As the world begins to enter the second year with restrictions, many people still remember what they were doing last March– a year ago, when lives would be changed forever by an unprecedented virus. This would be something that people would never forget.

Lockdowns and shutdowns across the world began as the coronavirus pandemic began to take effect. One year later, citizens are still living with things like masks and social distancing.
It was one year ago on March 12 when MD Governor Larry Hogan made his first announcement, placing restrictions across the state. It was also announced on that day that school buildings across the state would be closed effective the following Monday.
In the days leading up to the lockdowns, things had gone from bad to worse. Several COVID-19 related events had occurred, including the complete and total shutdown of the ongoing NBA season following a positive test of Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. Other events that occurred included popular actor Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson contracting the virus and the President banning travel to other countries in the world in an attempt to combat the virus.
COVID-19 wasn’t just a world or national problem, but it hit locally, too. States like Maryland began to enact the first mandates to fight COVID-19, which included school and business closures as well as the first mask mandates and stay-at-home orders.
In Maryland the first mandates included shrinking event sizes and closing schools the same day the JC ring ceremony was supposed to take place. Only hours before the ceremony, changes were made such as having no parents at the mass and putting up a last minute livestream. A week later, the school’s spring musical Mamma Mia! was supposed to be preformed live on the JC stage. This was canceled.
In a matter of time that seemed to be minutes, the events that once filled people’s lives were canceled. Spring sports ended; prom was canceled, and other senior events such as the retreat and senior awards were postponed or held online. The seniors’ graduation that was set for May wasn’t held until June.
For many, the restrictions began a new way of life. It changed lives and people’s perspectives.
Many students at John Carroll have their own personal stories of what they were doing on the days surrounding the time of new mandates and lockdowns. Now, one year later, some normalcy is returning with lighter restrictions and no signs of lockdowns in the future.
Senior Kai O’ Brien said he was just trying to enjoy his junior year. “I had rehearsal for Mamma Mia! that day and was planning on hanging with friends after school.”
Senior Jake Hopkins said he remembers “sitting in Ms. Von Lange’s math class” after the school closure for two weeks was first announced.
Senior Vlad Chervenkov said his last normal day before chaos struck was being in “school, and on the Friday night after the last normal day, I went out with friends.”
Since a full year has passed, many schools across the country have reopened — some fully and some in limited capacities. A vaccine is also available.