By: Sobi Mohan
I know what you’re thinking. How is it possible for COVID-19 to bring any benefits? COVID has ruined pretty much everything. Sometimes, it feels like I don’t even remember a time where we were not expected to wear masks or socially distance. What a world we live in! Just like everyone else, I miss social gatherings, travelling and living my normal life. It took me a long time to stop dreading and being upset at COVID-19 for taking over the world. After worrying if I would even get to have a normal senior year or hang out with my friends ever again, I let myself cool down and get out of my head. I told myself the most important thing is health. So, what if I don’t get a normal senior year of high school? This year is going to be talked about for years to come and I’m grateful to be living through it. I decided to reflect on the things I was grateful for since it is always beneficial to see the good in bad situations.
Quarantining during COVID has been very boring since there isn’t much to do in my house. Luckily, I have tried to pick up new hobbies and learn new things. I purchased a keyboard in hopes of learning to play songs. I have always wanted to be able to play the keyboard but I have never had time for it because all my life consisted of was school, assignments and extra- curriculars. I didn’t usually have much free time and if I did, I used that time to catch up on TV shows or other unproductive things. Over quarantine, I decided to make use of my time and learn some new skills. Baking is another hobby I have picked up recently. I have learned to make chocolate chip cookies, cheesecake and even pecan pie. I had no idea baking was this relaxing or fun. The free time COVID has given me has allowed me to try new things and discover interests that I didn’t know I had.
Quarantine has also given me more time to connect with loved ones. In our usual busy lives, there is barely any time to just talk and enjoy each other’s company. My family and I have started eating dinners together all at a table and later playing board games. This is possibly one of the best outcomes to come out of COVID-19. Quarantine can be difficult when trapped in a home with your family. Although, I believe this time together can be used to interact and catch up with one another. Calling friends and chatting also makes quarantine a lot more fun!
If COVID-19 hadn’t occurred, I wouldn’t be this version of myself. I have grown and discovered myself even more this year then I thought possible. I have tried out new hobbies and learnt to see the good during tough situations. Even though this year has been rough on many people, I believe this year was necessary. Humans have been forced to see the things they have taken for granted over the years and to reflect on themselves while quarantine. It is definitely understandable for many to state that this was the worst year of their life but I hope they can see some of the good that came out of this year as well. Look around you, there is always something positive.