When I turn on the news or get on social media, statistics and information revolving around the coronavirus is all I see. Higher case numbers, more deaths, protests, and more rules. But when I put my phone down those things disappear, and I see the bright side of the world around me. 

Over the last two months that we have been out of school, my life, like many others, has changed. Instead of waking up and driving to school, I wake up and turn on my computer and log into school. Instead of seeing my friends and teachers, I see my family. 

At first, I felt as if this was a dream or like we were in a movie. But when it was announced that we were not going back to school for the rest of the year, it felt real. I finally saw that things were more serious, and it scared me. Seeing all of those high numbers climbing and seeing real people around me being affected felt suffocating. 

So I took a step back. I looked at the people closest to me, and I saw that they were suffering too just like I was. 

I began to write down notes of what I wanted to accomplish during my day on these small post-it notes that I stuck to my mirror. But instead of just writing down my school responsibilities and chores, I wrote down what I really wanted to accomplish. I wanted to set aside 10 minutes out of my day and journal what I was feeling– 10 minutes to sit and think. I wanted to take time out of my day to check in with my family and friends to see if they were okay. I wanted to find a new hobby, take more walks, read more, and the list goes on. 

I also saw how the community and the world was changing. 

People are coming together, while maintaining social distancing, and growing stronger as a community and society. Some are making masks, doing activities to make the seniors feel heard and celebrated, and coming together to celebrate the essential workers. 

When I look at all of those factors, I think how crazy that a deadly, scary virus caused people’s minds to be more open, considerate, and loving. It makes me think about how it took this pandemic for me and other people to realize that there are more things that we should be doing. It put a lot of things into perspective. 

So, if you find yourself stuck in a trance looking at the news and panicking about the pandemic, take a step back. Think of some things that you have always wanted to do and never had the time to. Think of your friends and family, think about yourself and what you need to do to take care of yourself. But whatever you choose to do, please be safe, and stay hopeful. It will all get better soon.