Being quarantined since March 13th has forced me to realize many aspects of life that I would not have noticed being stuck at home. Being a senior in high school, I didn't know that March 13th would be my last day of being a student. We thought we were just having a week off. Two months later, we realized that we did, in fact, have our last day.

I still as though all of this madness is a crazy dream; that I will wake up and I'll be back in March, stressing over whether to wear jeans or leggings to class the next day. However, I know that this is my new reality. In the beginning of quarantine, I was wearing the same pajamas for a few days straight. I didn't leave the couch. I was so lazy. I ate such bad foods. I lost touch with some friends. Once I realized that there is no more waiting around to do, I needed to make a change in my everyday schedule.

One thing I learned since quarantine is the importance of having a daily schedule. This created a sense of normalcy in my daily routine. I started waking up earlier and I would have breakfast outside if it was nice out. I would have my laptop by me and I will look at my schoolwork for that day, and anything that was easy I would just do it right then and there. I tried to work out everyday (but that quickly turned into every few days). I spent time with family playing board games and watching movies. I FaceTimed my friends and had socially-distant car circles with them. It made my day seeing my friends for a few hours once or twice a week, since i was used to seeing them everyday. This definitely lifted my spirits and created a sense of normalcy.

Another lesson I learned is the importance of being present in the moment. I spent my last day in classes absolutely stressed. My mind was elsewhere. I didn't know where I was going to college at the time and it was just a bad day. I wish that I was more present talking to my friends, instead of writing a scholarship essay in between each period. At the time I felt that doing that was more important than my friends. However, if I could look back, I had no idea that I wouldn't walk the halls with my best friend ever again. It made me realize that everyday is not guaranteed and you never know what may happen the next day. As I move on to a new chapter of my life at Penn State, from the moment I step foot on campus, I am going to cherish each moment like it's the last. The class of 2020 deserves a full college experience; for closure, comfort, and a sense of validation.

Although quarantine has brought a lot of sadness, the lessons I have learned and I encourage others to realize are really valuable. I feel that the ones that realizes the positives out of this situation can and will come out stronger than they ever believed they could be.