My reaction to the pandemic arising among the US did many things to me. When it happened, I was a little confused on how to feel. It was almost like a shocked feeling, but then I also didn’t think it was truly that bad. It was mild to me, and I was comfortable living at home. I was losing many things though. I realized that and now that I’m able to do and see those things, I cherish them even more because I felt what it was like to not have them. I heard that it had spread through America, but as many others, I also didn’t think it was going to be this severe to our country. I was with my friends, and they told me about it. As I covered earlier, I didn’t think it was that bad. My narrative about the disease changed immediately after it. I understood how many people were suffering from it and I changed my opinion. I thought it was terrible and hurt many people in many ways, not just the disease itself. People were struggling to keep their mind together as time went along at home. It was bad and people began to become aware as they should’ve before.

My life changed drastically during this period of lockdown. I wasn’t able to see my grandma and grandpa, who I would see everyday. I wouldn’t be able to eat their food, or leave my house. It was like my life was so different because I was such an outgoing person. I loved to see my friends and hang out, but then I matured a lot over the period of time. I made many decisions, to become more serious about sports and school rather than other things. I chose a different way, and now I don’t act the same way in a classroom or anywhere else. Also my biggest passion, basketball, the thing I pursue, was completely shut down during this time. I couldn’t do anything because of COVID. I had my first tournament with my new team, excited to start something new, just before every gym, tournament, and even outdoor courts were completely shut down. It made me angry because I had my first shot, but this ruined it. I wasn’t even able to play pick up because rims were taken down! But then instead of looking at the bad side, I just worked hard over quarantine to wait until this passed, and now I have another chance with a new team. I was patient and kept strong through thick and thin.

This terrible period of time hurt me a lot. I missed so many things I loved, my family, basketball, and many others. It made me realize that at any moment in your life, something crazy may happen to change your life. It can take a turn at any second for the worse, or also for the better. But no matter what happens, it gives people a second opportunity to quit whatever they started because it is hard. Because it wasn’t what they expected or felt, people just stop what they are doing. But whatever they go through, it may take a quick turn, but we as people, must push through. Everyone must keep going whether it is fun or hard. It has to come from the heart, a sense of determination, to finish what you started. Just because that turn comes, doesn’t mean we should quit. We must keep moving forward. It may bring us down for a second, but use it as fuel and bounce back even stronger. I have been thinking like that because I have had a hard last year and a half, as do many people, but I kept that mindset. Everyone should keep that too no matter what they are doing.