Corona during College.

As I sit and write tonight, I begin to enjoy every free breath I am able to take without being constricted by a piece of cloth. My dorm room, the only part on campus that I can see my own smile, my own laugh, and my own silly faces has become my favorite place on campus. Now, that is not something a typical college student would say before the year 2020. They would have loved the library, the dining hall full of laughter, the college restaurants on Hillsborough street, and the late night movies with their friends. For me, it is my dorm rug where I lay and listen to music, sing loudly without a mask, and laugh without any insecurity. As I strolled into the library today, I forgot that I wouldn't see group projects, tutoring sessions face to face, or breaks from studying. All I saw were eyes staring at computer screens.

I can now only order my food through an app with no face to face contact. No more "how are you." However a lot more, "here is your food and please eat somewhere that is six feet apart." College is a weird and terrifying experience is general. On top of a pandemic, it can get even weirder and even more terrifying. My professors that allow us to sit in their in person classes talk behind a plastic shield where all I can truly see is their eyes moving back and forth from student to student, trying to be as personable as possible. Nevertheless, I can only really see them when there isn't a harsh glare reflecting from the sun and onto the shield. I feel for them, I really do. A man or woman with a doctorate degree in a career they generally must like, cannot express their passion for it in the same way. Stay behind the shield. Wear your mask. Get the lesson done.

Yet, I am still not stuck even with all of the restrictions. I have amazing suitemates who I can call my best friends now. I am learning more than I ever have in high school. I am experiencing independence in a new place. I am actually doing my laundry. I am using the cleaning supplies that my mom brought for me (thanks mom)! I feel so new.

Finally, I am becoming the full verison of myself. Even though a third of my face is covered half of the time, I still feel so whole on the inside being surrounded by good people, amazing professors, and the pack. #gopack #ncstate #corona #virus #outbreak #college