Lewes teen documents COVID-19 through photos, poems

A creative school project has inspired both introspection and a likely career choice for Sussex Academy sophomore Alissa Swann of Lewes.

Alissa said her English teacher asked students to complete a project on how they are coping with the pandemic.

“We could journal, create a video diary, write an essay,” she said. “I decided to take photos and write poems. Taking photos is a hobby of mine, and I thought it was the best way to show changes throughout town because some things are hard to explain.”

Alissa said she photographed black-and-white images of signs supporting workers at Beebe Healthcare, newspaper headlines and empty spots where people usually gather, like the beach. She plans to combine her photos as a collage.

Her poem “Summer of Memories” recalls fun times at the beach and stresses the importance of graciousness and gratitude for people who are working. “Barren Streets” speaks to her feelings of desolation and isolation.

“I’ve been writing since I was little as a way to express emotions,” she said. “Writing stories and poems connects me to my creative side.”

Alissa said she has been attending Zoom classes and turning in assignments through Schoology, and said Sussex Academy launched its remote learning platform just days after schools closed.

“Remote learning has been really great, but sometimes it’s difficult to connect with teachers if we’re not in school,” she said. 

An avid runner, Alissa does cross country in the fall, and track during winter and spring. Although the spring season was canceled, she said she still runs outside almost every day.

“There aren’t too many people out so it’s been great, but if it gets crowded I’ll have to run with my mask,” she said.

During summer, she usually works as a camp in Maryland, but the campsite is closed. She’s now working at home for Kids; Ketch, locating photos and writing descriptions of products for the website.

Alissa has kept up with friends through text and phone calls, and has met a few buddies for bike rides on local trails.

“I’m more afraid of crowds because on nice days, people go out, and it just takes one sneeze or cough,” she said. “My parents are older, so that scares me. I’d like to get my life back and be more normal.”

Alissa said she would like to write a book; she’s currently on a medical track.

“I’m interested in molecular studies,” she said. “Viruses intrigue me so much.”