Experiencing the COVID-19 crisis as a senior in high school has been both surreal and stressful. I was far from thinking of it as a real issue until the state-wide quarantine was issued and everyone had to stay indoors. The remaining months of senior year took a drastic turn from what everyone was originally expecting, but luckily, I was somewhat prepared. Two weeks before quarantine was broadcast across the country, my family decided to take the virus seriously and make some new house rules. For one, my sisters and I could only leave the house for school. Unlike my siblings, I am already an online learner through the VDLP and I only leave twice a week to attend an in-person class at Pima Community College.

During spring break, I was almost finished with my online classes when the official quarantine announcement was delivered. No one saw it coming. Our house was filled with pandemonium as everyone made contact with school counselors, advisors, coworkers, and employers to find out exactly what was going to happen in the workplace and at school. I was initially disappointed with my Pima class converting online because I was uncertain if the teacher had expertise in that type of teaching, but ever since converting the class has flowed smoothly and I am still able to learn.

I attempted to continue online like everything was normal while my siblings and friends had to become accustomed to a new style of learning. The biggest change was the household environment. With my parents both at home as well as my two sisters, trying to find a quiet time to learn and study became a challenge. Everyone had to come together to schedule, adjust, and rearrange routines in order to find the perfect equilibrium that allowed everyone to coincide harmoniously.

I finished my high school classes near the beginning of March and have been focusing on college and leisure activities since then. With the amount of free time on my hands now, I have started a vegetable garden, called my friends and family as often as I think to, read countless books, learned new skills, and more. For me personally, the hardest part of staying home has been keeping in contact with everyone I hold close. Right now, it feels like just another skill to learn. Without the constant love, support, and vibe checks from my friends and family, quarantine would be twice as hard as I find it is now.

For now, I am excited to attend the University of Arizona in the fall. Whether it be through online, hybrid, or in-person classes, a new chapter of my life is officially beginning. It is uncertain what the future holds, but I look forward to whatever is coming.

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