We know that our everyday routines look different now. Even though our buildings are closed, our schools are still very much in session. We’re talking with our students to learn more and share their experiences with remote learning. First up is Elijah, an eighth-grader at AF Endeavor Middle. 

Tell us about yourself.
I’m in eighth grade. I play football, and I’m a gamer. I’m just an average kid that wants to make a difference in the world. I want to do something that nobody else has really thought about doing.

We know everyday life looks a little different now. What fun activities have you found to do at home?
I’ve been spending a lot more time with family, which is nice. Usually I have football practice right after school, so I come home late and I don’t always get to spend a lot of time with them. I’ve also just been keeping up with my schoolwork, working out a lot, and watching Netflix.

What can’t you wait to get back to once it’s safer to go back to our regular routine?
I really miss my friends and my teachers. I have some family members that I’m not able to see because of Coronavirus, so I’m excited to see them again. I also can’t wait to get back to football. That’s probably the first thing I’m going to do when quarantine is over—go to the field and play with my friends.

That sounds great! So how did you get into football? Do you have a favorite memory?
It’s funny because I actually didn’t really like sports as a kid. I wanted to stay home and play video games. One day my dad introduced me to football, and I joined my first team—the Brooklyn Titans with Coach Bill. That was the best experience I ever had. From there, I just kept playing. I have a lot of memories of playing football. One of my favorites is my first touchdown. I was a running back. I didn’t know what to do, to be honest. I forgot the entire play. I just took the ball, ran down the sideline, and got a touchdown. Football is really hard, but I’m pretty good at it now.

Wow, what a journey! Okay, final question. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A lot of things, but mostly, I want to be an NFL player. I’d also like to be a scientist because I like figuring out how stuff works. I’ve also thought about being a marine.

Whatever you do, we know you’re going to be great at it! Thanks for sharing, Elijah!