The way COVID-19 changed education is a conversation that’s largely focused on big-picture policy.

With schools mostly closed for a year, journalists lost access to some of the most honest, reliable sources about how education is going: The students.

There hasn’t been a real chance for reporters to see what’s really going on at the schools, what are the big issues with students, or see the impressive and creative work many students in Hampton Roads do every day.

WHRO Public Media is excited to partner with the PBS Student Reporting Labs to start rebuilding that bridge.

We’re trying to get in touch with high schoolers who want to show us through micro-vlogs (like these ones on TikTok) what a school day, and school events, like graduation and prom, are like.

We want to see any experience that’s become normal for high schoolers now, like navigating vaccine appointments and applying and going to college.

Here are some tips for making the best, usable video you can.

Creativity is welcome and encouraged. Give us humor, give us your best TikTok editing or keep it simple.

Here’s an example of what we’re looking for, by WHRO’s News Director, Mechelle Hankerson. She’s been out of a school for a while, so she’s documented some of her day as an editor. We know yours will be much more exciting, and we welcome that!

Anyone who sends us a video will be entered in a random drawing to win one of four $50 VISA gift cards for your time.

And for those who are interested, our newsroom will reach out to some students who have a story that can help us capture and report on important education issues. Those students will be invited to work with our news staff on the story.

We’re looking forward to learning more about what it’s like being a high schooler today.

How to Submit:

1. Create your video (no longer than 60 seconds) and post it to TikTok

2. Tag us @whropublicmedia

3. Email your video (as a .mp4) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and include the subject line: Student Reporter