Thank You, Corona!

About a month ago we received an email from Tennessee State University, which said we had to pack everything and go home. Pack everything… reading that email my anxiety went through the roof. Being from Puerto Rico, I had thousands of thoughts going through my head. What am I going to do with all my stuff? When am I booking my flight? Who is going to take me to the airport? What if I get COVID-19 at the airport? All of these thoughts crossed my mind in a span of 5 seconds. Being a freshman student-athlete and taking in what was really happening was just shocking. Spring season is where I was a volleyball player take the time to solidify, it was MY time to grow and Corona stole it from me.

At first, my mom did not even want me to go home. She wanted me to stay in Tennessee with my non-blood-related aunt. She was more concerned about the virus in Puerto Rico than in the US. So, my dad and I had to convince this woman to let me come home. The problem was not staying with my aunt, the problem was we did not know until when the airport would remain open.

I got to Puerto Rico on March 17, 2020, around 9:40 pm. My luggage consisted of a large, medium, and a small suitcase, and a big book bag. I could barely carry them all. The funny thing is my dad saw me struggling and he did not bother to help me at all. Instead, he sprayed Lysol over everything, including myself. Also, he made sure I wiped my face with alcohol. Once disinfected I had to seat in the back “to keep a distance.” I was in awe to see that there was not a single car on the road. I knew we were under curfew and that the police could arrest you for being out past curfew, but from there to see it literally was just breathtaking.

At first, everything was good. I was motivated with school and working out, but with time my anxiety took over. I am usually a very active and energetic person but being in the same place doing the same things every day is exhausting. I am mentally exhausted, I have zero types of motivation to do school work or workout, and just thinking about how I am going to get back on the routine drains me. That being said, thank you Corona because you are making me value what I have been complaining about all along. I miss the routine I used to always complain about. I miss not being able to go up the stairs fast because my legs hurt from weights. I miss being present in class! I used to think it was too much, now I just miss it. I did not value the time I had to grow because I was focused on the negative and now it is too late. I know I can grow but it will not be the same. Once more, thank you Corona for showing me that it is in the simplest things where happiness is found. Before I forget, Miss Rona I and many others already learned our lesson, so please go because no one wants you. Kisses.

- Alondrah Santana