A Central Islip student landed the cover of Time Magazine as a symbol of her generation and the lost year experienced by so many students during the pandemic.

Senior Twyla Joseph says she shared a story of what kids in her generation are dealing with right now.

The article chronicles how the 17-year-old from a family with limited means faced the pandemic's toll. It describes how she had to deal with getting furloughed from her part-time job, struggling with classes when they went virtual and feeling alone in making college decisions.

"And everything was so up in the air," says Joseph. "I wasn't sure if I was going to even go to college because I didn't know what was happening with the pandemic or when it was going to end or if it would be worth it."

The pandemic has forced Joseph to change her plans for the future. Instead of going away to school, she'll now be attending college close to home to save money. She's also changed her career goal from becoming an occupational therapist to becoming a social worker.

"I want to help people," says Joseph.

Joseph says the challenges of the pandemic have taught her a valuable lesson outside the classroom. She says the pandemic has made her want to strive more.