

      Bella Mediavilla and best friends Tamsen Henry and Lola Kuyper spend their summer growing closer together. Mediavilla says that this time with her friends has been a silver lining during the pandemic. Photo Courtesy of Bella Mediavilla

        “I’ve built better relationships with the people around me… I’ve spent more time outdoors exploring the town I grew up in and learning more about myself.” she said.
Mediavilla has also been able to spend more time with her family members, who are now home due to the pandemic.
        “My mom started working full time from home because of COVID and my older sister came home from college… my mom is… happy and grateful to get this time with us.” she said.
       Mediavilla also feels grateful for her friends and the extra time that they got to spend with each other during summer break.
       “I’ve personally grown up a lot this summer. I became close with my best friends Tamsen and Lola and I made a lot of irreplaceable memories… that I hope I never forget.” she said.
       Senior Chris Fontina has also been trying to make the best of the situation, partaking in activities like photography and mountain biking.
        “Some personal benefits I have had because of the pandemic have been more time to do things I enjoy.” Fontina said. “I have also had more time to work and become experienced in other fields such as construction with my dad.”

     Chris Fontina is seen working hard during the summer. Fontina feels that one benefit that has come out of the pandemic was the extra time that he got to work on construction with his dad. Photo courtesy of Chris Fontina

        Fontina believes that he is not the only one who found some silver linings throughout the bad situation.
        “I believe that the same benefits I have had apply to many others.” he said.
VHS teacher Lisa Miller has used this time in quarantine to reflect on herself and others.
        “The thing for me… that the pandemic has [squared] away, is how important people… and… my close family and friends are.” she said.
        The pandemic has helped Miller to put herself in other people’s shoes.
        “It also helped me to have… empathy for people and what they’re going through… and that people might look okay… but may be really struggling… so just being patient and caring with people.” she said.
        Miller hopes that some good can come out of the pandemic.
        “I'm hoping, against all odds, that there's something created in people because of this. They're more tenacious, or they're more empathetic, or they take time that they normally wouldn't to just be with people.” she said.
        With this sentiment in mind, Miller recognizes that times are tough for many people but is hopeful that this will help people slow themselves down and appreciate life.
        “I do think it's important to just appreciate the little things as we go through this and know we're going to come out the other side, and we need to come out better.” she said.