Like students throughout California (USA), students in the West Contra Costa Unified school district, in Richmond, have coped with distance learning instituted this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Today, we are bringing you these students' reflections on their current experiences with distance learning and being out of school - what worked and what didn't. Students" remarks have been edited in some instances for clarity.

Nayeli Mercado, 15, sophomore, Richmond High 

Before distance learning, my mental health was never great, but it was controllable. However, once quarantine started, | have felt way more mentally exhausted because I can't go out. Also, I've been really emotional. I get really sad over little things or angry at things | shouldn't get angry about. I used to complain about school a lot but | kind of miss it now. I miss my friends, teachers, attending class. I miss school in general.

Alizei De Leon, 15, sophomore, Middle College High 

I have about the same amount of homework, or maybe a little less in this second year since some teachers are trying to make this easier. Additionally, I don't have to study as much for tests anymore since some teachers have cancelled tests for the rest of the year... I spend about three to four hours on homework per day unless l've already finished all my work that week. I'm getting through my classes, but | know that I will forget most of this information throughout the summer.

Ricardo Castillo, 17, senior, Richmond High 

At first, when this distance learning started, I thought the work was going to be easier. But then, as time passed, everything just fell apart. !m behind in all of my classes and it's nearly impossible to catch up. I can't do the work on my own. I want to learn with my classmates. Distance learning changed a lot of things for me. I wasn't able to spend time with my friends and my last year of high school hasn't been what I expected at all.

Yashika Joshi, 17, senior, Aspire College Prep Academy 

Distance learning has been difficult. Its been hard to manage, teaching yourself through assignments... I try to do my work when everybody is asleep at night. If I was at school, I would've learned much more due to a teacher paying more attention. Teachers are assigning work on a daily basis, with 45 minutes to hour-long assignments for each class, all due at the end of the week. The workload has increased a lot. Some teachers have reached out (checked in) but not often.

Dana Reyes, 18, senior, Middle College High 

My classes are all being taught virtually, through email, or through Google Classroom. I have pushed my self-determination to the max and I'm experiencing something very strange. I am still receiving the content but now I have to work twice as hard to understand the material. Sometimes, it is discouraging, and I get unmotivated, but I still try my best to finish early even though teachers and staff have been very flexible and understanding with due dates.

Mekayla Saechao, 16, junior, Richmond High 

Distance leaming for me so far has been difficult but manageable. Most of my classes consist of completing work that is posted on Google Classroom with a Zoom meeting every other week. I don't believe I'm learning as much as I would have in school because I'm not getting a lesson from my teachers every day. My teachers have helped a lot by answering questions about assignments quickly... To tell you the truth, it is a lot to manage since I'm not physically at school, working with my classmates and teachers. But being at home in my comfort zone has helped me become more organized with my works.

Monishila Maharaj, 18, senior, Richmond High 

Although I have assignments from almost all of my classes every day, almost back-to-back, I always feel like | can do the work whenever I want to... It's like fighting with my brain daily to do the work or not to do the work. As much as I wouldn't want to do online learning, I know it benefits everyone by preventing them from getting sick from the virus.

Sarahi Yupit, 16, sophomore, Richmond High 

It is hard to concentrate at home during distance learning because | don't feel motivated to do the work since there is nobody my age whereas at school, I feel motivated. It seems like its easier to do the tasks and stay on task. There are teachers who teach the actual material. They also motivate you to do your best.

Adapted from https://edsource.org/, posted on June 3

Say if the following statements are T (true) or F (false). Then, mark the correct option.

(   ) Yashika Joshi's teachers give students tasks every day through distance learning.

(   ) Monishlla Maharaj thinks online learning during the pandemic is beneficial to people.

(   ) Alizei De Leon has had more homework during the pandemic than she had in the previous year.

(   ) Dana Reyes' classes are being taught virtually, only through Google Classroom.

(   ) Mekayla Saechao believes she has learned at home as much as she would have in school.