An HSC student studying in isolation has shared his experience after a Batemans Bay High School student tested positive to COVID-19 this month.
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South Durras teen Caleb Hogan said he was in lockdown for two weeks due to close contact with a relative in a class with a positive case. Caleb said he hadn't left the house and missed out on a week of trial exams.
He said the disruption to study was "a little bit concerning" but there was "nothing I can do": "It would be nice to know I didn't have to stress about these things. As long as I know I can still get marks for tests and I'm not going to fail the HSC." While he had useful online resources and appreciated his teachers, particularly for Ancient and Modern History, Caleb struggled to find motivation at home.
"I need a bit of pressure on me," he said. "When we're studying at home without upcoming tests or assignments due, I struggle to get myself to work. I like being with my friends, bouncing ideas off each other. When you're home by yourself in a dark room studying, it feels different."
While many teens used social media as an outlet, Caleb's choice was more hands-on: "Sometimes I get paid out for leaving messages too long. I find it quite frustrating when people are constantly checking their phones."
However, he acknowledged the importance of keeping in touch: "There are plenty of online ways to be in touch with friends. I'm pretty close with family, so have support."
Being productive gave him solace. He taught himself piano by ear from year 8 and sketches in art journals or on an iPad. "I avoid thinking about it (stress) and I do things that make me happy, like draw or play music," Caleb said. "If we don't do well in the HSC, there's always another route." "I'm pretty sure they're going to make allowances for people affected."
Caleb hopes to go to university and become a secondary teacher in history or the arts. He loves Modern and Ancient History, and also studies Visual Arts, Music and Advanced English.
While 2020 was not "normal", "at least the people around me have found a way to make it alright". Caleb's family evacuated from his previous home, between South Durras and Benandarah, in the bushfires: "We had to try move everything from the house to Nan and Pop's. They were also in South Durras. I had to stick around Nan and Pop's place, where it came up to the edge. Our house managed to survive. Fire burnt right up to Durras Drive. We were very lucky."
Despite COVID-19 restrictions and the difficulty of maintaining study routines, he was in a good state, and looked forward to returning to school.
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