Never in a million years did I think I would be sitting in my house for months at a time with almost no contact to the outside world. But that has become our reality.

I was kicked out of my cozy little dorm room and was no longer living with my best friend. My sorority initiation got postponed. I am no longer dressing up on the weekend and going out with all my friends. I can’t even go to the dining hall and eat the mediocre food with people anymore.

I thought my life was a disaster when this all began. I did not want to be home in any way, shape, or form. But as time went on, I grew accustomed to this new “lifestyle”. I began to pick up hobbies such as painting, something I have not done since I was younger. I forgot how much I loved it and how it allowed me to separate myself from any negativity going on in my life. I

The time at home this semester has allowed me to learn how to appreciate all the little things in my life again. My family and I have been trying to find projects and activities for us to do that will change up our sceduale and to pass the time. We started to watch old home videos each night and reminisce about all the memories we had at younger ages.

The current situation of this semester has made me appreciate so much. I appreciate the fact that all my family is healthy and capable of continuing working their job in the comfort of our home. I appreciate having a backyard and being able to sit in it and enjoy all the spring weather. I appreciate the fact that my family is in a stable economic position where we can get takeout food often and the stress of money has not played a huge impact on us.

These were things I had often over looked before. This semester taught me to not take things for granted and to realize how lucky I am to be able to have the things I do.

-Katie Fallon