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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at USFCA chapter.

If you told me that I would spend six months in my room with the freedom to do anything alone, a year ago I would have been caught nodding with the full confidence of a child and saying, “That’s easy.”

Pre-pandemic me would have welcomed that idea with arms wide open; I could finally dedicate some time to making art, reading books, and watching every film in existence — the absolute dream. Or so I thought until the time for me to do all that actually came. COVID-19 metaphorically pushed me into the deep end of the pool with no warning: suddenly I was not where I was before and the only thing I could focus on was keeping my head afloat. 

Once that unfamiliar threat of the virus appeared, people panicked. COVID-19 took away peace of mind from everyone I knew, myself included. Lives came to a halt as businesses shut down and almost everything moved online. Simply caring for my physical and mental health cost more energy than what I was used to. School, the sole reason for seeing my friends and teachers, closed down, yet the pressure to keep the same pace as in-person classes remained untouched. However, a push into a pool only feels chaotic until the initial shock wears off. 

Soon after quarantine started, I grew familiar with the physical isolation and the virtual classes. I cooked my own meals, studied on my own time, and made my own daily routine. I even got to pick up a new hobby and finally catch up on those Netflix shows everyone else was watching, but after completing them came an empty feeling in my gut. I was lonely. Quarantining started to feel normal, but dealing with the anxieties and fine problems of it all never got any easier. 

Despite that, I found that getting in touch with my friends and family made me feel comforted. Speaking with them helped me realize I was not as alone in my struggles as the physical isolation made me believe. Even just receiving a simple good morning text or a relatable TikTok was enough to remind me that there are people I could rely on. Of course, I also think that listening to what other people have to say and supporting them is important. It gives me a sense of connection because I can relate to what they are feeling.      

The more time I spend in isolation, the more I miss being with the people I love. Like they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Having a year to reflect gave me a deeper appreciation for those who have supported me throughout my life and for things that I never gave a second thought to that proved essential, like technology and the opportunity to learn. I find strength in knowing that people are going through this tough time together, wrestling with their own problems, but continue to move forward in the same direction.  

Kayla is a first year Psychology major at the University of San Francisco. She is a lifelong learner born and raised on Guam. On a weekend, you can catch her working on a new hobby, making art, or maybe spending time with her cat.
Her Campus USFCA contributors are all exemplery young women at the University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California! Founded in 2020, Her Campus USFCA has grown rapidly to represent our diverse campus community through the unique expression that Her Campus allows. Here readers will find communally contributed articles as well as anonymous articles written by our chapter. We hope that you enjoy these pieces!