Art by Myah Teague.

Let’s face it.

Our lives have been spun around with not only blindfolds on, but masks, too. We have no control over what’s been going on outside. The only thing we can do is take care of ourselves and our loved ones by keeping ourselves healthy and staying in our homes. 

We are living through history, a chapter in a textbook whose spine is falling apart by the year 2040. We first learned of this virus through memes regarding China. Now, it has commandeered nearly everything our society and economy have built over the years. 

Rewind to 2019. Imagine telling your past self about the six-feet-apart rule, the ten person rule, the twenty seconds rule, toilet paper hoarding, the Zoom shenanigans, the online quizzes, and the rescheduling for senior prom and graduation. A disbelieving laugh would resound, no doubt. Especially when you try explaining every event that occurred in March.

How could anyone have known that lives would be so drastically altered? No one was prepared for the Great Depression. No one foresaw many of the terrible events that have befallen our country.

This got me thinking. Since no person could truly know the future (stay with me here), let’s make a real effort the next time we are physically together. Before this virus began its dirty work here in New England, we were writing notes and taking tests under the roof of Londonderry High School. We were ready to go home rather than smile through our classes. But now, it seems as if most of us miss the very place we used to dread. 

Again, we had no clue prior to this 2020 monstrosity we’re forced to endure. Let’s get at least one thing straightened out, though: COVID-19 is certainly no laughing matter. Think of Italy. Think of every country in the world that has been impacted by this obtrusive virus. You see the increasing death toll on the news when you accidentally bump the remote. You didn’t mean to turn the TV on, and now you’re twice as morose. That one person might not text you back in the next hour, but at least you’re not fighting for your life; this virus has put a lot of thoughts and daily tasks into a whole new perspective.

Let’s face it. We need to step it up once we are let out of our homes. The next time you lend someone a pencil in class, don’t be annoyed when they keep it. Maybe that pencil was all they needed to realize they weren’t invisible. Let’s say good morning to our teachers and really mean it. Let’s buy our friend a coffee before school, because it’s the thought that counts. While extroverts are losing their minds, introverts miss their alone time. But introverts miss their closest friends, too. So the next time we see someone we know, whether they’re our best friend or an acquaintance, try to say more than just a few words. Even if we put in effort and get nothing in return, it’s not time we wasted. It’s time we spent caring, and that’s nothing to be regretful for.

After mulling the concept over, I’ve come to the cognizance that we should truly live our days to the fullest. Most of us didn’t get the chance to tell our friends goodbye this year, especially the seniors. Thank goodness for the technology we have to stay in touch with people.

We can never be thankful enough for everything we’ve been given, for everyone we’ve fostered relationships with. When the doors open, let’s step into the threshold with a bright smile. Let’s take every opportunity we can. So don’t be afraid to shoot someone a text when you’re feeling lonesome. Don’t be afraid to appreciate all the good we’ve taken for granted. 

Let’s get excited at the prospect of high fiving someone on our way into class. Let’s embrace all of the little things we used to find annoying. Let’s show everyone that quarantine can change us for good.

Let’s face it. When quarantine ends, Lancers will seize the day.