In general, I’m always taken aback when someone asks me the question: “how are you doing?” Do you truly want to know? Well, for me, the answer to that question is unclear.
Everything happened so fast. One day I am going through my usual academic day at UD and the next I am being sent home due to the Coronavirus. To go from beginning to adjust to the routine of the second semester, to having classes change abruptly to online, was a lot to take in in itself. However, amid this pandemic, I am relocating with my family. My feelings?: overwhelmed, to say the least.
On April 7th, my family and I are moving to Florida from our current home in Pennsylvania. Yes, that’s tomorrow. A long sixteen-hour drive awaits me. I’m definitely going to need some caffeine. It is an emotional time for me because I am leaving the house that I’ve grown up in for the past seventeen years as well as my best friends. Since we’re all stuck in quarantine, I won’t be able to see them before I leave. I know that I will be up to visit, but it’s difficult to face this kind of change.
During this time, I have seen much change in society. Masks and gloves are always worn when in public. I just can’t believe the world is experiencing something like this. To think that this will go down in history is crazy to think about. I know that I’ll be safe in my car on the ride to Florida, but to be getting a mandatory test for COVID-19 the minute I enter my new home state was not something I thought I’d be doing when moving with my family.
I am learning to ride the waves of life. We must be prepared for what comes our way. To be overwhelmed and anxious are just a few normal feelings to be having during this time. No matter what you’re experiencing currently, it is important to recognize that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Emily Pellegrino
ENGL110 Spring 2020 11:15-12:05 
Emily, first, good luck with your move tomorrow! I’ve driven to Florida multiple times from Pennsylvania, and the drive is not too bad! Second, I really like your writing style. Your voice really comes through and it flows really well. Your opening sentences are really strong and grabbed my attention. I also really enjoyed the sentence “I’m learning to ride the waves of life.” The image you added is relatable and made me laugh.
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First off I hope your move goes as smoothly as possible today! I could not imagine having to move in the middle of this. The stress of normally moving is a lot let alone in a time like this. I really enjoyed your last paragraph as it tied everything together. Your piece is all about the unknown and how you do not know how these next few days will go, but in the end, you come to terms with it and turn it positive. That is all we can do in times like this.
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Wow you have so much going on and I hope your move is successful and as smooth as possible. I love how you said you’re “learning to ride the waves of life” because it made me think of the beaches in Florida. It’s crazy how much can change in just a few months. If you end up seeing this comment, are you still continuing at UD since you’re moving?
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That’s a great question! I think I actually do want to continue going to school up north, but i’m not sure if i’m staying at UD.
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The way you began your writing with the transitions you made to begin the semester, to the unexpected ending of our semester on campus shows how much of a whirlwind the past few weeks have been. I also liked your point about this being a historic event because I am sure we won’t forget about our freshman year abruptly ending, and we will share our experience with the next generation one day. I hope your move goes smoothly and safe travels.
– Tommy Wilcox
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I hope everything went well with your move, that has to be such a big change right in the middle of all this and I wish you luck!
I really enjoyed your writing overall, but especially your last paragraph. It really helped to showcase what kinda of a person you are and how you go with the flow and absorb everything as it comes. I also really enjoyed the imagery you used by referencing the waves!
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Your writing stands out not just because of the uniqueness of your story but because of the candor you have in telling it. You speak so openly about the changes that you will be experiencing in the next few days and how you are feeling about all of it. That you have felt “waves” of fear and anxiety but how despite it all you can see that there will be good at the end and a light at the end of the tunnel. I think this wording and imagery that you used really helps to sum up how all of us are feeling right now.
I hope that everything goes well with your move!
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“To think that this will go down in history is crazy to think about.” That statement really just hits because this is the first time a historical event has probably ever explicitly and directly affected our generation. Really just goes to show the scope of the whole situation…
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