There are no easy choices for families this back-to-school season. Educators, parents, and students must adapt, and everyone is having their expectations adjusted.

We're bringing you stories from everyday people across the country whose new back-to-school routines — whether in-person or virtual — are pushing them to research new resources and focus on self-care. You'll hear from a teacher in New York City, a single mom in Petaluma, California, a high school junior in Naperville, Illinois, and more.

If you want to share your back-to-school story with us, leave an audio message through the Corona Diaries project, from Harvard's Nieman Foundation for Journalism. USA TODAY is collaborating with Corona Diaries to gather personal stories about the pandemic, from people all over the world.

This episode of 5 Things was produced by Claire Thornton and Nisha Venkat.