How’s quarantine? … Do anything exciting? … How are you doing? 

These are questions that have constantly been asked during this last year. From the outside looking in, most people would think that I’ve made it through this past year pretty smooth. Great school attendance, good grades, participation in sports, going to work; all these things seem to paint the picture that my past year has been productive and a nice ride through “Covid time.” However, from the inside looking out, this past year has been anything but easy.

The year 2020 to 2021 has been a wild ride of all time highs and lows in my life. Highs of getting my drivers license, getting my first car, getting a puppy, and earning awards for sports. Lows of a family member being in a horrific accident, driving two hours every weekend alone to the hospital to see said family member, and feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

Through this experience I have found a new appreciation for life. Experiencing how life can change in a split second made me realize how much I have taken for granted. Now spending quality time with friends and family is at the top of my list of priorities. You never know when you will see someone for the last time so I want to make sure I show those I care about how much I love them. Moving forward I want to be able to say I am living life to the fullest. Yes, school will always be a priority but I do not want it to consume my life. I want to be able to live the “full teenage experience” which includes parties, going out with friends, and sometimes just being lazy.

Saying this pandemic has been difficult would be an understatement. I don’t think there are words to fully explain this past year. We have all become stronger from the challenges faced and need to start living life again moving forward. Go out and experience all life has to offer. You won’t regret it!