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When COVID-19 hit, it shocked the entire nation. Schools closed, businesses shut down (some for good), and everyone was trapped in their houses for weeks. While for some it was a dream to have so many days off or to be able to work from home, others suffered from job loss, financial insecurity, and stability loss due to school closures. COVID-19 has affected all of our lives in one way or another. 

During the school holidays I work at a restaurant in my hometown. It’s a regular breakfast diner where people come to get pancakes and omelets, nothing special really. I’m lucky to even be able to work since we have patio seating, as many people are unable to right now. The best part of the job though is the interaction between the customers. Many of them have known me since I was 14, and now I’m 21. I’ve babysat their children and grandchildren, been to graduation parties, and celebrated birthdays. Many of the people who walk through those doors have become family and friends to me. They’ve seen me grow, from starting high school to deciding what college to go to. They have been on the sidelines of my life for 7 years.

And that’s the hardest part of this. The bonds I’ve formed with these people over the last 7 years are suffering. Many of these people are older and thus more at risk. Because of this, I don’t know if they are safe and healthy, especially since the last time I’ve seen many of them was winter break. It’s hard and it’s frustrating, but I know it’s for the best that they stay home and stay safe.

The hardest part was definitely school. While I definitely prefer an online class or two a semester, but to convert a full 18 credits to online classes was definitely a struggle.  It doesn’t help that many of my teachers have never taught online, not to mention I was taking Golf 1, a class meant to be in person. The transition to online was abrupt, but overall was done the best that it could’ve been with such short notice. Many of my teachers were understanding of the circumstances, one even extending all deadlines to the end of the semester to give us all adequate time to complete assignments. 

While everyone is ready for life to return to normalcy, we must remember that we still need to exercise caution. For those who have suffered any loss during this time, whether it be from a financial loss, stability loss, or the lost of a love one, know that we are here for you. These last few months were definitely not what we hoped they would be, but we are all going to come out of this stronger than before. 

Stay safe.