We're already on our third issue of Ask The Mask! "The Mask" is a group of middle school students eager to help with your dilemmas related to the pandemic. If you're a middle school student and would like The Mask to give you advice, please fill out this anonymous form. If we don't get to yours right away, keep checking back because it might appear in a future issue. Okay, on to our latest advice, including a special holiday-themed letter!
Keeping myself fit and in shape for sports is really hard right now. Even though I can still go to lessons with the sport I play, we stopped doing that right now. Right now, only a couple of times a week, my dad and I are going to public parks to play, But it's really hard to get a court. Even though I'm doing some exercise and jump roping at home, the lack of exercise I'm used to is driving me insane! I'm not sleeping as well and I'm getting stressed, with no sports to calm me down. Even though we are looking for other places to go play this sport, I feel like, without it, I'm getting lazy and more anxious in my life. What should I do? Thanks for your help!
Sincerely,
Anxious Athlete
San Jose, CA
Dear Anxious Athlete,
I can totally relate to what you are going through. My sport has been cancelled, too, and I was feeling those exact same things. Here's a few things I have done. First, I went online and found small video drills that I can do at home for my sport. For example, I found a YouTube channel where they do technique drills and other things to keep players in shape while at home. I have also started running more, which has helped a lot. I will normally put on headphones and play my favorite music, and then running becomes a lot more fun. Also, don’t be afraid to try new activities. For example, I have gotten a lot more into biking, and I would recommend you try something like that. I know you’ll find good alternatives.
Actively,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
My sister is always playing games with her friends at around 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. And that's the time I go to sleep, so it's so annoying for me. My question is how can I make her more quiet or make it so I can't hear her because she is in the room right next to mine?
Sincerely,
Annoyed Little Brother
San Jose, CA
Dear Annoyed Little Brother,
I have a little sister who actually has the same problem as you, except the roles are reversed. I usually get on with my friends and talk and play really loudly and it bugs her a lot. One thing you could do is politely discuss with her that it is disruptive and ask her to play at another time. You could also have a talk with your parents if just talking to your sister doesn’t work, and explain the problem. From there, you could ask your parents to please ask your sister not to play games at that time or tell her to quiet down. You could also ask her to shut the door if she can and if it helps. I really hope this helps!
Quietly,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
I am feeling very lonely recently because I rarely get to be outside my house now. I am able to go to school, and I can still socially distance bike around with my friends, but things don’t feel the same. Some of my friends stay at home for school, and I haven't really been able to talk to them. I also don’t get to get outside as much, as all my after-school activities and social meetups are cancelled. How will I be able to get through this?
Middle Schooler
San Jose, CA
Dear Middle Schooler,
I completely know where you're coming from. It's relatively safe to see people when you’re outside wearing masks at six-foot distances and moving around. Riding your bike with your friends seems fun, and I have a couple other suggestions. You could try having a picnic or going on a walk with them. If you like video games, you could call your friends and play your favorite game togher. Do you and your friends have a favorite movie? You could all do a movie night, either virtual on Teleparty or with masks outside. Try going to an online club in an activity you're interested in, where you could sign up with your friends. We will get through this. I believe you will find something you like to do for the time being.
Sympathetically,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
My WiFi just loves to stop working. I'll be in the middle of class and everyone freezes. I'm like, "Well, there goes the WiFi." This is more of a technical issue, but it still stops class for about 5-10 minutes. What can I do to either prepare or stop this from happening?
Sincerely,
WiFi Buster
San Jose, CA
Dear WiFi Buster,
That’s a tough situation! If I were you, I would prepare for this unlucky scenario by telling your teachers before class that this has been an issue on multiple occasions and might happen again. I would also do things so you can still effectively work while the WiFi’s out. You can try printing out the assignments, writing down the directions, or maybe downloading Zoom on a device that can use data so you can change devices if your WiFi cuts out again. You can also discuss with your parents about using Xfinity Wireless hotspots, which are becoming very popular and give anyone anywhere high-speed internet. This website finds hotspots in your area using GPS.
Good luck!
The Mask
Dear Mask,
School online has been very hard. I can never seem to stay focused on the computer during class. It has started to affect my understanding in certain classes. Any advice?
Struggling Student
San Jose, CA
Dear Struggling Student,
You’re not alone. A lot of other students deal with this kind of problem. Some students go from A-B students to C-F students. There could be reasons you aren’t focused in class. You could be on your phone, or just zoned out in general. You should tell your parents if you’re struggling, and why. If it’s because you're on your phone, you can just put it away. Keep it outside where no one can find it. If it’s because you’re zoned out, maybe turn your volume up to the max and take off any headphones so it makes it harder for you not to listen. You can also try a fidget to give you something to do while you listen.
Stay focused!
The Mask
For Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, and Easter, my family and my aunt and uncle each host a few holidays every year. My family usually hosts Thanksgiving, and my aunt and uncle host Easter and Christmas, and we all go downtown for New Years. Sometimes neither one of us hosts Easter. This year we weren't together for Easter or Thanksgiving and definitely not Christmas or New Years on the 31st. I was hoping for some virtual gathering ideas that could help my family talk to my aunt and uncle and hopefully some other family members these upcoming holidays.
Sincerely,
Distantly Gathered
San Jose, CA
Dear Distantly Gathered,
I think that online meetings for Christmas and New Years is a good idea. If you or your aunt and uncle have any special recipes, then you can share them with each other and cook or bake together on Zoom. Another idea is to play a Quizizz game; you can create a fun quiz and send it to your family. Or, if all else fails, you can just talk with your relatives. Either way, you’ll have fun.
Happy Holidays!
The Mask
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