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Sam Karlen

When life gives you quarantine, stream, then stream some more

Sam Karlen, a long time cross country runner, one of the many seniors, and also one of the millions of students around the world who’s experiencing quarantine for the first time. 
Like the majority of students experiencing quarantine since March 16, Karlen says the quarantine has allowed Karlen more freedom to pursue his streaming career more often. 
“My routine has become a bit more cluttered than usual because I’m able to better pursue hobbies, but it comes at the price of seeing my friends daily," Karlen said. "I wake up at about 7, I shower and wait for class to start. I go through my classes until 12, and since I have study hall fifth period I usually live stream from noon to 1:10, then I have lunch from 1:10-1:30, after that it’s class till 3:10 and I go out and run with Patrick at 4, and I’m usually home and able to stream again by 6 and that’s usually an hour and a half to two hours of streaming, after that it’s dinner and homework time.”
Karlen expressed disdain for his isolation from his friends and how it affects him mentally. 
“After a month of not being able to hang out with friends, I find myself getting bored incredibly easily,” Karlen said. “A lot of things I usually enjoy are getting boring but I’m able to pursue streaming daily, which has always been a goal of mine.”
For Karlen, distance learning is a very odd experience comparing to the traditional school routine, with its pros and cons
“It’s a little stressful having to tightly remember my schedule without the bells, but that’s just me. I feel like some teachers are being more relaxed with work and others not so much,” Karlen said. “I like how much freedom it gives me but it’s also more challenging for me to absorb as much information and actually stay awake and functional in class. I feel like I’m able to get more work done but actually sitting through class is an incredibly different experience.”
When faced about the reality of graduating through a screen, Karlen expressed his sadness because a virus ruined what was supposed to be his final and best year in the school.
“It’s awkward and I’m a little sad,” Karlen said. “I may have suffered a lack of a proper graduation but I feel like NCS is gonna try their hardest to make something work so that’s good.”

the Willis Hall Herald

Contact: (540) 789-7289

willishallherald@northcross.org

Letter to the Editor: willishallherald@northcross.org 


The Staff


Advisor: Mr. Robert Robillard & Mr. John Connor 
Editor-in-chief: Chloe Hunt
Director of graphics: Kevin Dinh
Director of photography: Hannah Nguyen
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  • Home
  • News
    • CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
  • Coronavirus
  • Opinion
  • Profiles
  • Seniors
    • Makayla Bibby
    • Jacob Wadstrom '20
    • Ainsley McGinn
    • Sam Karlen '20
    • Aurora Phlegar
    • Zack Sommer
    • Abigail Jefferson
    • Lauren Daniel
    • Yazmeen Imam
    • Patrick Daly
    • Caroline Lystash
    • Brian Bao
    • Michael Habib
    • Solomon Crockett-Eans
    • Lily Qiu
    • Riley Hoff
  • Sports
    • Football: State Champs
  • Arts
  • Photos
  • Print Issues
  • Ads
  • Staff
  • Resources
  • GEOPRISM