COVID Project

By Emiliano

"I want you to know that struggle is something you’ll have to face. Tragedy, trauma, mistakes, sadness, happiness, Just embrace."

Emiliano: My name is Emiliano Ariza. Today I turned 16 and I currently go to RHS—Richmond High School. I really like to draw and help people when I can. I interviewed Suzy Garcia, a classmate of mine. I interviewed them outside of school in a parking lot, somewhere quiet. Something I noticed about interviewing her, she was very thoughtful and wanted to say the perfect things.

Something I noticed is that I had just met her in class, but during the interview, it seemed as if we had rehearsed beforehand. The things she said were very fascinating to me, because it seemed like we had the exact same experiences. I had to deal with some problems myself during these few past months. And Suzy had experienced some as well.

I had struggled with family health problems. I had some very close people of mine pass away as well. I had to go through a bump in my educational career. So listening to Suzy talk about her struggles really interested me; seeing what we related in and what we didn't.

Emiliano: What is your name?

Suzy: Suzy Garvan Garcia

Emiliano: How old are you?

Suzy: 14.

Emiliano: What would you like to be called, slash pronouns?

Suzy: She/her.

Emiliano: What were your first thoughts when COVID first hit?

Suzy: I thought we were just going to have a three-week break, but it ended up being like, a year.

Emiliano: How did COVID impact you?

Suzy: It didn't really impact me a lot… just, not able to go out as much.

Emiliano: Have you gotten COVID? If so, how did it affect you?

Suzy: I haven't gotten COVID yet, but my family did.

Emiliano: Do you know anyone that has been infected?

Suzy: Yeah, two of my friends; but I wasn't in close contact with them.

Emiliano: Did it affect you in any way?

Suzy: Mmm… not really, I just haven't been able to see anyone.

Emiliano: Do you know how to prevent yourself from getting COVID?

Suzy: Yeah, I just wear my mask and use hand sanitizer.

Emiliano: What are your thoughts on the virus before and after?

Suzy: Before, I was just mad cause I couldn't go out, and, right now… like it's serious and everything, but I mean… yeah.

Emiliano: Is there anything else you want to say? Or add?

Suzy: No.

Emiliano: I want you to know that struggle is something you’ll have to face.

Tragedy, trauma, mistakes, sadness, happiness, just embrace.

Eventually there's problems and solutions you'll have to chase.

Maybe a moment from everyone—have your space.

This is a letter to you, to prepare you for the worst.

A COVID outbreak that just seems cursed.

Tragedy, loneliness, sickness that just make you want to burst.

Fear from everyone, everything, worry from where and how.

The moment you realize that you might have caught it, the thought of someone you know has got it.

I want you to realize, and adapt to everything that happens, it turns out ok.

Spend some time alone, understand that soon you’ll walk with better men

You thought it was true.

Alone again.

Eventually you’re feeling blessed, turning out that you're the best.

Finding the one thing that makes you feel free.

Changing and learning and adapting to make you feel good.

Walking around the neighborhood.

With the sunshine on your face, carrying out the A+ test.