Teenagers Complicated Relationships with Masks

By Ashtyn Cripps

Since the start of in person learning in March, 2021, there has been a wide variety of emotions towards masks from teenagers on campus. Some students hate wearing their masks, and try to rebel by taking them off, whereas others are strict on wearing them for the safety of themselves and other students around them. Some students are getting really into what is now being called “Mask Fashion.”

Walking around campus you may have noticed some students wearing colorful, decorative, and fancy masks. Others just wear plain black, white, or blue masks and don’t really care what it looks like. 

Haley Reece, ‘23, gave her thoughts on mask protocols on campus. “Having to wear a mask at school is not just a struggle but it is also a problem for me at least. I get super claustrophobic when I wear any type of mask and get anxious sometimes but I have found ways to cope with it since I have to wear it everyday. I am all for the safety and health reasons for wearing it but I am waiting for the day the restrictions are lifted for it.” 

Reece also gave her opinions on the mask fashion around campus. “I have noticed the mask fashion around the school campus. I love the bling sequins and the cool designs some of the girls wear. I don’t see a lot of guys wearing fancy masks. I haven’t participated in the mask fashion because I haven’t been able to find any cute fancy masks.” 

Many other students like Nadia Lopez, ‘24, have been actively participating in mask fashion at Redwood. “The mask fashion around Redwood is amazing, you get to see all of the different types of styles and masks. The students are using their masks styles to express themselves so it is really cool to see them doing that.”

Lopez also stated, “Everyday I turn to my mask collection, and think about which mask fits my mood, and outfit for the day. It’s exciting to have a variety of masks to choose from, and even more exciting showing up to school in a cool mask.” 

“I personally don’t have an issue when it comes to wearing masks because I know that it’s for the best and it’s great as a school having to wear masks because at least we know we are all trying to contribute to fight through this pandemic! Hopefully by then the number of those infected by Covid would have drastically gone down and nobody would have to wear masks.”

Another supporter of mask fashion at Redwood, Alexia Guzman, ‘21, said, “I definitely have noticed the mask fashion, first everyone would wear the light blue disposable ones but now many company’s make trending ones for people to buy. I am totally into the mask fashion. I like to wear colored or patterned masks to match my outfits for school or whenever I go out.” 

Guzman stated, “I think it is good that we are wearing masks at school because the students and teachers need to be safe since we are all surrounded by each other. It’s just so hot now so sometimes the face mask gets irritating. I think there’s a 50/50 chance of schools  not requiring a mask on campus.”

Piper Lambert ‘24, has been an actively involved person in regards to the mask fashion going on at school. “Wearing masks at school gives us extra protection from the virus and makes a lot of people more comfortable about returning to school during a pandemic. I don’t mind wearing a mask at school because it protects myself and others, but now that it is heating up and getting warmer the masks are getting a little uncomfortable.”

“I’m really impressed with people’s choices for masks because they are really cute and creative. Most people including myself match their masks with their outfits everyday as it is now a part of our outfits. I love how easily people can express themselves through their masks. Some take it a step further and create their own masks which is awesome!” 

“I have a mask for every occasion. I like having a solid color mask and colors that I wear everyday so its easy to match and less distracting.” 

“I think next year we will still have to wear masks for at least the first half of the year. I’m not sure about the social distance but I’m almost positive that we will have to wear masks. I just hope that by the end of the year we will be back to normal and not have to go social distance, wear masks, and worry about COVID.” 

However not every student has these thoughts about masks. Giovanni Oosthuysen ‘22, has very different opinions on masks. “School is really the only place I wear a mask at, I think masks are stupid and unnecessary. When I’m at school I still interact with my friends the same way I’ve always had and I don’t think a mask is going to stop the spread of coronavirus or limit it at all in those circumstances.”

Not only does Oosthuysen have strong opinions on wearing masks, but also about mask fashion. “Yes I have, I’ve noticed a lot of kids walking around with fake Gucci and fake Louis Vuitton masks. No I don’t participate in it, to me it’s not really worth my time or money but nothing against anyone who does.” 

“From what I’ve heard our schedule is going to change back to the normal schedule. I’d prefer a block schedule over that though.”

Teachers have also noticed the mask fashion at Redwood. Ms. Aston, the ASB teacher, gave her input on masks at school. “Wearing a mask at school can be tough, especially as it gets warmer, but I do what can to keep myself and others around me safe.” 

Aston remarked “I love seeing the mask fashion at school. Students have found ways to incorporate their masks to their outfits and it’s really fun to see all of the different designs. My mask fashion is pretty simple. I usually wear my Redwood masks or just a simple white one. If we continue to wear masks next year, I am going to have to up my mask fashion game.”

When asked for her view as a teacher on the return to school in the fall, Aston stated, “I think we will return to a normal schedule, where everyone is on campus together, but I am sure we will still have to wear masks and social distance.”

Masks have been something new that Redwood students and staff had all to adjust to and cope with, but many have made it fun. Getting involved in mask fashion has been a fun way for students to express themselves, have fun with their masks, and make the situation a little bit better.