By Anna Bernasconi, LiveGirl Digital Marketing Intern

Dear COVID-19,

When I first heard of you, you seemed so distant. You were an unfortunate disease that was far away overseas. I saw you in the news and had remorse for those around you, but my mind was filled with thoughts of our spring concert and fun plans for the weekend ahead.

I couldn’t believe it when my school closed classes because of you. We had just gotten back from spring break, the weather was warm, and the only thing on my mind was how cool school now was without any responsibilities. Intentions of beach trips and gatherings were emerging, and I was loving it.

Little did I know that you were going to stick around. I was too naive at first, selfishly thinking that you were here to give us a break from classes and present more time for friends. I was so wrong, and so far removed from reality.

I have never experienced a life altering event like this, nor have many of my peers. I always hear about illnesses sweeping foreign nations and war breaking out far east, but things like this are never supposed to happen to me, right?

For the first time, I do not feel indestructible. There is no invisible shield keeping me in my sheltered bubble. COVID-19, you are different because you are affecting the entire globe all at once. Why did myself and my peers not feel the devastations of a crisis until it directly harmed us?

While you have disrupted my life, maybe you came for the best, COVID-19.

Maybe you came about to show me the feeling of helplessness againsts an outside element; like the feeling facing hungry children in Afghanistan, or the desperation of women facing Taliban oppression in Saudi Arabia. My problems don’t even compare.

Maybe you came about to ground me; to rework the way I empathize with others.

You are showing me that people struggling from war and disease are more than just a news story. They are human beings in need, and when my TV news channel turns off and I go back to my protected bubble of a life, they are still suffering.

You are implementing in me more than just compassion, but the will to speak up and actively use my privileges to assist those who are helpless.

With this letter, I want to thank you, rather than be upset with you. Thank you for putting my priorities into perspective. Thank you for making me a young woman who is much more aware of the problems in the world. Thank you for making me appreciate the little things in life.

Because if you, I have slowed down and focused on what truly matters to me; time with family, my health, the well being of all humanity, and my future.

I promise that when you leave us I will take no experience for granted. I will cherish precious time with my grandparents. I will travel. I will live my life in the most gracious way I can.

Thanks Again,

Anna