During this time we happen to be living through, it’s easy to lose touch in what matters. Though COVID-19 is all the news consists of, it is still difficult to wrap your head around the fact this is really happening. While students all over the world adapt to School At Home, it’s vital that we all practice gratitude – the world needs hope.

The world rests uneasy with the idea that this pandemic has unraveled so quickly. Being a senior, watching the rest of my last year in high school be taken away so suddenly has been difficult to adapt to. Despite the many days I spent complaining about how much I hated being at school, I realized just how much I enjoyed waking up and driving to school while the sun was rising. I genuinely miss having a scheduled day spent with my friends; the days we used to have were so organized, now things seem nothing short of messy. Since school announced its closure, quarantine at home has been a huge growing period. I’ve learned to organize my day to have a sense of control to keep grounded. The time spent with my parents is something I never knew I lacked. As a family, we’ve been creative when it comes to spending time with outside family virtually. Technology is something I previously took for granted but is now something I see as vital – a whole new perspective. Though I miss the campus, being able to go out in my front yard and enjoy my day in peace has benefited my mental stability on a different level. Social distancing has provided me with time to focus on my own well being and mature as a person. 

Quarantine doesn’t have to be complete isolation. Practicing gratitude has made me step out of my head and appreciate what good this world does provide. During this dark time, understand how incredible it is to be living through such a historical period and remember to take care of yourself. When things begin to fall into place again, tell the stories of your struggles and successes from this period. But as you practice social distancing, create good and virtually spread the hope that the world is lacking.