Each week we will be bringing you the voice of one of the young people we are working with at the Jack Petchey Foundation to share their thoughts, ideas and tips about how to make the most of social distancing and staying home. This week’s is from India, a secondary school student and member of our Achievers Network.

My name is India and I am 16 years old. I am currently lucky enough to be part of Jack Petchey’s Achievers Network 8. I have previously written a blog for their website on my aspiration to become a doctor. Today I am writing in the midst of these unprecedented times about how we can still be connected across the social distance boundaries.

If we think back to a month ago, we all knew there was a dangerous virus around, but I don’t think anyone expected the backlash it would cause. A month ago, like thousands across the country, I was preparing for my GCSEs. Years of learning, dedication and hard work were being channelled into these final exams, until they were gone. I personally felt a sense of grief not for the actual exams but for the chance to prove myself, the chance to feel the relief of walking out of our final exam and all the celebrations which were to follow. Others I know felt relief that they were gone which is completely understandable.

Whatever we felt, it was weird, a strange sense of surrealism that this was what was happening. For people who are still feeling grief for the celebrations we should be having, remember it will all still happen, just delayed.

Everyone is feeling something, seeing as there is no rule book on how to deal with a global pandemic. I’m going to tell you some things I have been doing in isolation that have helped keep me motivated and purposeful now we have no exams.

The first thing I have been adhering to is a routine. I get up at the same time every day, which is 8 am for me as I work best in the mornings and it ensure I go to bed at a decent time. I start more academic based work at 9, this could involve work school has set me (which will be different for each school). If your school aren’t setting you any work, seeing as it is hard to provide now our exams are done, contact whoever you’re planning to study with next year and ask for any reading or research you can be doing to prepare.

I have also started a free online course via a website called Future Learn. They have courses on lots of various subjects so you can easily find one that suits you and your interests. After lunch I do something more creative. Currently I am finishing my art GCSE coursework but once that’s done, I plan to spend some time scrapbooking, upcycling and pursuing my own individual artwork. After that I either do some exercise or watch a film/ TV. Look out for many free classes across social media, likewise many companies have given a free period of subscription. For example, Davina McCall’s “ownyourgoals” has provided free access to her fitness videos online. This is quite a loose timetable I try to stick to, so I have a sense of routine. Bear in mind some days will be more productive than others and that’s ok we are all trying to find our new normal.

Another way I try to stay positive is by keeping in contact with my friends and family. I speak to my close friends everyday via social media and on FaceTime. As a family we call my grandparents every day, at the same time, for a video chat. Last week we hosted a virtual quiz with some family friends which was a really fun way to spend a Friday night now we can’t see them in person. We also check in with wider family at least once a week. I think if anything, not being able to see them has meant we speak more!

FaceTime has become our new best friend and I use it all the time to stay in contact with everyone. As a family unit we have been playing board games, watching films, exercising and eating all our meals together so we too stay connected. In a way it’s nice to spend concentrated time together although like any family we all need our space sometimes.

I have decided to create a blog to help myself and others through this strange period in our lives. Feel free to visit for more tips and things I have found useful. If your struggling it could help you find some inspiration or just be nice to hear from someone in the same position as you. It’s called Isolation Tales with India and I’ll be posting every few days.

We are all in this together so let’s support each other until we can be there for each other in person again,

India

Would you like to write a blog post about how your feeling during this time and how you’re keeping yourself motivated? We want to hear as many voices as possible and promote young people’s perspectives during this time. Email pr@petchey.co.uk with the subject “Blog post” to get involved! We want to hear from you.

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