By Philippa Konow
STAFF WRITER
March 13th, 2021, will officially mark the one-year anniversary of Andover Public Schools shutting down as a result of COVID-19 in the U.S. This last year has caused a lot of sadness and loss of hope for many, but some positives have come out of this roller coaster as well.
People have tackled this year in many different ways. Some have been taking this time to do a lot of self-care to better themselves. Others have taken on new hobbies or made new friends online. There are so many possibilities for what everyone can do to make this time a bit more enjoyable and this article could help inspire others who are stuck for what to do or just want to try something new.
Some have learned more about themselves, changed their perspective on life, started new hobbies they have fallen in love with, or grown attachments to people. “Personally for me, it has allowed my family to get a lot closer. I feel like it has definitely made our connection and our bond stronger,” said junior Mishaal Khan. Family bonding is a great idea during this long period of quarantine.
Many have also started preparing for college and the up and coming sports season. Senior Matthew Rigazio has been focusing on these specific topics, reflecting that he “got physically stronger, was named a captain for the Andover football team, and was accepted into some of [his] top schools for college.”
During this past year, many have been taking part in the act of self-reflection. This can be done by looking back at how you have behaved, what you have achieved, or how you have changed so far in your life. Some simple questions to activate self-reflection might include:
- How has my personality changed?
- What are some of my new strengths?
- What have I learned about myself?
- How has my behavior towards others grown?
Sophomore Avanthika Suryadevara has looked through the lens of self-reflection a lot this year.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself, like that I’m not as much of an introvert as I thought,” she said. “I really do miss interacting with friends and classmates.”
This period is a great time to learn more about yourself and who you really are. Rigazio stated that his self-reflection “was really just focusing on minding [his] own business more and to think how [he] can help [his] community during these tough months.”
Self-improvement is another great thing to do during this time. This can be anything from working out to allowing yourself more free time for self-care and relaxation. Annika Christensen, a freshman, has valued this extra time.
“I get 30 minutes back in my day when I don’t have to take the bus to and from school,” she said, adding that “I’m able to free up my weekends and take time to even plan ahead and look at myself in a better light. I feel much happier now than before quarantine.”
Taking on new activities are great ways of getting through this time as well. It can help you distract yourself from the chaos outside and to actually enjoy this time we have at home. Christensen is in show choir, a cappella, and takes piano lessons from Mondays to Thursdays. These are great activities to take part in as music can be very calming and opening to many different kinds of people. It can bring a sense of community in this time of social distancing.
“Some activities I have done to keep me occupied are working out and watching a lot of TV with my mom,” Suryadevara said. These are both great because working out is great for your health, and TV with family is great for bonding. Khan has also taken part in music, much like Christensen. “I’ve been learning to play the keyboard and I can honestly say it has turned into something I do every day!” Khan told ANDOVERVIEW.
Now that we are at one year of quarantine and have many vaccines being distributed each day, the light at the end of this tunnel is coming into view. Even though it will take time and safety is still at top priority, many have started to hope for a bright conclusion to this school year. Many are imagining what it will be like to come out of this pandemic with new eyes. “I am looking forward to walking the hallways of the school with my friends, with no masks,” Suryadevara said.
The Class of 2021 is beginning to get excited for the conclusions of the year activities.
“I’m most looking forward to senior activities at the end of the year,” Rigazio said. “If the vaccine is distributed to the general public by then, I hope the school can put together a true, one last ‘hoorah’ for the class of 21’ that has already gone through so much.”
Writers note:
I know this year has been difficult for many. People have lost loved ones, jobs, and multiple other important things. This year has been a roller coaster of emotions. Mental health has gone down. Stress has gone up. Hope has dwindled. This country has suffered a lot of tragedy, but a reminder; the light is at the end of the tunnel, and it is coming. If you are struggling, find someone to talk to. If you know someone who is struggling, remind them that you are there for them. It may not seem like it now, and I know personally this year is a huge challenge, but it will get better. Just reach out and someone will grab your hand and pull you to safety. We can get through this, and we will all get through this.
