Here’s a positive spin on shelter in place by our intern Kiteara Sinnett. She has written a very insightful piece on this universal pause we’re experiencing. Enjoy! ~Christiane Marshall, editor

Blessing an outcome from the “stay at home” order

The Covid-19 Pandemic has affected everyone’s life in one way or another. For me, my senior year of high school has been interrupted, all plans for events canceled, and most importantly, my DC trip ruined. With all of these negatives surrounding us in our lives, it’s hard to find some positives. For me, the positives outweigh the malevolence of our situation.

Everyday I wake up, and my favorite moment is the one when my computer boots up, the Discord image swirling on my screen. Due to my busy life, I have been neglecting my friends I’ve known for over 2 years that come from all over the world — from Sweden to Russia, to even a few in the states, such as New York and Texas. I turn Discord on, go through my homework while chatting with these friends — some of which are 5 hours ahead of us timewise — and then we spend the day playing video games, talking about whatever, and for a little while, forgetting everything around us. 

Not only has the “stay at home” order brought me closer to my friends, it has brought me closer to my family. Now, I can sit downstairs in the living room playing my Nintendo Switch or watch TV with my parents. Frozen 2 is out on Disney Plus!!! I get plenty of time to cuddle with my beautiful kitty cats, and enjoy time with my parents. I previously wasn’t allowed a lot of this with how hectic my schedule has been with school and what not. 

The last thing that I have been gifted during this time of panic, is a time of reflection. I have been able to focus on myself — not the haywire pandemonium that is my usual day to day life. I can take the time to meditate, write poetry and stories, and just feel like a kid again. Yes, I’m still staying up to date with current events, but there is a comfort of being in your own little world after being absent for so long. 

I and my associates at Marietta and Beyond wish you all the best of this time. Stay safe, wash your hands, and please, follow what the CDC and our government has been telling us. As Agent K said from the 1997 film, Men in Black: “A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals and you know it.”

Be A Person.

-Kiteara Sinnett