John F. Kennedy Students have been in school for about 7 months now, so The Clarion decided to check in with students, get a feel for where they’re at mentally as we begin a new month. A lot has happened in the world since students started school on August 9th, and whether it be good or bad, students feel strongly about the current state of the world as it can affect their spirits.
Cameron Thomas, a senior, expresses that, “I don’t really like the violence [Iran war] right now, because it’s like, we shouldn’t all be fighting one another.” He then explains that although the war in Iran hasn’t personally affected him, they do affect those who are in the middle of it. “Especially if they’re in another country getting bombed like constantly, that could be a lot on them” Thomas adds.
Sophie Tal, a freshman, expresses anxiety regarding the current state of the world. She is not being affected academically, explaining, “It is more, like, a mental thing.” Tal was then asked what she does when she feels anxious. “I like to read, and I like to pet my dogs. They’re, like, my best friends at home” she replies. Tal then expresses the importance of staying safe, and encourages everyone to not be alone, saying, “because everyone else needs someone.”
Kimberly Flores, a senior, “expected it” [Iran war]. “I just, maybe, not want to join the army” she adds. When asked how the news affects her, Flores answers, “Uh, pretty scared, we can get bombed any second.”
Nyeema Anderson, a senior, explains that she’s doing “pretty bad” mentally, “I already hated school, and now I hate it even more.” Adding, “You can’t really listen to the news anymore because then it’s always something negative because, um, yeah, our president’s been doing everything every single day, just messing things up.”
Lorena Dincuta, a senior, is affected by what’s going on in the world, saying “Ooh, it’s taken a huge toll on me. And especially my family members, since we are all immigrants.” Dincuta was then asked if current events have affected them academically, replying, “Definitely affects academic performance because if you’re not mentally there and to put all your effort and time into it and you’re focused on otherworldly things that’s out of your control, it’s like, it’s dooming.” To practice mindfulness, Dincuta explains that, “Practice mindfulness with others, like people in your community. Learning that you’re validated and make you feel better and more mindful yourself In that, um, you’re not wrong for the feeling.”
Kennedy students have a lot going on between juggling school, their social life, and coming to terms with what’s going on in and outside of their community. It can be stressful and scary, but students have expressed that by practicing mindfulness, whether it be by spending time with pets, or surrounding yourself with good influences, it can make a significant impact on your wellbeing.
