June 2020 – The Opinator

Students participate in a drive-by birthday

How Social Platforms Are Connecting Sem Through Challenges and Virtual Activities

By Shane Holcombe ’23 and Maddie Olshemski ’23

During a time of great uncertainty, the Wyoming Seminary community exemplified the True, the Beautiful, and the Good by reaching out to one another through social platforms. Through Zoom calls, lifestyle challenges, virtual school spirit, and appreciation for Sem staff, students and faculty thought out of the box to stay as connected as possible.

Zoom chats revolutionized SEMs education and online interaction community. Teachers had to adapt their plans for their classes as well as how they present their course material to their students. After interviewing Mrs. Swaback, Dean of the Class of 2023, and Geometry teacher, one message was clear: students weren’t alone in navigating online learning issues. Mrs. Swaback said, “Teachers had minimal time to prepare for online classes, which led to lots of experimenting in learning strategies.” While experimenting with online learning, teachers used feedback from their students to expand on what was working and cut down on what wasn’t. Mrs. Mozeleski, Dean of the Class of 2021 and the Head Athletic Trainer, said in an interview that it is “traumatizing walking through campus without the usual energy.”

Like the teachers, students adapted throughout the spring trimester. Some students have enjoyed the amount of free time online learning has provided, however many miss the excitement and structure of a normal school day. Freshman Alex Inhyuk Kang ‘23 in an interview said, “I liked that I had more time to do homework. However, it is really boring to study alone. My friends and I created a Zoom group chat and just talk about how we’re doing.” Friends have turned to Zoom to stay connected and to all be together with one another. The Sem community also used Zoom for movie nights together and the summer send-off assembly. Friends have not only interacted online but also got creative to see their peers in person. For example, drive-by birthday parties have brought friends together to celebrate a special day.

Athletic teams have bonded through online meetings and challenges. Athletes have made the best out of their situation with at-home workout videos with their teams and DIY gyms with objects as simple as water jugs. Football player Edwin Lora said in a text exchange, “I don’t have any weights in my house like many others do so I have to work with what I have.” Well deserved awards were still given out through coaches’ videos, which brought teams together. Sem athletes are training constantly to be ready when the time comes to resume their sports.

Raising Pets During the Quarantine

By Seojoo Lee ‘21

“My dog really helps bring me some happiness when I am really sad. He is a bundle of energy and love.” – Julia Poole ‘22
(Photo contributed by Julia Poole ‘22)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many outdoor activities and trips have been restricted. People are having difficulties raising pets, but, at the same time, quarantine days allow the pet and its owner to become closer. Being with pets obviously makes people a lot happier than being at home alone. Julia Poole ‘22 and her dog Lex walk every day, which was more often than before the COVID-19 crisis. Julia stated, “Trying to plan when to buy Lex’s food is difficult these days because we cannot leave the house that much, but the good part of these days is Lex has been getting a lot more exercise with me.” As Julia said, possibly the greatest part about the COVID-19 crisis is staying out of busy life for a while and spending a lot more time with the pets.

“My dogs are my everything. They are so cute and funny. They make me smile.”
– Ava Smith ‘21
(Photo contributed by Ava Smith ’21)

Pearl, Magnus, and Nina are Ava Smith’s ‘21 dogs. Ava is more than happy to spend more time with her three dogs these days, for she explains, “I think right now is a great time for pets because everyone is home so much more than before.” As Ava said, for pets, right now is a good chance to be with their owners. If you have pets, now is a great time to be with them and share your days.

“My dog is one of my best friends.” – Christophe Beluse ‘21
(Photo contributed by Christophe Beluse ‘21)

Due to the COVID-19, meeting up with friends is not normal anymore. Just as we met with friends to have a great time, dogs also need their time to play with their friends. Christophe Beluse ‘21 has a dog named Balou. Christophe said, “I go out for a walk with Balou, and throw him a ball just like before the coronavirus occurred. I think it is not too difficult to raise my dog during this situation, because I can train him in my yard. However, the only bad thing is that he cannot play with other dogs.”

In these days with full of uncertainty, people might be too depressed. On the other hand, what about making our lives more positive than just staying unhappy? Spend your time with your pets; that will definitely make your life more colorful and bring some more smiles on your face.