Sophie Kucukkaya

Similar to West, sophomore Sophia Kuckaya’s school plans were changed due to COVID-19. 

“[My family was] going to move at the end of eighth grade [and] we were planning on moving out to California. But then COVID-19 hit, so we decided to stay [in Missouri] and we moved here, [St. Louis],” Kuckaya said.

Coming from Wentzville South middle school and a different house, Kuckaya juggled multiple transitions. 

“Starting [school] was stressful. I was in the process of moving the first two weeks of school. So I started school in my old house,” Kuckaya said. “Since we didn’t get the house key or get our proof of residence a week before school, I still didn’t do my registration. Then, I had to talk with my counselor, and that took about a week. So on the first day of school, I didn’t have any classes.”

Despite the rocky start, Kuckaya is now getting used to her new environment. 

“I feel more comfortable. I’m in debate club, so I know some of the people at school. It’s actually really fun, minus the technology difficulties,” Kuckaya said. 

Kuckaya’s biggest challenge with not being in-person has been the lack of socializing.

“Everything’s individual, and I’m at home, and I’m seeing just my family. Anyone else I see, I see through the screen. I feel like that’s taken a big toll on my mental health,” Kukaya said. “I’ve come to terms with it after quite a while, but it was kind of stressful in the beginning. I was starting school and I liked school because I like the social aspect, and I would get to go see my friends and people. But now I don’t. Plus, I don’t know anyone at school. I don’t think you can really socialize through [a screen].”