On Feb. 20, 2020, I made a trip to Pittsburgh to get cleared from my ACL surgery and passed my driver’s license exam on the same day.  I was so excited and ready to get back to competitive play, and I found my independence being able to drive on my own. Then on March 17, 2020, my new world was halted. Admirals soccer was cancelled, and the police stopped me as I was pulling into my driveway and told me not to leave the house. I thought, this is crazy; is it really that bad? 

A couple of weeks went by. My mom was working from home, and my dad would Lysol himself when he got home from work because he had to be in-person since he is an essential worker.

I felt like a prisoner in my own home. I had to get used to virtual learning, which was a big change.  It became obvious that we could be like this for a couple of months. Then, just like that, school was over, and we were on summer break. I missed my friends. We started to gather at soccer fields to get outside. Then, slowly it seemed to slow down a bit and Pennsylvania was in the green. 

The summer was great. We hung out, went to the play soccer, volleyball, swimming, etc.

School started again. I tried in-person learning at first; however, it did not feel like school. I struggled with the mask all day, and I did not want to get infected and risk the soccer season, so my parents agreed to let me go 100 percent virtual. 

Soccer season was different. We only played four teams. I drove myself to games; however, it was a great season and I enjoyed being with my friends.  Next up, it was Admirals again, and just like that, after two weeks or so of practice, the state shut down again. It was the holidays now but a holiday season like no other.  We did not go to my grandma’s for Thanksgiving. Heck, I have not seen my grandma in months! It was just my mom, dad, brother, and myself. Christmas was more of the same thing!  My uncle and his family, my grandpa, my aunt and cousins—nobody came this year.  Usually, Christmas is a huge family day. This year, it was boring, my brother was not even home because he could not get leave from the Coast Guard.

I have had enough! Now, it has hit our home. My mom was isolated in a room, so my dad and I did not get it. Well, that did not work, as my dad is now positive. They had been so careful, but it did not matter, I guess.

Now I am quarantined, and I feel like I am not sure I can take much more. I just want this to be over. No more masks, no more worries. Soon, I keep telling myself. I feel bad for all the seniors, the senior citizens, those that have lost family members. I am going to keep plugging along, and now that there is a vaccine my fingers are crossed that maybe by this summer, we will again see some normalcy. 

I am thankful for social media; most people don’t say that.  That is what has helped me at times, being able to see my friends, communicate with my brother. 

To all, stay safe, wear your mask, wash your hands. We will get through this!