This March marked a year in quarantine, and what a year it has been. There have been amazing scientific advancements and discoveries, opportunities to rally ourselves within our community, and many changes in our everyday lives.
My year as an online college student has consisted of three semesters of “zoom university” and a lot of educational overwhelm. But there have also been so many great things that have happened to me in the past 13 months. I've gotten some of the highest grades of my life. I decided to double major in Clinical Psychology. I've changed my career path three times... and counting. And overall, I've decided I absolutely LOVE living in Chicago.
I spent the first two months of lockdown in Palm Springs in an AirBnB, which was the best way to pass time and hide from COVID, if you ask me. I got to spend my finals season tanning on a golf course and eating so many at-home “fancy” dinners with my family. I would have to say that's the best a person can ask for during finals, especially finals proctored on zoom, or given in essay format.
I secured, planned, and moved into an apartment across the country. This move really only strengthened my love for Amazon because honestly, I wouldn’t have furniture in my apartment without it. I got to spend my summer living in a high rise with an amazing view of the lake, awesome sunsets, and decorating my own place to call home. I also got the chance to live with my now best friend. If anyone would’ve told me two years ago I’d live and be obsessed with this human I would’ve been so shocked, but now she is someone who I can’t imagine my life without - especially prevalent when our severe separation anxiety kicks in. Thank you COVID and Baumhart for giving me her.. She’s my favorite.
I got to see my childhood best friend more than I ever have in my entire life. It is a running joke with our families that we see each other less than anyone else we know, but make up for lost time at an amazing speed. With the world shut down, and all of us home from school and work, our families literally spent 30 days together. A RECORD!! There was a Blueberg wedding, a family trip to the lake, two 21st birthdays, two 50th birthdays, and so so so much fun had. Lake Tahoe will always have a special place in my heart because of the memories we share there.
My roommate and I created a COVID tradition with our friends and I will be so sad if we don’t continue it once the world re-opens. Sunday dinners have become such a fun staple in my week. It’s the chance to eat way too much food, play board games for hours, fight over the best movies to watch, and create some joy before the new week’s stress.
We celebrated many-a-COVID restricted holiday, but my family still seemed to make each one great. Two Easters, a Thanksgiving meal, and a not-so-traditional Christmas morning brunch. There were also quite a few COVID birthdays. All things considered, I think we did a good job creating a party. This year I learned what it means to really appreciate and celebrate how awesome loved ones are.
I turned 21 in quarantine, and I have to say it was the best birthday I've had yet. I will admit to a full-on, public breakdown, snot and tears included, when I realized I would be turning the big 2-1 in lockdown. I mean how are you even supposed to celebrate legality without bar hopping? But, I am one of the luckiest people I know. My parents, brother, best friend, and aunt all flew into Chicago to see me. I am so fortunate to have people willing to fly across the country, risk the current state of the world, and put their life on hold to make my day special.
My family and I re-discovered and created a new hobby out of ski trips. We found the best AirBnB in Brianhead, Utah and have spent weeks there. It’s such a beautiful place with perfect powder and amazing slopes. Highly recommended.
And last but certainly not least, I finally had the time to perfect and publish my blog. This platform has given me so much joy and confidence in myself. It is my favorite part of the month and something I look forward to doing for many years to come.