Lena, who is 21 and asked that her real name not be used, is hesitant to talk about Germany's lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, which for a time also saw schools close nationwide. Like many people her age, she doesn't want to be reminded of that time.

She is currently studying in southern Germany. She had always wanted to be a teacher. But not anymore, she told DW. She was a good student, back then, when she still enjoyed school — before the pandemic.

"It totally stole our lives," Lena said. "We couldn't see our friends anymore. Everyone was just glued to their phones." Instead of playing volleyball like before, all she could do was just "binge-watch series. What else?"

Eventually, online teaching became available, but the lessons were stressful. "Besides, school isn't just about learning. Nobody cared about us! We were completely lost!" Lena added.

She has since moved past this frustrating time in her life. But some of her former classmates and acquaintances have become a bit "weird or cringe," in Lena's opinion.

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Most young adults experienced the COVID-19-related shutdowns in a similar way as Lena. This finding is........

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