British School Students Respond to COVID-19

COVID-19 has shaken the lives of people across the world. Students in the Houston community are experiencing “social distancing” along with exam delays and cancellations.

At the British International School of Houston, the IB 12th grade students received a shocking notice last week that IB examinations would be cancelled. There were mixed feelings expressed by the IB cohort within the BISH community after the IBO’s decision was released. Some students saw the cancellation as one of the most wonderful things that could occur during these bleak times, and some saw it as an anticlimatic way to end two years of steadfast devotion. Others were indifferent, wondering if there were some tricks up the sleeves of IB that had yet to be divulged.

During this time, I caught up with some of the 12th graders at BISH and asked how they were doing during this time. Freya Scott said, “IB is emotionally taxing, so it’s nice not to have to go to school. However, it’s also hard to not take exams, because we have all worked so hard.”

Rachel D’Souza agrees that IB was hard too and that she never thought this is how senior year would go. She said, “It is at this time where I imagined myself to be spending the last few days of high school with my friends and […] with my teachers. Instead [ ] I spend my last days of school [ ] hoping that [ ] people will get back to their loved ones and be able to breathe freely.” Rachel hopes that we can all return to our normal lives, but until then, she has offered a piece of advice: “The silence or boredom at home can be unbearable at times, but you [ ] can call family and friends.”

Picture of creative artwork for the IB Art examination painted by Donna Jimenez. 

Donna Jimenez says that she is worried for what lies ahead. Currently, Donna is spending most of her time completing coursework for art. She is painting, sculpting, and embroidering and recommends that people reading this article be creative too! There are many things to do during this time instead of sit and wonder. You can be a part of the fight from your home.

If you are interested in being creative, join my band’s (Band Together for a Change) Creative Challenge, where you can post a picture or video using the #creativechallenge2020 of you or someone you know doing something creative to brighten people’s day. If you are interested in helping your community, there are many options that include making masks to supply to elderly care centers, homeless shelters, and hospitals. 

Although everyone feels out of place at this time, it is important to stay informed and plan each day with a goal in mind. As the students have said, we will get through this together.