Katya Golan
16, Cape Town, South Africa
"It feels as if my life has completely changed. However, I then remember how lucky I really am.”
"It feels as if my life has completely changed. However, I then remember how lucky I really am.”
About me
What level of lockdown or quarantine are you in?
Cape Town, South Africa, is currently under level four lockdown restrictions. Level four essentially means that minimal basic activity will resume, however under strict precautions. Level four, according to our president, Cyril Ramaphosa, was said to limit community transitions and outbreaks. In this level, the Covid-19 virus is spreading at a moderate to high rate, with healthcare systems struggling with new cases. This means that the virus is spreading rapidly and infecting a large number of people, more than the hospitals are able to handle.
What has changed since coronavirus started?
During this pandemic, it feels as if my life has been completely changed. However, I then remember how lucky really I am. It seems unfair that I am unable to communicate face-to-face with my friends, eat at restaurants, or go shopping. To me, the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind” sadly applies greatly to the outlook I have on Covid-19. I keep having to remind myself about people who are dying on a daily basis.
It is evident that Corona has changed my life, and in many ways I am unhappy about this. However, I am extremely fortunate. I need to remember that either putting a party on hold, or waiting patiently to go back to school – so that others’ lives are taken into consideration – is what looking out for other’s needs is all about. School for me, is such a unique experience. I view school in a completely different outlook and perspective. I would safely say that it is what I miss most, and the biggest change that I had to adapt to. School for most people feels like a heavy weight on their shoulders, because it is seen at face value. However, at Herzlia, it’s not just about academics. I love to excel, but there are so many more fun and exciting memories to be made.
Being at a Jewish day school, literally means that everyday is a celebration. There are always holidays being celebrated, carnivals being held, ice coffee being given out and Israel quizzes being done. I genuinely believe that the biggest change for me has been that I am not physically going to school and how that has impacted my daily life.
Are you able to go to school/work?
I attend Herzlia High School. The changes and adaptations my school has taken, due to these unwanted circumstances, are absolutely incredible! Herzlia truly satisfies the needs and desires of each individual pupil. Not only do we have a structured timetable, however there is also a team of specially qualified counsellors who are available, at our discretion. Whether it be, a stressed out matric pupils, or a grade ten, like myself, who is struggling to finish an essay – their unconditional support and care really shine through during such trying times. However this does not allow for all the extra-curricular and on-academic opportunities that school normally has to offer.
Where do you spend most of your time now?
Having a large amount of free time now, I keep myself occupied in a variety of different ways. I love to bake and experiment with new recipes. I have made oatmeal cookies, cakes, peppermint crisp pudding and cheesecake – just to name a few. I find that learning new recipes makes me feel productive and innovative. I also feel a sense of accomplishment, after finishing baking and tasting how incredible the different desserts are.
One of my great passions is social media. Not necessarily creating content, however keeping up with all the trends and gossip. I adore fashion and admire how unique celebrities dress. Anything out of the ordinary, is always first to catch my eye. An app I often make use of is Tik Tok. I take pride in the fact that I know every single thing there is to know on the app. I have invested my time in keeping up with the tik tok creators, as I have a great interest in their lives. My friends always praise me for knowing everything going on. As all teenagers are, I am no exception and obsess over series and movies. I have watched loads of rom-coms and can’t wait for all the new movies coming out soon.
In terms of series, I have watched almost every single one on Netflix and researched the ones I have no particular interest in. I also speak to my friends very frequently and we reminisce about all our fun and crazy memories. I exercise regularly and enjoy morning walks with my friends, who live close to me. It is easy to see that during this lockdown, I have been keeping myself entertained and I take pride in enjoying my own company.
How do you communicate with your friends?
I am indeed, very social, and therefore have not exactly struggled to communicate with all my very close friends. The best part about my social circle is that they have all taken the time to find fun, alternative apps to facilitate our boredom, that often arises. We make group tik toks, we document our days, we ‘houseparty’, we exercise and chat together, watch movies and series on Zoom calls, and most importantly we laugh and listen to each other, at all times.
