My Defining Moment

It all started in March 2020. The United States was completely shutting down. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Restaurants started to close. Travel became banned and even Disneyland officially closed down on March 12. My last day of in person school was March 13. It's now been a year, since I've been in a school building.

Last April, I was supposed to be traveling with my classmates to France. Anyone that studied French and signed up for the trip was planning on travelling for it. When COVID-19 was discovered, global travel was canceled immediately, so my dreams of going to France died. 

I was crushed and heartbroken for weeks before I really got over it. I think it really hurt me hard because the virus makes you consider how short life is and I wanted to be able to see France and travel last summer while I could. 

Quarantine has been difficult for everyone and it's understandable. Quarantine was definitely necessary to lower the spread of the virus and it's still very important to wear a mask and to get the vaccine if you're able to.

People have said that they've changed during this difficult year. They've said that they've seen different sides of their romantic partners and many people have gotten divorced this past year.

Reflecting back on it all, I really believe that the worst situations can bring out the worst in people, but it can also bring out the best in people. The virus is a terrible thing that's taken away so many decent and previous lives. Without the virus happening though, lots of other events wouldn't have taken place. 

Would Trump lose the 2020 election if COVID-19 didn't happen? Would more people pay more attention to racism and their ingrained unconscious bias? Would certain apps become so popular if the virus didn't happen?

I don't want to constantly wonder about the what ifs. I've always heard the quote "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". I think that quote resonates with the world now more than ever. Yes, the virus is deadly and dangerous, but think about all the upsides of the things that have happened because of it.

Yes, I'm still devastated about France. Yes, virtual learning has made me a lazier person. Yes, I'm tired of staying home all day. Those minor grievances don't matter to me anymore. France isn't going anywhere. It'll always be there. School has become a priority to me again and my mental health may be at its worst point, but I'm getting help.

I think my true defining moment was figuring out who I really am. For a while before the pandemic, I didn't know who Chyna was. Now, I can confidently say that spending this much time alone with my inner thoughts and my deepest fears has shown me who I am today and who I always want to be.