105 Social Distancing? No Problem.
Anonymous
When COVID-19 first hit in early 2020, I was a typical 15-year-old, tenth-grade student. My days followed the same routine: waking up at 7 a.m. for school, skipping breakfast, attending morning classes, skipping lunch, going to my afternoon classes, taking the bus home, doing homework, having dinner, more homework, then sleeping, only to repeat the cycle the next day. I was so focused on academics and extracurriculars that I never made an effort to build relationships. On top of that, I was your classic introvert. I actively avoided social interactions. I even recall making excuses to turn down invitations from friends by saying, “My parents are in a mood,” just so I wouldn’t have to go out.
When the pandemic forced the world into lockdown, many people complained about their routines being disrupted. But for me, it was a relief. I found an unexpected sense of relief from the social pressures that came with high school life. As schools transitioned to virtual learning, public spaces shut down, and social gatherings were strictly limited. I remember grocery shopping was a big deal in my house as my dad would go alone wearing multiple layers of clothing and masks. Once he got home, the rest of the family would be responsible for wiping down every item before putting anything in the fridge.
At first, no one knew how long these restrictions would last, but as the months went by, my day-to-day life changed dramatically. Instead of waking up early and commuting to school, I simply rolled out of bed and logged onto my laptop for online classes. I started eating breakfast and lunch more regularly and gradually embraced the idea of healthier, balanced meals. I no longer had to walk through crowded hallways, engage in small talk, or worry about social events that drained my energy.
While many of my peers struggled with the isolation, I welcomed the independence. Even better was the news that for the remainder of the school year, our grades could not drop. Without the pressure of maintaining my 95+ average, I had more time to enjoy hobbies like painting, drawing, and cooking. For the first time in a while, I felt free from academic stress.
However, after the first few months of quarantine, the lack of structure became a huge challenge. While I preferred solitude, I realized that even small moments of social interaction, like casual conversations in the hallways, had been an essential part of my daily life. Without them, my days began to blur together. Motivation became a challenge, and procrastination became an easy habit. With no set routine, I lost track of time, and life started to feel like I was trapped in a time loop.
Despite these struggles, something positive emerged from the experience. The absence of in-person schooling gave me the space to focus on my well-being. I developed healthier eating habits, explored new hobbies, and discovered that I genuinely enjoyed activities like painting and cooking when I was not overwhelmed by schoolwork. More importantly, I realized the importance of balance. While I value my alone time, I also need meaningful social interactions to bring structure and variety to my life. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to reflect on who I was and what truly mattered to me.
Reflecting on my experience during COVID-19, I cannot help but draw parallels to past pandemics, particularly in the way stigma shaped people’s behaviors and perceptions. Early in the pandemic, those who contracted the virus were often blamed or shamed. There was also judgment toward those who chose to follow strict isolation measures, as well as those who hesitated to comply with guidelines. The crisis highlighted how quickly people judge others based on their choices in uncertain situations.
Another form of blame and stigma that became clear during the pandemic was racial discrimination, particularly against Asian communities. With COVID-19 originating in Wuhan, China, there was a disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, fueled by misinformation and fear. Many people of Asian descent were unfairly targeted, blamed, and even physically attacked, highlighting how easily prejudice can spread during times of crisis. I remember seeing the #STOPASIANHATE on every Instagram post and story. This reminds me of the discrimination faced by the Jewish community during the Black Death when they were falsely accused of causing the plague and were violently attacked.
Unfortunately, Asian hate was not the only form of racial discrimination that became a hot topic during the pandemic. The Black Lives Matter movement after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 took the spotlight. In my opinion, I think this movement could not have taken place at a better time as the global response to police brutality and systemic racism was amplified by the fact that many people were at home and on social media. As news reached more people fast, protests erupted worldwide, demanding justice and change. Even pop culture reflected this shift. I remember watching the last season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and feeling the season was rushed as they wanted to address police reform and racial injustice in their show. The pandemic forced society to confront these difficult issues head-on, leading to increased awareness and a push for lasting change.
Overall, the pandemic was a period of both challenge and growth. While it initially felt like an escape from the pressures of high school, the lack of structure and isolation eventually took a toll. However, it also gave me the chance to slow down, reflect, and develop healthier habits. Beyond personal growth, the pandemic shed light on deep societal issues, from stigma and discrimination to systemic racism, forcing important conversations and calls for change. Though COVID-19 disrupted life in many ways, it also revealed the resilience of individuals and the power of collective awareness in shaping a better future.
