# data[].attributes.body
Surf side was a devastating event. 98 people died in the event, and a settlement for the families of the victims has been reached. Over 1 billion dollars will be distributed towards the families, but nothing could make up for something so tragic. 🏢

# data[].attributes.body
Planning on sending this to myself during my senior year of college and high school. I think it will be a nice, encouraging gift and will motivate me to do well.

# data[].attributes.body
I recently began Modern Family! It’s a very, very funny show and helps me calm down after a stressful day. It has great jokes and not one bad episode (in my opinion) so far.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
We purchased the cat! Her name is Willow and she was very shy when we got her. My mother was absolutely terrified, you can see it in her eyes, haha.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Me and my brother were at the Humane Society. We were checking out cats and waiting to be let in the back to play with them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
I took this photo of me and Stella spontaneously, haha. That’s why she looks a little frightened.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
My brother and I went to the park to get some exercise, so I took this photo of him! The scenery really complements him and he looks like a model! 

# data[].attributes.body
I interviewed my 16 year old cousin Andre. He was in a rush, so his answers were a bit short.

# data[].attributes.body
I interviewed my 23 year old cousin Aleecia on how the pandemic affected her. She gave very thorough answers back.

# data[].attributes.body
What were your first reactions to hearing about COVID19 when it first became a pandemic your sixth-grade year? Did you think people were over-reacting? Underreacting?

Initially, I was very excited. I was hoping cases would rise so I could get out of school. It was quite exhilarating to be in such a historic event, but as cases progressed, I understood the weight of the situation. To begin with, I thought people were overreacting. I thought it would be like the flu and we would be over it very quickly. But, when it came to the U.S, I realized that this was no small pandemic. This was a worldwide historic event that would be in the history books for years to come. I Actually remember the exact day before the world closed down. It was the Friday before spring break, and my mom rented a minivan because her car was in a shop. She took my brother and I out to the beach with KFC. We were eating in the car, thinking about the virus and discussing what we would do if it expanded and grew. We packed our stuff up 30 minutes later while I read in the car. We drove two hours to Miami to visit my grandmother. We ended up staying there for the remainder of the pandemic, so Covid helped my mother sell her house. I wish the pandemic never occurred. It really affected me negatively, but hopefully my mental state is better by the time I read this in 20-30 years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
I recently got into poetry It’s a great way to calm down myself after a stressful day of school. This poem was inspired by a Bob Marley song and free verse book

# data[].attributes.body
What would you tell yourself a year ago vs. now?

A year ago, I would have told myself to focus on school more and to stay off the internet. Before the pandemic, I never had any access to the internet (except for an hour or so of YouTube a week). I would usually just watch TV, text my friends, play video games, or read a book. But, when the pandemic hit, I had a lot more free time. I discovered some things on the internet that I truly wish I could erase from my mind. And, since I swapped to online classes during my 7th grade year, I was often distracted. I went from all A’s to B’s and even some C’s. I think if I applied myself more, I could have gotten better grades. But, here is what my message to myself would be:

Hello, Sasha-Kay! I know you’re really stressed right now, and you feel isolated, but that’s not an excuse to spend 4 hours scrolling through YouTube instead of practicing math. Put more effort into yourself and pay attention to mental health. The internet is ruining your mind. Instead of turning to games or social media as a break, read a book for 20 minutes. I know it’s hard, but you have such a great support system who is constantly watching out for you. There is no way you can’t succeed. It will reward you in the end. Practice doing work immediately instead of procrastinating. It is going to become a habit and you’ll find trouble breaking it. Please, just put more effort into your education and you’ll find major benefits.

# data[].attributes.body
Sadly, 2022 hasn’t been that much better than the past two years. While the pandemic is dying down, the situation in Ukraine and the controversial abortion case has had 2022 start off not-so great.

# data[].attributes.body
The states across the country have decided to overturn one of the largest Supreme Court case decisions ever: Roe v. Wade. The decision has sparked a lot of controversy, and several people are protesting against the decision. 🪧👩‍⚖️👨‍⚖️

# data[].attributes.body
Elon Musk made a large investment and purchased twitter. There’s minor controversy surrounding the decision, but overall, he seems to be adjusting to twitter’s owner very well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The situation between Russia and Ukraine is extremely tense. The U.S. provided military assistance which has resulted in an American death. 🇺🇦

# data[].attributes.body
Pivotal timing
Covid cases are rising
Feels like I’m dying