‘I’M NOT THE SAME’

As two young journalists, we have experienced firsthand how much the lives of young people have been upended during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we navigate major life transitions during this period of uncertainty, one of us just graduating college and the other entering her senior year, it’s hard to not feel alone. We know others around our age are probably feeling the same.

In this vein, we wanted to hear from young people like us about how their lives have changed since spring. From reexamining relationships with loved ones to grappling with new and difficult emotions and advocating for justice in their communities, young people have taken on new challenges. They do so as they’re still forging their own identities. Young people have been especially moved by this earthshaking year. Read about it in their own words here in part one of a two-part series.

— Sanya Kamidi and Anjali DasSarma

HANDOUT PHOTOS Amelia Isaacs is taking her college classes from her childhood bedroom in a different time zone.

Grace Hill says spending time outdoors is a way to be safe from crowds and away from the confinement of home.