Never would I ever have thought I’d have to make the nerve-wracking decision between a virtual or in-person senior year. But when my parents and I were met with the task, with much reluctance and hesitation, we chose in-person school. 

Since the beginning, my family and I have been extremely safe when we have to go out: wearing masks, staying socially distant from others, and excessively using hand sanitizer. 

My parents and I read the guidelines and procedures that campus and the school district had taken to layout the school in a safe manner, be it mandating masks, socially distanced desks, or rearranging the schedule so that all students aren’t in the hallways at once. We concluded it was as safe as it could be. 

We also weighed in other things, like coursework. A multitude of my elective classes were only offered — and only work, as they are hands-on courses — in person, such as art. I’ve been a part of the art program since freshman year, learning, growing, and developing my abilities with each class I’ve taken, including my final class this year with AP 2-D. In-person exclusivity wasn’t restricted to only fine arts, though, as even some of my core classes like AP Biology required students to come in multiple times every marking period for labs. 

Considering my coursework, it wouldn’t be realistic — or possible with the restrictions — to continue in the virtual academy. Not to mention the distractions and procrastination that come with online learning at home. Attending Zoom classes from bed never became more tempting. 

I reassured myself that as long as I stayed away from people, wore a mask, and used hand sanitizer and soap frequently, then I’d be good and so would everyone else. 

And that’s what I’ve done, because that’s what we should all be doing to keep ourselves and each other safe. And I’ll continue to do it. 

Sure, having to wear a mask can be “annoying”, as can having to stay at a six feet distance from your friends at school. But it’s what we need to do, and that should be enough justification. 

I’ll admit that I don’t know if I’ve made the right decision. I looked at my circumstances and chose based on what my parents and I thought was both safe and conducive to my learning for my final year of high school. 

I’m not certain of the choice I made to be in-person, and I probably never will be. I’d say, whether we like it or not, uncertainty is the nature of a pandemic. Or at least this one.  

But I am for certain of one thing: everyone needs to wear their masks over their noses. Please.