This past March, I looked forward to returning home for spring break. Many thoughts crossed my mind during the car ride from Abilene to Garland, Texas; grand plans to relax, recuperate, and read my untouched textbooks danced in my mind. Yet an unexpected surprise shook the world during that fateful spring: COVID-19. Despite the chaos that ensued all over America, I could not help but feel slightly at peace\u2014at least I was with my family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was in disbelief when McMurry University announced that campus would be closed for the remainder of the semester. It was not until my dad and I retrieved my belongings from my dorm that it started to settle in. I would have to finish my courses from home! How would this affect my grammar test? How would I complete my final sewing project? How am I going to finish all this work with two little kids running around the house? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I remembered why I came to McMurry in the first place. I was excited to have closer connections with my professors, to solely focus on my passion for theatre and writing without domestic distraction\u2014to experience freedom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As my dad said during the first week of quarantine, I had to \u201clearn how to be part of a family again.\u201d I was simultaneously stressed and relieved. I may not have had the freedom of campus life, but I wasn\u2019t alone anymore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I got to share a room with my three sisters again, even if it meant earlier bedtimes for all of us. I got to eat dinner with my family again, even if I had to wash the dishes right after. I got to go to experience church with my family again, even if it meant that we had to watch it online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was retaught the importance of considering others, of cleaning up messes as soon as they occur, and of God\u2019s presence in the most unlikely of situations. I felt content and looked forward to take these lessons to university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Returning to campus was much stranger than I imagined it would be. A couple years prior, I was too busy to get homesick. Now I miss the yelling, laughing, and singing that rings through my house more than ever. My dorm feels too quiet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Constant mask-wearing is also more difficult than I imagined. From the constant fogging up, to the slipping nose grips, and chafing ears. Glasses and masks do not mix. Climbing three flights of stairs made me winded already; doing so in a mask is near suffocating. Chewing a breath mint was once a sweet, fresh treat for me. Now I reconsider whether I should have a mint during or after class lest I be subject to the cool, irritating sensation of menthol breath blowing into my eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite these new heartaches and annoyances, I am still grateful for McMurry\u2019s reopening. I am doing the things that I want to do again: writing, performing, and learning. The COVID-19 outbreak is posing many challenges for our country, but it brought some unexpected blessings to my life. I was given the opportunity to reconnect and indulge in the love of my family. I can only hope that the 2020-21 school year brings more unexpected blessings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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