It was Friday afternoon on March 13th when we got an email from President Hubert. I was packing up and getting ready to go to my last class of the week when the email came in saying we were done for the semester because of the fast spreading Coronavirus. Maybe it was the unlucky Friday the 13th, but it was not expected after the school’s previous email earlier that week which made it seem like we were coming back after spring break. This meant that our freshman year living at UNE was over. The night before was our last night eating dinner with friends, last night sleeping in our dorm room and that morning I took my last in person exam for the year. It all happened so fast that no one was able to fully understand what this all would mean to us in the future. I went home for the day knowing I was only coming back again this semester to move the rest of my stuff out. I was filled with emotions because I was excited to go home for spring break to see my family, high school friends and take a break from school work, but sad that I had to cancel my trip to South Carolina. After getting this email only minutes before I was leaving, it was hard to comprehend what was happening. I saw positives such as spending more time with my family I missed, having more free time and being able to make money babysitting, but I was realizing I wouldn’t be back until August and would miss all the friends I had made this year. There also came the uncertainty of what online school would be like after finally adjusting to college work and schedules. Life is full of unexpected events and the Covid-19 outbreak has brought many emotions, hardships and uncertainty about the future. At the same time, it has given me time to take a break, reflect on myself and learn lessons.
It feels as though my whole life is put on pause as the days pass by. I celebrated my 19th birthday with only my immediate family, but didn’t get to see my extended family, my grandparents or my friends like normal. Instead of going out to eat, we got take out and we had to postpone my family’s “March Birthdays” party for a few weeks. Having such a large family we have also decided to cancel Easter. It’s sad because in the past, I have always been able to celebrate these events with extended family and friends and this year it is just my family. Although we are sad, we know that it is for the best to stay in and not get together as a large family to do our part in stopping the spread of the virus.
The past couple weeks have come with more free time than I have ever had in my life. Growing up I have always had school to go to, homework to complete, sports to play, as well as family and friends to see. All of this suddenly disappeared or changed as the outbreak progressed. I no longer had to attend school, I now complete it on my own time at home. There are no sports to play or watch and all gyms are closed. I cannot see any family outside my immediate family and can no longer see my friends in person. As of Friday March 27th, exactly two weeks after we left UNE, the New Hampshire Governor has issued a “stay at home” order that only allows people to go out for essential things. All these changes have come fast and I have learned not to take things for granted. Whether it’s my family pizza night, hanging out with my friends or just being at UNE, even if it’s just trying to find something to eat in the dining hall. There’s also the little things that I didn’t realize I need in my everyday life such as going to a gym, going shopping or out to eat. Now I have the time to reflect on all the things that kept me busy over the years and I have realized that I need to live in the present and enjoy the moments or I will regret it someday.
My family has shown to be hardworking and strong, something I already knew about them but can see more during this time. Both my parents go out to work everyday and my sister participates in online school and continues to train and stay in shape for her postponed lacrosse season. Every Saturday night we go out to eat at a restaurant and it is something we all look forward to. We had to make adjustments and order out but continue to sit down and eat together at home. This time at home gives us the opportunity to take a break from what we are doing and catch up on the week. It has been nice to get this time with my family since I was away at school before.
During this time, I have learned a lot about others in my life such as friends and my community. When I was still at school, I never realized how much I would miss my friends. After doing almost everything together at school from class to homework and playing sports it has been different not being able to see them in person. Even though I am home I am still not able to go out and see my high school friends like we normally would. Many of them have had to give up things that mean the most to them like sports seasons, vacations, and college graduations. My community has also taught me lessons from their generous acts of kindness. I have learned that during these tough times the best thing you can do is give to others in need when you can. Many people have been showing how much they care and want to help others in need by collecting donations and helping senior citizens.
The Covid-19 outbreak has taught me unexpected lessons about myself, family, friends and community. I have learned that I cannot take anything for granted because it all can be taken away so quick. For the future, I will enjoy the little things and live for now as much as possible. While at school I had been looking forward to summer, I’ll be looking forward to when we go back to UNE in the fall.
