Scarlot Cisneros is a freshman from Chicago.
Scarlet Cisneros
Freshman, Health & Human Development
Chicago, IL
Posted April 23, 2020
I came home to the South Side of Chicago for spring break happy to see my family and loved ones again just for a short week. I did not leave the house during this time as the coronavirus began to spread throughout the northern side suburbs. My mother, being paranoid for good reason, did not want me to leave the house while being home, so there wouldn’t be a chance of any of us getting sick before going back to campus.
Thanks to my mom’s paranoia, we are lucky enough not to be sick as the virus has spread throughout most of the city and suburbs nearby just like mine. Later in the week I got the disappointing email that all Penn State campuses have been closed due to this outbreak. I sat on my couch with such disappointment due to the fact I packed no good clothes and my laundry basket had all my dirty towels.
Besides overcoming that massive failure on my part, quarantine has been a small piece of joy I missed while being away at school. I have had the opportunity to spend time with my younger siblings just like before, having petty arguments that involve crayons and toys being thrown around the house. Is it chaotic? Yes. I’ve enjoyed most of my time with my family during this time in quarantine, trying our best to make the most of not a lot without ripping out my hair.
As the campus has closed during this time, classes are still in session using Zoom. Even though online classes sound appealing because you don’t have to get dressed or run to class anymore, it is still as dreadful. I’m not a person who thrives from online classes; I’m more of a student who’s hands-on, and I prefer the classroom to get my work done.
This has truly been a struggle for me the last month, but I’m still trying my best to get through this just as is everyone else in the country. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to be with my family during this time, and that we are all safe and well.
Quarantine has changed our world, but we’ve faced big challenges in the past, and we can get through this as a nation just like in cases before.