Senior Tess O’Leary is living life one day at a time through her coronacation. When Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced school would be closing until April 5, now through April 12, she O’Leary was relieved the government was doing something. 

“It’s definitely a health crisis and I’m glad that as a state or actually doing something to prevent deaths and injury,” O’Leary said. “But I was also very anxious because I’m in four AP classes and those are quite difficult to do on your own.”

This new reality, of online school, haunted her though. She realized how important attending class is. 

“I actually find some of the classes are much easier because of the amount of work that we have to do,” O’Leary said. “I can get done a whole week’s worth of work in about an hour and a half.”

Working on her own schedule is easy for O’Leary. She can spend as much time as needed on any topic.

Overall, she thinks everything has been alright when it comes to school given the amount of resources her teachers have provided. She elaborated that she’s had no problem contacting any of her teachers in this unprecedented time. 

But the biggest challenge for O’Leary is not seeing friends.

“I’ve just kind of started video chatting and trying to make sure I talk to people as much as I can.” O’Leary said. “It’s awful not being able to hang out with fun people.”

She also runs a Colorguard program at Lakeshore Middle School that has postponed practices. O’Leary is hopeful practices will resume and, just like other events, can get back on schedule.

“When it warms up a bit, I’m hoping to record stuff for them and send videos of some things to learn,” O’Leary said. “They all have their own flags, so they can practice on their own. They just want something to focus on. 

Beside colorguard and schoolwork, O’Leary has spent her time playing video games and watching television among other things. 

“I pierced my ears a week ago, so that was a fun time,” O’Leary said. “It was just an ‘I’m bored and I want to do this thing. I’ve just been spending a lot of time killing time. I’m trying to exercise and keep moving.”