Do you see your family more or less now?
This question is a fairly tough one to answer. Corona virus has definitely made me enjoy spending time on my phone to a greater extent. I am quarantined with my family, however sometimes I am on my phone much more than is needed. I do, however, love my family’s company. We play games, watch comedic movies, and eat dinner every night, as a family.
Both my parents have returned to work, which is quite bittersweet. I love being with my family, but knowing that businesses are going back, gives me hope that life is en route to return to a version of normality.
What do you see when you leave your house?
I rarely leave my house, as my parents are concerned with the high risk hazard. However, they are more than happy to see me exercising in the morning. I love to walk with my friends and catch up on what they are doing. Each morning, I get to see at least one friend for around an hour. I consider myself lucky to be able to do this. On the beachfront in Sea Point, is where I usually walk, I see parents and children, friends and couples, all walking and enjoying the fresh air. However there is quite a chilling atmosphere, when I am reminded of the virus, seeing every person covering their mouth and nose, with a mask.
Instead of looking at the glass half empty, as they say, I look at all the different masks and notice how colourful, innovative and creative people have been in choosing their masks. As I mentioned before, I am very interested in fashion. When I walk, I look at gym outfits, hair styles, mask colours and patterns, and running shoes. It is surprising how much effort is put into the outfits people can only wear for three hours.
How do other people look when you go out?
In all honesty, everyone looks fairly normal. As I mentioned above, the only major distinctive difference is all the different masks. There are obviously many people worried for their jobs, health, children and so much more. However, daily lives must continue, as well as the economy. No one really makes physical contact anymore, such as hugging or going near one another. It is one of the most important precautions to be taken. Contact is how the disease is spread, and so people do generally stay away from each other.
How do others act when outside their house?
Everyone is very on edge. They are worried and frightened about shopping for groceries and working – things that once seemed like mundane activities. They are weary about masks, and most people stick to the arranged times for exercise. However, in every society there are those who abide by the rules and those who break them. There are many people who have been out of their houses and around people, not effectively social distancing. Some people don’t wear masks, even though it is a law. A lot are blinded by the fact that this is a pandemic, as it is not directly affecting them.
Has anything changed for the good in your life since coronavirus started?
I have had more time to explore my hobbies and interests. It is always good to have your mind set on your future, and concentrate on academics. However, hobbies are often lost in the process. I have come to realise that fashion could potentially be in my future. I probably wouldn’t have realised this, if I didn’t have that time to expand my knowledge on the subject. It has become clear to me, just how short life can be. I am thankful for my health, stable social surroundings and family support system.
I would say that corona has really taught me to be grateful and to work harder to achieve greater things. This is one of the reasons this project appealed to me. I wanted to be involved in something very different and unique from what anyone else was doing. I miss a lot of things from before the virus, but I have strong faith in everything happening for a reason. I do believe that the world will resume its course soon.
What is the worst part of social distancing for you?
It is very difficult from going to seeing my friends everyday, to not seeing them at all. I hate that I can’t travel and experience new places with my family. Birthdays and celebrations are more difficult, when such a serious virus is looming over all of our heads. It has become harder to be open-minded and positive, especially when we are living in dark times. I would say that not being able to feel a sense of free movement has been the hardest. I feel confined to certain areas, and my independence now has lots of restrictions. I have always been taught to be able to do things for myself, and I get the feeling that I am moving backwards, instead of maturing. It is horrible that my growth process has been put on pause, as of right now. However, I like to see the good in things, as I am genuinely a bubbly and optimistic person. Restrictions will be lifted, and so I know to be patient, even in trying times.
The Quaranteen Project
My Gallery
THe developing project
The Developing Story was created to give a voice to those seeking to be heard, while encouraging and empowering all communities to speak their truth through the medium of photography. Through our capsule storytelling projects, we amplify ordinary voices, offer the wider world a new perspective on current affairs, and encourage visual arts in every community around the world.