When Chinese New Year break started at the end of January, I was ecstatic. I’m a senior in a high school in China, and things could not have been more stressful. When the break was extended an extra week because of COVID-19, call me selfish because I certainly was, but I was REALLY ecstatic. Two whole weeks with no school, being able to sleep and eat when I wanted? Sign me up.

Unfortunately, this silver lining was quickly smudged when a day or two later, it was announced that a return to school would be postponed indefinitely and that my parents would not go to work either. The spread of the virus had kicked up, and no one was immune. That announcement instilled a fair bit of panic into my little city, and soon people were buying out supermarkets to stock up for what seemed like the impending apocalypse (if this is happening now where you live, worry not, it’s a phase we all go through).

Now, my city has done comparatively well compared to other parts of the world. We have a good supply of masks, and our government acted quickly to bring the virus under control. My heart goes out to all the hardworking and innocent people whose lives have been more severely impacted.

I definitely still went a little crazy during the first few days though. I was stuck inside all the time with no face to face interaction with anyone but my parents, and it sucked, it really really sucked. The weather was grey and cold and my sleep schedule was whack. I was growing tired of the same four walls of my room, and I missed being able to go out for lunch with my friends every day. My school had set up an e-learning system, but my self-control was horrible and I ended up submitting several assignments late and halfhearted. Brain fog permeated every moment of my existence. I was paranoid about everything and everyone I saw outside, and every time I sneezed I worried that I had become my city’s n+1 case. Things were going downhill pretty fast.

When I stepped outside, the streets were empty. My city is usually bursting with tourists, and it was definitely more than a little eerie to be so alone when I’m used to brushing shoulders on my morning commute. Life was surreal to say the least.

What sucked the most though, was probably the extraordinary amount of thinking I now had time for. All those little mistakes and regrets that had built up over the years? Pushed down and brushed aside with a busy busy life. That stress and anger and self-doubt? Forgotten, because I never had time to deal with that. With this new arrangement though, there was nothing stopping it from bubbling up. Every wrong thing about my life and myself that I hated just flowed and flowed, and it was so much. I didn’t have much of a choice but to let it all out.

Thankfully that didn’t last too long. I pulled myself together, and I started to go on daily walks after I woke up. It was refreshing to start off my day with a brisk walk through the city, and I let myself enjoy the solitude in the streets as time to myself. There was no one to bump into, no waiting to cross the road, and no lines in most shops!

I also started to set little goals. Fun ones, like watching every movie that was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture (Parasite deserved it well!!) and making sure I was going outside at least three times a week. I tried to see my friends as often as I could without putting us at risk, and when I couldn’t, online video calling came to the rescue!!

Around this time, citizens began going out more. Restaurants started filling up, the buses were running again, and our local health administration sent a guy around with a megaphone telling everyone to go back inside! Easily one of the most hilarious things I’ve seen so far. He goes around in a van with the official logo of the health administration on the side, and plays a recording in the megaphone which is always positioned to stick out of the passenger seat window. I truly admire their efforts, but I would be lying if I claimed that anyone was listening.

It’s probably been around two or three weeks since megaphone guy started going around, and I’ve slipped into a comfortable existence. Some would say it’s far too comfortable, but personally I find this schedule quite alright. I’ve learned how to discipline myself in terms of schoolwork so I’m back on track, I still talk to who I need to talk to, and I get to sleep for as long as I like. I’ve watched more movies, ridden more bikes, and read more books.

Of course, the takeaway here is not that COVID-19 is a good thing. Please don’t misunderstand and cancel me. I’m writing this because it’s been an amazing opportunity to see firsthand how resilient human beings can be in the face of potentially disastrous situations. The way my community and I have adapted is testament to how strong and optimistic we can be if we try, and I’ve learned valuable lessons about truly making the best of a less-than-optimal situation.

So, to all the students out there who’s classes may be cancelled: fret not, you will be okay. It’s going to suck a little in the beginning, but trust me that as long as you don’t let yourself mope for too long, you can make this experience a good one! Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and don’t let this put a gag on your life. Ganbatte!