A LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF OUR YEAR IN A PANDEMIC
Natalie Doud While it’s difficult to ignore the negativity the world has endured in the past year, it’s important to shed light on what has gone right and acknowledge the accomplishments that have accompanied the chaos. Through this time, many noticed immense self-growth as increased isolation allowed for self-reflection and a stronger sense of individualism. “The pandemic has really taught me to be grateful for everything and to focus on what I do have, rather than what I don’t,” Aanika Tiwari, a junior, said. “I’ve learned to appreciate the little things in life and have definitely become a more halfglass-half full kind of person.” For some students, like Noah Camerino, a senior, the pandemic enabled them to experiment with varying personal
interests unrelated to academics. “The pandemic has allowed me to explore who I am outside of high school. There isn’t that constant pressure of what everybody thinks about me, so I can really just focus on myself and what I like,” Camerino said. Aside from personal growth, the pandemic has also allowed many to grow closer to their family and friends because of the growing feelings of loneliness during shelter-in-place orders. Many have refurbished past relationships and even formed new ones despite additional challenges brought by virtual interactions. “I think there have been a few things that have resulted positively from the pandemic. For instance, I have been able to get much closer with my family as we are able to spend a lot more time together,” Lise Teyssier, a junior, said. “And although social media definitely has its downsides, it has been quite
18 HIGHLANDER SCOTLIGHT
