By: Destiny Henschel

On Friday, September 25th, I was immediately transferred to David-Jonathan Hall on Concordia University Chicago’s campus after being closely exposed to COVID-19. After a weekend out, another individual and I decided to get tested just to be safe. Three days after the test, however, the other individual received positive results, while my own results came back negative. Even though my results came back negative, individuals at CUC gave me 40 minutes to gather my belongings and take a single trip to DJ Hall.

At 5:00 P.M., Friday, I arrived at DJ Hall, where I decided to unpack my belongings and get myself settled into my new room for the time being. All I was capable of bringing with me for my one trip was my piano keyboard, art supplies, academic essential materials, and clothing. Items that were provided for me in the room included a pillow, blankets, towels, soaps, snacks, and water bottles. However, as soon as the water turned on, the water came out brown and stained one of the CUC towels. The first night was mildly traumatic and a little lonely.

My whole weekend consisted of binge-watching various Netflix shows and coloring in an adult coloring book. One protocol that makes it difficult to stay sane is the fact that once you are in your quarantine room, you cannot leave until you provide a negative test result. Not leaving your room includes not going for a walk outside and not even stepping one foot into the hallway. Overall, the first weekend was hard to be productive through.

In order to get my food, I have to order through the University app, Bite. Through this smartphone application, food must be ordered by 11:00 A.M. to be able to eat at 12:00 P.M., and again ordered by 4:00 P.M. to get the food at 5:00 P.M., with little to no flexibility.

Not all aspects of living a life in quarantine are bad, though (unless you exhibit extreme symptoms). Being isolated from the entire World allows you to focus on yourself, your own needs, your skills, and it allows you to get a jumpstart on your life goals. In my short amount of time here, I have learned never to take a normal day for granted, but rather to make that normal day special. Do something each day that will help you grow mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Whatever is decided for the day, do it with everything you have.

In the end, you will learn that life is going to throw you many unexpected scenarios; however, the way you interact with these difficulties shows what kind of person you aspire to be. Are you going to slack off and sleep all day? Or are you going to use every day as inspiration to help you grow to your true potential? The choice is ultimately up to you.