For most people, what Covid had done to their lives socially and mentally is wordlessly horrific. The rigor of quarantine inhibited social networks, most work, and life that used to be. This pandemic robbed us so much, which is terribly unforgivable. My school years stopped in the middle of a trip with my English teacher. We hesitantly deferred the plan, but we still did not resume the trip yet. This was at the beginning of the 2020 Chinese Lunar New Year. The dragon dance should be on the street bringing healthy, luck, and prosperity for all. Shamefully, none of these happened. Almost everyone that I knew was constrained at home desperate with their monthly bills and people they cared for. Dozens of phone calls every day from relatives and friends assuring their health condition.
I used to be very optimistic toward tough occasions but this time things just did not feel that way. Even though school, business, many plane airlines, and my own home door are shut, as businessmen with two children, my parents could not just stop selling. What would bring food to the table? What about the bills? What about the rent? What about the future? At that time there was no answer. Politicians were unwilling to help; most of them follow the misconception that the virus was just little flu.
Months later, with the soaring of deaths and the number of infected, concerns started skyrocketing. Initially, people would fight for their so-called rights to live (liberty), now they really paused to reconsider.
Personally during quarantine, I wake up every morning feeling protected and safe. By watching daily obituaries on the news, I promised myself I have to live through this and bring everyone I could with me. My aunt is super concerned about COVID and dictated every family member to take all the precautions recommended by WHO. It was not easy. Even though the price of masks and hand sanitizer skyrocketed, we had to buy them.
During quarantine, I learned a lot about myself. I understood how important it is to connect with others. Human beings have to live in a society where the social network is in abundance. I had deepened my connections with my family and friends. I noticed that we never had talked that way. When people are vulnerable and authentic with their inherent character, the conversation thrives.
For me, the biggest takeaway from being in quarantine is knowing the importance of relationships, learning more about what I wanted for my life. Ironically, I grew a lot from last year despite being prisoned at home. I would tell everyone to have more hope and do their best with what they have.
