Life During A Pandemic

Photo/Story/Video posted April 29, 2020 in News, Covid-19 by Amanda Thieu

 


COVID-19 has impacted my family in the best way.

During these unprecedented times, it was difficult to adjust to the new life we were presented with. Similarly, many graduating seniors expected to go back up to school right after spring break. Unfortunately, our time as seniors was cut short. We did not have time to say goodbye to our friends.

When quarantine first started, the feelings of sadness and isolation arose. Not only did I miss my friends, but I also missed taking unnecessary trips to Wawa or walking around the park with my dog. Now that the social distancing order has been enacted, I have been forced to stay in what seemed like solitary confinement. All aspects of life have changed.

My neighborhood park closed down with caution tape and people seem to be outside a lot more with and without masks.

At first, I was very resistant to staying home. I wanted to go back up to school immediately, as selfish as that was. But my mother and grandmother are extremely susceptible to the virus because of their weak immune systems.  I could not risk their health if I ever decided to come back.

Thankfully, I don’t know anyone who has contracted the virus.

Once class on zoom started, it seemed like pretend. I could not accept that this was the new normal. I could not focus on this new way of learning, especially my ballroom dancing class. I’m not sure how my professor translated that class through zoom, but she did it. It did not seem real to me. As time started to progress, the chances of going back to school became slimmer and slimmer.

A month into quarantine, it was time to accept that this is going to be the new normal. I had to decide what I wanted to do with this extra free time that was given to me. I decided that this was the best time to go back to doing the things I loved, like cooking, painting, and playing music. I am thankful that my house is equipped for me to do all three.

Both my mother and grandmother are chefs. With this free time at home, we have been able to make our own meals that we would usually order from restaurants. My mom cooks primarily Vietnamese dishes while my grandmother cooks primarily Chinese cuisines. On the other hand, I have been making Indian food, southern food, and Japanese food. Cooking brings my family together. Even when we are apart, I would FaceTime my parents to show off the dishes I would make at school.

 


My mother Jessica owns her own business and since she can’t actively work, she has been spending her free time cooking much more. We have different Vietnamese dishes every few days.

Even though we are grateful for the food that we have and make, sometimes you just crave a burger and fries from a fast-food restaurant. Even take out and drive through orders are completely different now. There are people lined up in restaurant parking lots to either order or pick up curbside. Everyone is wearing masks and gloves to try and protect themselves from the virus.

 

My father works for the government and has been teleworking from home in the living room. Although thankful for being around his family, he misses being in an office setting.

As for my dog, he has been extremely happy that everyone is home at the same time. I cannot imagine what kind of emotions or separation anxiety he will have when life goes back to a new normal.

It is still very sad that we as graduating seniors had our last few months taken away from us, I was surprised that I took away some positives from this event.

Eating well during a pandemic
 

With a house full of cooks sheltering from teh coronavirus, supper has been a highlight.

 

 

About the Contributors

Amanda Thieu's photo

Amanda Thieu

Senior / Photojournalism/Pre-Law

I am currently a photographer for Onward State. My minor is currently Visual Arts and I aspire to go to law school after graduation.