Personal Essay
March 11 was the day COVID-19 changed everything for me. I serve in the junior high ministry at my church. We had our pre-service meeting and were getting ready for students to arrive.
New precautions were being taken; we needed gloves for serving pizza and everyone had to use hand sanitizer before entering.
I looked down at my phone and saw shocking news, the NBA suspended the season after a player tested positive for COVID-19.
Before that, I had honestly brushed off news of COVID-19. From what I heard, the flu infects and kills many more people than COVID-19 had even touched.
On top of that, it seemed to me the virus only affected the elderly, the very young or anyone with a weak immune or respiratory system. Surely my 20-year-old self could fight off something that was seemingly less harmful than the seasonal flu.
Obviously, I was very wrong.
COVID-19 has turned into a global pandemic, infecting anyone it comes in contact with. Many now call it the “invisible enemy” as it spreads without warning.
Self-isolation has been an interesting experience for me. I am a very social person, so it has been difficult for me to not see my close friends.
Leaving the house to have fun was my way of escaping the world of work and school, as I’m sure it was for many others my age.
Despite all the negativity, being able to relax a little more and decompress has been very relieving. Going on walks and doing more photography has allowed me to really appreciate my
neighborhood more.
If I’ll be completely honest before all of this started I thought photography was extremely difficult. I’ve always used my DSLR camera mainly for video.
I’ve discovered that my idea of photography being difficult was a product of the quick-paced lifestyle we lived before self-isolation. When I have been able to slow down and practice, it comes much easier to me.
I have been blessed to live in the Claremont Village with century-old houses all around me, giving me so much to photograph and be amazed by.
COVID-19 has also dramatically changed my outlook on daily life. Before self-isolation and the numerous stay at home orders, I looked at normal daily tasks as almost meaningless. Now a Target run or trip to Starbucks is a huge thing that I look forward to as well.
Walking my dog multiple times per day has become a routine that both of us enjoy.
My family has also adopted a weekly cooking schedule with one of us cooking dinner for the rest of us for one night of the week.
Although COVID-19 may keep us in our homes it doesn’t stop us from being closer to the family we live with.
