As a sophomore who stayed online during the fall semester, it was difficult to get into the mentality that I was going to be working at home, far away from the library at STM and the friends who had inspired me to work so hard my first year. I pined at the idea of not attending my first Danceworks recital and an empty Stiles common room. I painted a rather gloomy picture for myself of my time in Virginia, and spent my energy fruitlessly wishing away the pandemic that had turned my life upside down.

As an only child of two very loving parents, I hadn't had the chance to grow up and get ready for life alone—so, I had struggled even with things like making time for laundry during my first year at Yale. However, my time at home forced me to pause and learn. The last eight months have felt like I have been preparing for my future in a (non-academic!) way. I have learned to dance, cook, knit, write letters, grow a garden, prune my plants, take care of my own car, build my own furniture and manage my own money! I do wish with all my heart I was on campus now, but I am also incredibly grateful for the last several months I have spent at home. It has taught me the patience, endurance and dignity I needed to bear the difficulties brought on by COVID-19 and the life I have ahead of me.