life in lockdown I think everyone had high hopes for 2020, or at least I know I did. Back in March, when we were all sent home, it seemed as if COVID whilst terrible, would be a temporary setback, hopefully, nothing more than a brief intermission into what would eventuate into an otherwise incredible year. Whilst the situation wasn't great, everyone seemed to be in the same boat. We all stayed home, we all got bored, we all baked and painted, even took our dogs on multiple walks. Now, however, things are different. I will be honest; anyone who is friends with me will know how I never stop talking about the positives of Melbourne life. Not only is it totally acceptable to wear all black all year round, but the coffee and the footy (AFL obviously), are just some of my favourite selling points. Living at home during this semester was going great. Restrictions were lifted, I was able to meet with old friends to go on walks, and my placement was looking awesome. We all thought we were doing everything right, yet our numbers started rising, more and more people started getting sick. Victorians were beginning to get worried; our Premier was trying to get things under control, yet it seemed as if nothing was going to work. The real bummer for us this time was that whilst we were regressing into a situation worse than before, everyone else was luckily able to continue on with life as normal. Every day my family and I would listen to the daily broadcast, to hear the new numbers, to see what restrictions were changing, to try and figure out if I would even be going onto placement. My Mum is a primary teacher, and I saw how closely she would listen to the news, wanting to make sure she would be ready and prepared to give her students the best education that she could give, considering the situation.
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lauren speirs
My little sister in Year 11, just trying to figure out how her VCE subject and the rest of her classes and exams would work. My Dad, trying to see if his business would still be essential. I was listening closely too, slowly starting to panic. My teaching placement was looking like it was about to fall through. While it would be an inconvenience for me, I could reschedule it next year. I immediately started thinking about my friends, who are meant to graduate this year. We were all stressed, confused, and there was no clear outline of what was going to happen. Things only seemed to go from better to worse when they announced the immediate closure of the North Melbourne public housing towers. People were locked down within hours with no access available to things we all take for granted, exercise, food shopping or even religiously appropriate food. The unfolding situation in Melbourne has led to some difficult and controversial decisions in the hopes of fixing the situation. All of us Avondale students were confused, anxious and had no idea about what the future would hold. I know I spent many nights in prayer, trying to get the reassurance that only God can give. Thankfully for me, I was able to get out in time and God willing to have another placement and accommodation arranged. However, I am a lucky one; there are many people stuck in Melbourne who are struggling and anxious. Everything that’s happening right now has got a lot of people feeling uncomfortable, and on edge, so please keep everyone in your prayers! Hopefully, Semester Two will be a fresh new start for all of us and a great finish to this chaotic year!
