If there is one thing I have learned during this time of quarantine and social distancing, it is that I took a lot of things for granted prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
Before, there were days I did not look forward to going to class. Now, I would give anything to be back in class with my professors and fellow students. I miss walking through the dimly lit hallways of Warf-Pickel on my way to room 419 every Tuesday and Thursday. I took for granted the value of in-person lectures from dedicated professors and the unspoken bond amongst classmates.
I took for granted how many amazing, supportive friends I have. I took for granted the joy of seeing them in person on a regular basis. I miss catching up with friends – sharing anecdotes and sipping coffee on colorful sofas at the Willow Tree. Although I am grateful to stay in touch over text, social media and zoom, it’s not the same.
I miss my teammates. Before, there were nights I wanted dance team practice to end early because I was tired or had homework. Now, I would give anything to dance with those women again. I miss delirious, late night practices in the Mini-Dome and performing to crowds full of blue and gold in Freedom Hall.
I took for granted how lucky I am to teach dance to so many talented, hardworking dancers. I took for granted the atmosphere of dancing together in a classroom – witnessing the love of dance shared in one space. I don’t think my students know how much they brightened my days with their humor and kindness. This week we started virtual zoom classes, and I am grateful to share dance with them again, even if it is through a screen.
Every spring, I look forward to return of the ETSU Farmers Market and the Johnson City Farmers Market. This year, I am unsure whether I will get to experience either. I miss the smell of Auntie Ruth’s doughnuts and pretzels and the warmth of the sun shining on my face as I walk down the pride walk on Mondays and Thursdays in the spring. I think I took for granted how lucky ETSU students are to experience a farmers market on campus twice a week.
I took for granted covering events for the East Tennessean. Although I can still write, I miss the excitement of physically attending events. I miss the joy of meeting new people and learning about new places, programs and initiatives. I miss telling stories about human interaction amongst more than 10 people. I always left events with an appreciation for my job and a smile on my face.
I took for granted how many amazing local businesses there are in Johnson City. I find myself wanting to support local businesses now more than ever because I know many are currently struggling. Those businesses, however, have always been here – not just during the outbreak. I try to support local businesses when I can, but looking back, I could have done more.
I took for granted the hard work that medical workers, civil service employees, farmers, restaurant employees, sanitation workers, first responders, truck drivers, grocery store workers, pharmacists, postal workers, local journalists and many more do every day. I am also grateful for the artists – the singers, painters, dancers, writers – who create things that make life worth living.
This pause has allowed me to reflect and realize how thankful I am for all the opportunities I have been given. For all the things I miss, I am grateful to have experienced them at all. I am lucky to have family and friends who love me, food on my table and a roof over my head. I am grateful to be alive and healthy.
I do have hope that we will eventually return to some sense of normalcy. I also hope we come out of this stronger, humbler, wiser, kinder, more appreciative and with a new perspective.
I hope we appreciate the little things like going to class, getting coffee with friends, attending a community event or sharing laughter with a room full of people. I hope we are more appreciative of healthcare workers who not only care for patients in times like these, but year-round. I hope that we support local businesses all the time and not just when they are struggling the most.
I hope we come out of this ready to not take life for granted as much as we did before.
A common expression for hope in hard times is “seeing light at the end of the tunnel.” I really hope at the end of this tunnel that light can be us.
