All schools in Kansas closed for the rest of the academic school year on March 17th, 2020. It was supposed to be an extended spring break because the coronavirus pandemic had hit the United States, but at this point Gov. Kelly decided it was the safest option to just shut down. 

I remember sitting in my living room with my parents and my friend Jada Rathbun when we got the call for extended break. We were all so excited because in my small town of Plainville, Kansas the virus was not even close to being a threat. 

Then I remember when they officially called it off, crying alone on my couch. I cried because I was going to miss out on prom, competing at state in forensics, getting to be in the hospital when my first nephew was born and my favorite teacher decided to move.

After I mourned my losses, I tried to think of the positive aspects like how much time I had to be with my nephew. I had so much free time to do things that I really enjoy, such as watching all of the Marvel movies in chronological order. I took the time to learn new recipes, play guitar and read. The local librarians had seen so much of me that they now know the exact genre I read and the book I was most likely to check out next. 

I also took this time to handwrite letters to my elderly friends. I checked in on them and told them I hoped they were doing well. I offered to come see them or get their groceries. This idea came to me from a friendship with an older woman named Pat. She often hoped to have mail from friends, so I tried to do something that would keep her safe, but interactive. 

 Being at home with my family was not a punishment because I really didn’t want to do anything else. I have always been family oriented. We eat at the dinner table (with phones usually not allowed in the room), we have family game nights and we always talk about our days or important events. In fact, my twin sister used her creativity to plan a huge Easter dinner that had an auction and dress code.

Coronavirus took joy away from many families, including some loved ones. I understand that when this pandemic hit, it hit hard and people lost a lot. I lost a few things myself; however, I chose to look at the bright side. 

I couldn’t be with my sister when she had her first kid, but I was there to hold him when she needed sleep. I was able to discover new things about myself and more about what I love. Finally, I was faced with the reality that you never know what is going to happen or when, so you should love with your full heart and do what you want while you can, such as telling your loved ones how much you value them.