An Interview with Julia Gambacorta, Garnet Valley Class of 2022 Treasurer

Conducted by Brooke Lovelace

  1. In what ways do you believe that you benefitted from having school transitioned online? In what way are you at a disadvantage? 

I benefit because I can get more done in the day because we end school at 12:40. The disadvantages are it is hard to learn in an online format because I do better learning in person. 

  1. In what ways did you have to transform your routine to online learning? Is your daily routine the same or different from when the pandemic first started?

I wake up much later now. It is definitely different because I had time to start a jewelry business and make crafts after school. 

  1. How do you think the school could alter online learning so it was more beneficial for students at home? 

Maybe they could add more transitional breaks so students could get a snack and have a mental break from learning. 

  1. Why did you choose not to go into school and instead remain fully online? 

Simply, I don’t want Covid-19 and school seems too risky at the moment. Also, I didn’t want to be one of the only kids in a classroom. 

  1. Do you believe school has become more or less stressful in the environment right now than before the pandemic? 

Depends on the week honestly. Shool sometimes is very stressful when teachers make a lot of things due on Friday, but with proper time management, people may find it less stressful. 

  1. What do you miss most about regular in-person learning? What do you not miss? 

I miss school events and be able to interact with my classmates however, I do not miss staying at school until 2:38. 

  1. Have you been tempted to cheat during online learning because it is easier to do so? 

Yes, the temptation is there, but I realize the teachers put in a lot of effort and I would feel bad doing so. 

  1. How are you managing being a class treasurer during this time? How have you been keeping in contact with fellow officers for the class of 2022?

Being a class officer is different this year because we want to do things that our grade is missing out on, but it is difficult to do things socially distanced. I do keep in contact with the class officers and we are trying to brainstorm ideas, especially for junior prom. 

  1. What are you and your fellow officers planning as of now for this year or the next? 

If restrictions begin to lift we are hoping to plan some kind of event for juniors. However, we are looking forward to next year and trying to go out with a bang. 

  1. Do you believe that the pandemic has impacted your life in a more positive or negative way? 

I think the pandemic definitely has its positives and negatives and I am glad I have started new hobbies, but it stinks not being able to see friends or family especially on holidays. 

  1. What is your favorite thing about online learning that wouldn’t be possible if we were in-person learning? 

I like being able to take breaks during class especially when teachers assign asynchronous work. 

  1. Do you believe it is still easy to get help from teachers outside of class? Have you found these interactions helpful? 

I think it is dependent upon the teacher in which some teachers are really helpful and responsive while others aren’t. 

  1. If school was to open up tomorrow to everyone, but online learning was still possible, would you go into school? Why or why not? 

No, I would not go unless I had the vaccine. 

  1. Which school activity have you missed the most and why? 

I missed doing floats and dances because they are a fun part of school. 

  1. Do you believe we will be back to regular school next year? Why or why not? 

I think we could if everyone gets the vaccine.

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