Students’ new normal masks emotions

Wearing a mask has been a big change among social distancing, quarantine, and just COVID-19 in general. They have challenged individuals’ social, mental, and physical beings. They have changed “the normal” and many have to learn to adapt. 

“I don’t think any of us have to act like we like them,” senior Student Council President  Luke Rucker said. “We may not like it, but if it’s what we have to do to consistently be here, it’s a necessary evil.” 

Junior Chloe Hester has consistent views with Rucker.

“I understand the point of masks, making sure the disease doesn’t spread,” Hester said. 

A common issue for junior Maddie Fairchild is the discomfort of masks. For her, sitting in different temperatures in every class it’s hard to remain comfortable. 

“If it’s hot in a class, it’s just miserable, because my face gets sweaty underneath,” Fairchild said.

Sophomore Conner Jenkins has a similar issue to Fairchild.

“I get claustrophobic and so when I put the mask on it kind of makes me freak out,” Jenkins said. 

Something just as challenging, for Rucker is the inability to communicate effectively.

 “A lot of times it’s kind of awkward or you can’t really tell people’s motives anymore because a lot of time we rely on peoples facial features,” Rucker said. 

Without seeing the other half of someone’s face, it’s hard for Hester to smile at them.

“I can be smiling at someone in the hallway and they don’t know,” Hester said.

According to Fairchild, just being able to smile at people in the hallway will be her new appreciation.

”I’ll appreciate being able to just be free,” Jenkins said, “and not have to worry about wearing a mask.”