How COVID-19 affected my Family?

My family was affected by COVID-19 in several ways. In mid March, my 95 year old great Grandmother became the first person we knew to get the coronavirus. She was in the hospital for almost two months and was released but still in quarantine. A few weeks later, I was blessed with the opportunity to be able to talk to her after she recovered. Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpQNoepFOHI&t=1s

August 2020, I graduated with my bachelors degree in Hotel, Retail and Tourism management. Due to COVID, I wasn't able to walk across the stage and receive my diploma like a regular graduation ceremony. Instead I hosted a "quarantine graduation" with my close family and friends. It ended up being everything I wanted and I was blessed to have everyone there who has supported me and celebrate with me on my special day.

Quarantine graduation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUxUpbskLMM&t=4s

& https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdKAnGSx1SU

My Uncle was laid off from his job. Him and his wife were also expecting their second child. During the pandemic, they were able to enjoy a drive by and virtual baby shower. My Grandparents enjoyed quarantine birthday parties. Our family in Florida was scheduled to host our 50th family reunion. Due to the pandemic, this event was impossible. Our family was able to form a Planning Committee to plan a three-day ZOOM family reunion. This event was amazing and it allowed me to attend. Due to school and basketball events, I have not been able to attend a reunion over the last six years.

As things slowly began to open, I was able to spend time with my three God-sisters (ages 10, 6 and 5 years old) and little Cousin (5 years old) before they were scheduled to return to school. They have all adjusted to virtual learning, including online PE, music and choir lessons. After speaking to them recently, they are not too excited about remaining on their Virtual Learning classes because they miss interacting and spending time with their friends.

The University Of Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball Team has been extremely affected by COVID-19. My Junior season abruptly ended. The season ended after the completion of the SEC tournament. Our team had no idea that it was the last game we would play for that season. It was devastating and was a big, unexpected hit for us. We all had to leave our belongings and transfer home where it was safest for us to be during these unknown times. We were not able to play in the NCAA tournament, complete post-season workouts and early summer workouts. Instead, we had to continue classes online at home and complete workouts on our own. This was an interesting time for everyone, including our Coaches. Since returning to campus, we receive weekly tests and will begin to test 3 times as week at the start of the basketball season. I am NOT A FAN of the Covid nose test and still trying to find ways to cope with it. If anyone has any suggestions, please be free to inform me! My teammates have said COVID-19 has affected them in both positive and negative ways. Some would say it helped them create more time for themselves but also struggled with self-discipline and having too much “free-time.”

For those who have lost family members to the coronavirus, my prayers are with you.