NJ Students Tell COVID-19 Stories In Book Published By Ramapo College

MAHWAH, NJ – Some of the state's most vulnerable voices — high school students — have documented the ways in which the coronavirus pandemic has impacted them over the past two years, in a collection of stories published by Ramapo College, college spokesperson Angela Daidone said.

In "The Class of COVID-19: Unmasked," the living history project, led by Ramapo College adjunct instructor Shawn Adler, memorializes stories of grief and resilience from students as they suffered the effects of the coronavirus and struggled to make sense of their lives, the college said.

“By inviting students to publish their stories, Ramapo College has told an entire generation of students that they are listening, that through narrative we can all be the heroes of our own stories, even and especially when things seem most out of control,” Adler said. “These stories are the stories of New Jersey -- its pain and, ultimately, its strength.”

Students from more than 300 New Jersey high schools were invited to write about their experiences and submit their narratives to the college for publication. A total of 48 will be published, and a primary collection of 30 will be available for purchase. The other 18 will be available to read on the college's website.

All profits will be donated to the Ramapo We Care Program for students who are food insecure or need help addressing financial worries or other needs.