This has been such a confusing time for me. I will say, I started to feel better when online classes started last week. I know that normally a student would not be excited for classes, but it added some much-needed structure to my quarantined daily routine. So far, I think that the online format is going better than expected. I was worried at first that I would not be able to do consistent work in the confines of my home, but that luckily hasn’t been the case.
The quarantine is certainly a wonderful opportunity for people to get creative and pursue some personal goals. Even before the whole Covid-19 thing happened, I was eager to return home for spring break so I could play my drums. Now since I can’t leave my house, I can’t think of anything better to do than play drums as much as possible. I’ve been practicing every day since moving out of the dorm. While drumming does happen to serve as pretty solid exercise for me, I’ve been pretty dedicated to running at least every other day. These two pursuits have been excellent ways to spend my time productively during the quarantine.
Everyone else in the house is doing great. Well, except for my mom. She unfortunately took a fall from a ladder last week, quite honestly because she was trying to move more tile than she could carry. She is now immobilized in a knee brace, so naturally I have been doing a lot more chores around the house. Being the most inclined culinary-wise out of my siblings, I’ve been doing quite a bit of cooking. On the nights when my mom’s condition was the worst, I had to cook dinner for everyone. It was quite an educational experience having to cook for multiple people at once. It felt a lot different from when I just whip up food for myself.
I don’t know when all of this will end, but right now I plan on sticking with the routine I have created for myself. I’ve never had a period of time as long as this where I am basically forced to improve myself in different areas. To stay positive during all of this, I keep telling myself that I can’t just sit around and wait for it to be over. It’s a chance to work on things I wouldn’t normally work on. Ultimately, I hope that everyone comes out a better version of themself when the quarantine is over.
-Michael Muscato
ENGL110 Spring 2020 11:15-12:05 
Michael,
It is awesome that you are using this time to improve your drumming skills, running, and culinary skills! I really admire your attitude of taking advantage of the free time provided to you to explore your different areas of interest. Reading this post has motivated me to become more skilled in the kitchen, because I will be living in an apartment next year and really need to learn how to cook more of a variety of foods! Also, I hope your mom feels better but I am sure she is very thankful that you have assisted her with various tasks around the house. Lastly, in your first paragraph when you mentioned online classes are going much better for you than expected, I feel the exact same way. I also have adjusted to this new normal and have benefited a lot from having a set routine.
-Sydnee Schapiro
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I really enjoyed that your writing was positive rather than negative. Being able to play and practice the drums seems like a great way to spend your day rather than just playing xbox or watching television. I also enjoyed how you talked about running. This quarantine is great motivation to find physical activity to do outdoors.
-Mihalis Hrisafinis
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sounds like you are taking this time as a real personal building time and i applaud you. I haven’t been able to get on a tight schedule but while i was at Delaware i was on such a complicated schedule that its good to be off of everything right now. I especially liked your last paragraph and how it served to wrap everything together and give a good message that we all come put a better version of ourselves on the other side of this madness.
-Miguel Palacios
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