Dealing with COVID-19

It's not easy...but we're in this together

If you would have told me in early March that I would still be home today, I probably would have loved that idea. With the idea of finals, midterms, projects and packing all swarming my brain, I would have loved a few extra weeks off. I was originally so happy to get a break from cold Syracuse by coming home to Florida. I would've traded anything for an extra week or 2 of home-cooked meals, having my dog nearby, or sleeping in my own bed.

But man, do I miss the snow. I miss my friends at school, seeing my professors smiling through early classes, and the cafeteria food. Yes, I said it. I miss the unappetizing dinners that lead to my friends ordering out. I miss the game days. I miss waking up on weekdays and genuinely feeling excited to spend my entire day on campus getting work done. I miss the feeling of being a college student. I miss the long nights studying that were made possible through sugar highs induced by milkshakes and cookies sent from home, the Chipotle dates after classes, and the stupid late night talks with my dorm mates.

I know that I am fortunate in this situation. I'm only a Freshman in college. I'm not a senior (in high school or in college) that has to deal with cancelled proms, graduations, and final goodbyes to their home for the past four years. I'm not faced with the terrible news that I will never be a student again. In this aspect, I consider myself extremely lucky. When I start to get down on myself while stuck at home, I remember that things could be much worse.

Here's the deal: we are all going through this right now. Our parents are facing extremely hard times whether they are working at home, losing their jobs, or simply dealing with having their kids home. Our professors are trying their best to make sense of lessons without falling behind in the course. Organizations and companies everywhere are at a loss. No one knows when this will end; Even if you think you do, you're wrong.

What I've learned so far is this: appreciate the positives.

1. If you're home for the first time in a while, appreciate the ability to have family nearby.

2. If you are staying with friends, imagine the stories you can tell your kids in the future.

3. This is the time to start new hobbies or lifestyles. You can learn to cook, start a blog, begin working out, or finally watch that series you never had time to binge.

4. Lastly, you are here. If you are reading this, I'm going to assume that you are not in the hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

It sucks. It really does. However, we're still here. Use this time wisely. Try to appreciate the people around you. It's not everyday that time stands still and literally forces you to be home. It's easy to get upset and let this virus ruin your mood for weeks, but it's just as easy to relax and let it happen. Take it with stride, and make this quarantine positive. Like I said, we are still here.