Rerouted

I first heard about COVID during a debate in fifth grade about where to donate our bake sale money. I didn't know what it was then, and it felt out of reach. Three months later, we were sent home. Strangely, I didn't mind. I had always preferred being with my parents and many of our school assignments encouraged us to go outside. During that time, I began paying attention to my surroundings. I walked more and noticed small season specific changes. On vacation, we visited National Parks, and somewhere between the quiet trails, I developed a lasting love for nature.

Eventually, my parents decided I should return to in-person school. They enrolled me in an English-only school, which meant my online learning ended after only two months. In September, I started over. For the first time, I found friends who supported me as I learned a new language and adjusted to a new environment. I also discovered new sports (COVID-approved, of course). Looking back, what began as a global disruption became a turning point for the better in my life at least. The pandemic rerouted my path, but it led me elsewhere I am grateful to have gone.