Into the unknown...

 Covid-19. It's all the world is talking about right now. Many cities are under shelter in place mandates, and entire countries are on lock down. I never would have imagined all the things that are happening in 2020, and yet here I am, living through all of this. History is being written as we speak.

If someone had told me that college campuses would shut down and I would be sent back home during my first year of college, I would have laughed. That seems unheard of. I left Austin on March 13, and I have yet to go back to get all of my stuff from my apartment. They initially extended spring break by one week, but while I was home they announced that classes would go online for the rest of the semester. Little did I know that March 11 would the last day that I went to class for awhile.

I must say that my professors have been amazing throughout all of this. We are all going through different things caused by the same pandemic, and it is important to recognize that we must be considerate of that. My professors have been very helpful in this transition, and I applaud all that they have done to make this work for us.

There are certain steps I have taken to keep myself sane. I try to keep a daily routine so that my life doesn't feel like it has been completely been flipped upside down. I still wake up around 7 a.m. and get dressed for the day. I make time for new hobbies, like sewing and painting. I try to make up my bed still, and I go to another room to "attend" my classes. It is easy to fall into a pattern of laziness and indifference, but that does not benefit me in the slightest and it gets depressing. I have discovered that exercise is my friend throughout all of this because it helps boost my energy and my motivation.

I don't go out at all. Not even to the grocery store. I don't want to put myself or anyone else at risk, especially not my family. I understand that people feel cooped up, but the best thing we can do right now is stay home unless it is for an "essential reason," such as working or getting food.

Even with all of the horrible things that are happening, there are still good things going on in the world. I am impressed by many communities that have come together to help and support one another. Museums are offering virtual tours, discovery centers and art centers are teaching online classes and many news companies have removed their online paywall so that all people can have free access to information about Covid-19.

The earth is healing in many ways too. Pollution has significantly decreased, natural bodies of water are becoming clearer, wildlife is coming back to certain areas that have been unoccupied for years and the environment is overall getting healthier.

Despite the world being thrown "into the great unknown," there is still hope for us. We can and we will get through this. Remember to take care of yourself, and try to help someone each day, even if it's just making them smile or telling them that you're thinking of them.