ONCE IN A LIFETIME: QUARANTINE LIFE DIARY DURING COVID-19

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By Pan Ratdhanapun Peewsook, June 4, 2020

The start

My quarantine life started around the end of the winter quarter. I was busy finishing up my finals project and presentation. I didn’t feel any fear or anxiety at the time as it was only just the beginning and I have not yet anticipated the consequences.

Just a Scratched

I started to feel the impact of quarantine in spring break. Restaurants, cafes, and libraries got closed down. The park is too crowded and unsafe. My travel plan got canceled and there wasn’t a lot to do at home. A week-long of gloomy rainy days are the worst. I missed the freedom of being outside and meeting people. 

Ignorance is a bliss

Spring break ended and school started. I was back to my busy schedule with all the classes and assignments. The quarter went by so fast. I forgot all the bad experiences during the break and start liking remote study. I wasn’t constrained with commute or traffic. I have hours extra each day for myself because I don’t have to prepare to go out. I guess that one of the good points during the pandemic.

Deep cut

Coming closer and closer to the end of the spring quarter, I realized I can’t get any internship for the summer. It was the first time that I felt anxiety and worry. If it is going to continue like this, I might not be able to find any job after I graduate. My initial goal coming to study in the US and get working experience to add to my profile will be ruined. I am, like others, worried about the uncertainty of the future. 

A short roller coaster ride

I found out that my passport is going to expire in a couple of months. Unlike finding work, this issue is more urgent. I contacted multiple entities trying to sort this out which went by painfully slow and difficult. Apparently,  I have to go in person to the embassy to renew my passport; however, the embassy is close until further notice. To travel to the embassy, I will have to fly to California. It is uncertain that I could fly with an expired passport as it is the only government’s issue ID I have. I could make a Washington identification card; however, their office is also close until further notice. Fortunately, the embassy said that my status will be fine as long as my visa and my I-20 is valid. I was relieved after almost a week of stress. It is a unique pandemic experience that I never want to go through again.

Acceptance

As of now, I’m in an acceptance period. Whether it is work or my passport status, I just focus on things I can do and do it best and hope for things to get better.