PARKER’S PANDEMIC

Photographs and words by Leslie Ostronic

As I live through the pandemic as a college student, I have found relief in documenting my 8-year-old little sister, Parker Ostronic’s, experience with the pandemic. Our family lives in Lawrence, Kansas, and our stay-at-home order was active from March 30 to May 3, 2020. On July 2, 2020, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order mandating masks in public places.

In spring 2020, Parker completed first grade. The terms "pandemic" and "COVID-19" are not in her vocabulary, but she is well aware of the term “coronavirus”. She says that coronavirus is what caused home-schooling, which she hates, and therefore, she hates coronavirus. According to her, COVID-19 is “stupid” and a “should not exist.”

In fall 2020, her school, Corpus Christi Catholic School, resumed in-person classes with masks required. Never, has Parker complained about wearing a mask. “Everyone knows how to wear a mask. Everyone knows how to wear it correctly,” Parker says, “It is like a hat. It is impossible for people not to put it on right. People just do it to be silly and it costs them their life sometimes.”

The COVID-19 regulation has resulted in a dramatic increase of screen time for Parker; The majority of her day is divided between an iPad, Nintendo Switch, and TV. When not entertained by technology, she rides her scooter, plays with neighbors, or joins family members’ activities.

Despite this time of global uncertainty and social distancing, her imagination and energy has been resolute. My silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic is having the opportunity to watch and participate in more of her childhood.