I stare at myself in the mirror every morning for about 15 minutes. It’s a time of deep reflection but simultaneously a moment of complete blankness. I wonder about all the things going on in the world, but at the same time my mind is vacant of all thoughts. From talking to a few of my peers, this feeling seems to strike quite a good percentage of the student body. It feels like utter emptiness. 

As difficult as this entire situation is, we must find coping mechanisms to drive us through it. For me, it was being conscious and looking at the beautiful things among the social rubble. Please enjoy some of these gems that I found.

 DISCLAIMER: I speak about being in public and seeing my friends. These events took place before major quarantine laws were in place. Rest assured, I haven’t had human contact in weeks. 

Little Things to Think About

List the one thing each day that stood out to you.

The sky in my rear-view mirror while I was driving Faith home was a bright pink. It is strange how the world seems to be flourishing while all of mankind is in such a panic. Lately I’ve been blind to things happening right in front of me. Everything seems fuzzy, everything except for nature. Many people have documented the extremely beneficial changes happening in the environment. I have just noticed that the sky is beyond beautiful every night. 

List the people that you have met on your journey

-the employee at Panera that complimented my pants. 

-one of my coworkers that I’ve never spoken to before who asks me how I am doing every day

What is the one thing I will miss the most from school?

I will miss the entire English department. Their encouragement will be sorely missed. Especially Mrs. Lentz who is always excited to teach.

What are you observing other people doing? 

People are going about their everyday lives. I see people overreacting on social media but nothing in the flesh. As we drove to Panera today (3/13), one of us mentioned that the roads look no less crowded.  

Conversations with Fellow Quarantined Students

What is something you missed while away from school?

Student Name:  Carlie Gizinski

Grade: 11

I miss seeing my friends.

Student Name:  Jack Iole

Grade: 10

I miss lunch. I freaking love lunch. I sit with Brenna Tristani.

Student Name: Brecken Farrell 

Grade: 12

I miss my teachers, classes, and friends. 

How have you been spending your days?  

Student Name: Carlie Gizinski

Grade: 11

Mostly playing animal crossing with my sister.

Student Name: Jack Iole

Grade: 10

Playing minecraft and the sims and not doing my homework until last minute. 

Student Name:  Brecken Farrell

Grade: 12

I’m doing school work and writing music for my band and helping my grandparents. 

How much work have you done on your “at home” lessons? 

Student Name: Carlie Gizinski

Grade: 11

I try to keep up with it because I have crippling anxiety and if i don’t do it i’ll feel like i don’t have a future. 

Student Name:  Jack Iole

Grade: 10

I did it all but I didn’t do it until the last minute.

Student Name: Brecken Farrell 

Grade:  12

I’ve done all of it.

Question: What’s the worst thing you’ve done on quarantine?

Student Name: Carlie Gizinski

Grade: 11

I’ve been wearing the same clothes for 3 days.

Student Name: Jack Iole

Grade:  10

I’ve been overeating. My favorite thing to eat is ramen or a sammich. 

Student Name: Brecken Farrell

Grade: 12

Took a 2 hour long shower yesterday. 

Pictures from My Personal Quarantine Experience

Gallery • 5 Photos

My cat stands uncomfortably in a cat stroller that I impulse-bought online.

Screenshots of my Friends’ Quarantine Experiences

Gallery • 3 Photos

The most interraction I've had with Junior Carlie Gizinski in two months