Several days ago I returned home to Brooklyn, New York from Chapel Hill. I am truthfully finding the adjustment to be rather challenging. When I was in Chapel Hill last week, there were few people around and I myself was practicing social distancing. However, I found ways to enjoy my time by spending time alone outdoors and enjoying the nice weather from my front yard. However, now that I have returned home to New York, which has the highest number of cases, I have found it to be challenging to not have that freedom and space to spend outdoors, but also at a distance from other people. It is also very scary to be in New York while watching the news reports and posts on social media that constantly have New York in the headlines. While it is challenging, I have also enjoyed getting to spend quality time with my mom that I otherwise would not have.
This quarantine has made me feel many emotions, and one of the strongest ones is gratitude. This time away from Chapel Hill has made me feel so grateful for not only the fact that I have the opportunity to attend UNC, but especially for all the friendships and moments that UNC has given me. As a student it is very easy to get caught up with the constant stress of classes and involvement in clubs. However, this time away has made me realize how important it is to slow down and enjoy each of the little moments that we have. While this is not an ideal situation, I am also grateful for my health, which is also something I take for granted.
In an attempt to stay positive and continue to progress during this period of social distancing, I have made it a goal of mine to improve my cooking skills and to continue to exercise daily despite the lack of a gym. I recently went vegetarian at the start of 2020, and while I do enjoy it, I also find it challenging to keep my meals interesting. Thus, I have started trying to learn how to cook different vegetarian dishes that will give me more of a variety. The lack of a gym has allowed me to become more creative with the type of workouts I do. I have been following different workout videos that I have actually really enjoyed thus far. Despite my longing to be back in Chapel Hill finishing the semester and the scary times that the world is experiencing, I feel as though it is important to be grateful for our health, take this time to continue learning albeit a different way and to practice social distancing to reduce the number of new cases.
Dallis' Blog 