Adam Bonar

It was Wednesday, March Eleventh, and after completing my Chemistry exam I learned that spring break was being pushed up as the infamous COVID-19 has reached Newark, Delaware. My initial reaction was one that brought slight joy, as I could relieve the stress of school that was weighing upon me at the time. However, I severely underestimated the events that were waiting for me. 

Upon being rushed out of Redding, the first sign of emotional distress I had was from the realization that our freshman year ended so abruptly. Upon returning home I was met with immediate pandemonium, as my family was working on preparing my house to be looked at by potential buyers. However, outside of house-cleaning, while it was nice to have a break from school, the stresses of this global pandemic only began piling on. Staying up to date with the news of this virus became a daily occurrence, and the news kept worsening it seemed. It was no help to see masses of people not taking the situation seriously as college students flocked to Floridian beaches for spring break, which furthermore increased the spread of this ravaging virus. This along with the continually rising number of cases it seems as if there is no end in sight. 

March Thirtieth rolls around and online classes officially begin. While the structured schedule of having work and attending classes is a nice distraction, the work certainly has not eased up. Having three exams and a project in the first week back to class has left me tired and anxiety-stricken, especially since my productivity lessens in my own home. Combining the insurmountable amounts of schoolwork I have to now complete along with being stuck inside constantly has me on the verge of insanity. 

While school has not taken a break, it is, now more than ever, necessary to maintain an optimistic outlook. Times are certainly rather difficult at the moment, but it is times like these that remaining positive is essential in weathering this storm, even if it seems as though there is no light at the end of the tunnel. So, how am I? In short, I am alright and alive. While not thriving, I am surviving, and hopefully remaining positive in a society that tests my optimistic strengths will lead to better days.