With the unprecedented modern sickness known as Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading around, it seems as though everything under the sun is being shut down—i.e., school sports, restaurants, festivals, concerts, competitions, and New Jersey is even going as far as to create an 8 p.m. curfew. With that, home life has become a true reality that we are all trying to deal with: How should we be coping? 

  For me, I spend my time stealing the identity of the average Gen-Z teen. Although I hate myself a little for saying it, Tiktok, Snapchat, and YouTube have really been my go-to right now. My screen time has gone up by over 62% since the past two days… I’ve spent an average of 8 hours and 59 minutes DAILY. 

  That makes me think of all of the other teens out in the world right now… will we soon become even more dependent on technology than we ever were before? When all else fails, will we jump onto the backs of our iPhones, iPads, and the rest of technology to carry us through this epidemic? 

    Luckily, when I go to my dad’s house, I’ll have my full inventory of books to choose from and a large supply of board games I will happily play with my family while isolated in my house in the woods. I do also hope to take this to work on some of my paintings, drawings, and to teach myself some songs on my piano. 

   Since it’s still cheerleading season, my coaches have decided to give my team a 5 day a week “remote daily workout” to keep up our stamina IF the season isn’t completely done because of all of the cancellations and preventative measures a lot of companies are trying to take. 

  Personally, it’s very disappointing to know that I’ve worked so hard all season, and the rest of my teammates have as well, to possibly not even make it to the national competition that we worked so desperately for. 

  Sadly, this is the reality for many other sports seasons that are also getting cancelled. Although it’s to keep everyone safe, I do feel bad for all of the college and high school seniors that were depending on this sports season to make it to the next level of what they want to do. 

    Not only is sports getting cancelled, events like prom and class trips risk cancellation as well. Plus, the school play that the whole cast and crew have worked so many after school hours for is postponed until further notice or possibly even indefinitely. Specifically for the class of 2020, the memories that they are supposed to remember forever are in jeopardy. 

  Although many of us are disappointed, I want for not only myself, but for everyone to take this opportunity to do that thing you’ve always wanted to do. Through this whole situation, give yourself a reason to be happy on this rainy day going on all around the world. 

  Just know that your not the only one going through this, we’re all in this together. We understand your disappointment and the sadness you may be feeling while being isolated. Reach out to someone online, anyone really, and tell them that you appreciate them.

  Right now, all we can do is try to stay healthy by whatever means necessary. This means: clean your hands often and avoid close contact with others. 

  Please: stay home if your feeling sick, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect constantly, and wear a face mask if you are sick.

  DISCLAIMER: If you are NOT sick you do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.