Due to the current global pandemic, COVID-19, people all over the world have been confined to their homes with the Stay-at-Home plan in action. As a result, students’ education has switched to virtual classes, while electives and athletics have paused. Although this occurrence has created a drastic change in people’s everyday lives, causing cancellation of various events, Valencia High School’s hip hop team has decided to help students stay as positive and healthy as possible.
Since social distancing has started, an app called Zoom has been popularly used by teachers and students. This app is often used to mimic a classroom setting, where the teacher can give lectures and students can ask questions. VHS’ hip hop team has decided to utilize this app for students to exercise and continue to learn choreography, despite the physical separation.
As much as VHS’ hip hop team stresses the importance of staying fit, they understand that now is a difficult time, and that everyone needs a bit more positivity when stuck at home. Therefore, fun activities that incorporate movement have been made for student participation. Social media platforms are also used, where Coach Yeko Cole posts a fitness challenge and tags hip hop members who complete the challenge. When posting, the members can tag more people to take upon the challenge as well. Coach Cole also created scavenger hunts where students can move around their homes while looking for specific items during Zoom meetings. These activities have not only helped students stay physically fit, but also helped keep them mentally well.
Coach Cole stated, “Something that I really want to make sure of is that you all are staying moderately active. It’s really important to your overall health. These are real hard times we are going through and we need to give ourselves the tools and the means to tough it out and emerge even better and hopefully stronger. With everything being shut down and postponed indefinitely, it’s easy to think that this is one of the worst times of our lives…Find the things that you can still be grateful for, even amidst the chaos.” It is definitely a time where staying in good shape is of great significance, as COVID-19 is known to be possibly detrimental to elders or those with underlying diseases.
One member of VHS’ hip hop team expressed how grateful she was to be a part of this team. She explained, “I’m glad that I can be a part of this supportive group. I think I’m lucky that I have this team to keep me motivated and prioritize health during this quarantine situation. I’m truly thankful that our team is able to adapt to this new way of team practices and still dance as if we were still at school.”
It is very unfortunate that COVID-19 has “ruined” people’s school year, as students are worried about their graduation and testing. However, it is paramount to try to make the best of the situation, and try to stay active and healthy to prevent transmission of the virus. It is wonderful that Valencia High School’s hip hop team acknowledges the significance of keeping individuals active and motivated during this time of crisis.
Jasmine Jhun, Grade 9
Valencia High School
