COVID-19’s Impact on NP3 High’s Senior Projects

By Chim Unanwa
Co-Editor | The Pacific Times

NP3’s senior projects will look a bit different during the 2020-2021 school year, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

On normal years, students would conduct research on a social issue they’re interested in, take specific steps toward addressing the issue, and then present their project to a board of advisory teachers. 

Some students start this process before senior year by doing service projects during their junior year. Students may choose the same topic they chose last year for this year’s projects.

However, many students will not be able to take steps toward fixing the problems they identified for their senior projects due to stay-at-home orders caused by COVID-19. 

Gagan Kaur, an NP3 senior, plans to do her project on family counseling and the impact that broken or dysfunctional families have on their children. Stay-at-home orders may make it difficult to carry out her action plan.

“I probably would’ve invited a therapist to come speak and ask questions to the kids, and I would probably work with the same therapist in their office, see how they do their work, stuff like that,” said Kaur.

Despite those orders, according to some teachers there are still some steps seniors can take toward their projects. 

“I was thinking about making a tutorial YouTube video on how you can upcycle your clothing,” said senior Kenya Olvera, whose project is on the fashion industry’s impact on our environment and clothing waste. 

Advisory teachers have told seniors that the time stay-at-home orders end and students can return to campus will affect senior projects. If students are allowed to go back to school by January, this year’s senior projects will likely be the same as past years. Otherwise, students’ action steps will be fairly limited.

For presentations students will “probably have to know your topics better since the action steps are limited,” said government teacher Jonathan Peacock.

It may be more difficult, but history teacher Rob Hagarty said it’s still possible to complete senior projects this year.

“A couple of things: No. 1 make sure it’s something you’re interested in,” said Hagarty. “If you really don’t care, you’re not gonna wanna put in the time.”

“Plan ahead, get things done, and get creative!” he added.