Rethinking – Kinley Bokermann

Dear Corona, 

Speaking for most of us, we didn’t think you were going to be staying this long. And frankly, after causing 14 months of worldwide panic, you have exceeded your stay (as if we ever invited you). You were able to ruin everything from graduations to NFL football, something I thought was impossible. You arrived just as I felt like my life was finally coming together. I was a good student with all A’s, found a solid group of friends and just tried out for the lacrosse team. On top of that I had just made the top volleyball team of my club, getting me one step closer to my dream: going to nationals, the biggest tournament of the year. What started as an extended spring break quickly escalated. Over the next year, everyone’s lives would be put on pause and we would be forced to adapt to the situation you caused; it definitely wasn’t easy.

Coming from a house with three brothers running around, something is always happening. Whether it be practices, games, going out to eat, seeing family or traveling, my family is never home. When the lockdown forced us to stay inside, we didn’t know what to do with the time on our hands. 

While we were on house arrest, you taught us to appreciate the simple things. We had to find joy in the late night movies, the car rides listening to Garth Brooks and the walks around the neighborhood. In our busy schedules, you gave us time to take a step back and think: is it all really worth it? 

You gave us the opportunity to find joy in each other and the importance of family. Through family Zoom happy hours, we discovered that seeing loved ones is a privilege that can be taken away. As much as we wanted to hug our grandparents and hang out with cousins, their health and safety was more important. Instead, we looked forward to the day where we could see everyone again.

In the days I spent at home, I found the importance of a schedule. Although it consisted of mostly sleeping and watching TV, I set up a routine I could follow each day in a time of uncertainty. Waking up at 9:30 each morning, doing school during the day and watching old SNL skits with my mom at night became my new normal. 

To keep me sane, I began working out everyday. Without knowing the next time I would step out on the volleyball court, the only way I could be sure I was ready was if I kept preparing my body. Working out was the one time a day I could get away from my family, clear my head and do something that made me feel good about myself.

As it got closer to August and the start of school, we were all desperate for our lives to return to normal. We realized school is more than a place where we learn. As a person who seeks validation through grades, I recognized my love for school. I love seeing my teachers, getting to eat with my friends, playing sports and being in a place where I feel like I am succeeding. 

Ultimately, in the bizarre last fourteen months, Corona, you taught us never to say “It can’t get any worse.” We never thought it was going to last this long; we never thought it was going to get this bad; we still don’t know when or if you are ever going to go away. In a time of craziness we found nothing is certain. Life is more than just yourself and your busy schedule, it’s the people you have in it. Now, as you can see, I’m not happy about your arrival and I hope you leave soon, but I am glad for the lessons I have learned. 

Sincerely, 

Kinley Bokermann