At the library: A chance to find ourselves

By Delaney Adams

Living through Coronavirus is a very uncertain, and scary time. Humans are used to socializing, going out, and being able to live freely. However, now that it is unsafe to do so, we are lost.

Ever since the first time I saw '2020” next to my name in school, I looked forward to it. As the years went on I would keep reminding my parents 'There are x amount of years before I graduate.” I was so excited to experience my senior prom, graduation, and all of the fun activities that seniors get to experience, just like in the movies. I can speak on behalf of my senior class when I say this is not what we expected when we planned one of the most important years of our lives. When school was canceled, and work closed, I found it hard to see the light in this whole situation. I was upset that I wouldn't be able to make memories with my friends, say my final goodbyes, or even step inside my high school once more. We are all missing the closure, and the anxious comfort that comes with the last day. I was upset that I couldn't see the regular patrons, my amazing supervisors, coworkers, and boss. I was just so confused, and I found myself asking 'why.” Why must this happen this year? Why must it happen at all? Why must we have to see loved ones risk their lives every day, why do we have to be put through this? Just, why?

The first couple of weeks were really hard. I had to find ways to keep myself sane. I struggled keeping my creativity, and motivation to do the things I love, and to stay active. I struggled being stuck at home, because I missed being able to do things like go to Walmart with my friends just to walk around. I struggled with the idea that I wasn't able to go into work. This struggle was brought on by something that seemed so little in the months prior, but quickly grew.

But I found the silver lining. I found out why our humanity is being tested with this pandemic. We have been given a chance. We have been given a chance to find ourselves. We have been given a chance to realize what is important to us. I have been given the chance to reconnect with my family, I am closer to them than I have ever been. I have been given the chance to breathe, and think about what I want out of my life. I have been given the time to read, paint, photograph, listen to music, and create. It may seem hard to find the silver lining in this time, but look around. Small businesses are being supported by the community, animal shelters are being emptied more than I've ever seen in my whole 17 years of life, people are coming together, creativity is being restored, music is blaring, and love is not lost.

I hope everyone can find their silver lining right now, no matter how long it takes. We are getting through this. Thank you to everyone risking their lives, and working day and night to help us move forward. Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay home.

'Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish” - John Quincy Adams