Sharing Stories

We asked kids about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read what four of them had to say. What has the pandemic been like for you? Write to us at tfkeditors@time.com.

Isaiah Magala Destin, 10

Charlotte, North Carolina

The pandemic has made me feel a lot of ways: good, sad, weird, but mostly sad. I wasn’t able to see my old friends in person. I could only FaceTime with them. My best friend, Leland, finally came to visit me, which was great. Things seem to be getting better.

Shanaya Pokharna, 12

Memphis, Tennessee

This was a year full of emotions. My mother was sick for 20 days. My father is a physician. From my parents and the people around me, I learned about compassion, patience, hard work, and selflessness. There are so many things we take for granted.

Valentina Efendiev, 7

Jackson Township, New Jersey

I did a video chat with my friends. I showed them my loose tooth. They said it was really cool. I used to ride horses. But the place shut down. I was sad because I couldn’t do gymnastics, swimming, or horseback riding anymore.

Sammy P. Smith, 5

Urbana, Illinois

This past year has been very different for me. Daddy never went on any work trips. I homeschooled all year. I only got to go to two stores. I read hundreds of books from the library. I went on lots of hikes. I got to go to a drive-through zoo and see a real camel!