Westfield Student Writes About Life During Coronavirus

WESTFIELD, NJ — Annika Vesuna, a freshman at Westfield High School, is a varsity tennis player who also plays piano and flute. She's also got a black belt in karate. But another passion is journaling. She recently has written essays about at home amid coronavirus. One of her family members has a pre-existing condition, so they are staying inside as much as they can.

The governor's office on Tuesay gave an update on coronavirus deaths, and said 365 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours. Read more here.

Here is Annika's essay. (If you're a student and would like to share your thoughts or art about this time, see the email address at the end.)

Global Pandemic Brings Us Closer Together: by Annika Vesuna

It’s been four weeks of quarantine and as we are adapting to our new lifestyle, we as a community have gotten stronger and better.

We started off in the COVID19 quarantine extremely pessimistic; worried about groceries, loved ones, jobs, and school. We could only see the negative impacts that the virus had on our lives and that’s what we focused on. While there are people suffering and lives are being lost, it’s important now more than ever to be there for one another as a community and stay positive.

As these past four weeks have gone by, I have noticed a change in people’s perspectives.

Many have not only started to look at this situation more positively, but they are continuing to lend a hand to others in need.

When I look outside my window I see families riding their bikes and kids playing outside while still practicing safe social distancing. People have been forced to take a break from their busy schedules and spend time with their families. Meanwhile, others are texting their friends and checking in on them. They’re not just checking in on their close friends, but friends that have lost touch over the years are reconnecting as well.

People are taking the initiative to FaceTime their friends, video chat, text, and even call them on the phone. Before the Coronavirus outbreak, finding the time to pick up the phone and call somebody was uncommon since everybody was too busy, but now we have that luxury. Just recently, all over social media I saw virtual Easter celebrations, where family members were video-chatting and having a meal together. Although we aren’t able to socialize in person, we are finding a way to make it work; virtually.

People are finding ways to stay positive and are inspiring other members of the community. People are stepping up and becoming leaders. Others are lending hands to strangers and family members. There are people, who are grocery shopping online and sending food to their parents in other countries. We have proven that it’s not one man for himself and we are fighting this together on a global level.

I recently started lettering quotes that inspire a positive mentality/attitude. I donated them to local hospitals in an effort to help brighten our healthcare workers’ days. People are finding their own ways to do the same.

We have singers holding virtual concerts, there are mask and food donations, virtual celebrations, and so much more. We are finding ways to share hope and help people not just financially and physically, but emotionally as well. Week by week, we have come together and are playing our own individual role in making this situation just a little bit better.

At the end of the day, nobody has forced us to do any of this. We were not asked to give up our time and resources to help out. We have done that by choice. Our community and the people within it have chosen to help in any way that they possibly can. The mere question comes down to how we want this event to be remembered and captured in history. Alone or together?

Are you a student with writing, art, or photography to share about coronavirus? Or do you want to send a news tip? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Please make it clear if we have permission to publish your art.