Covid has changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined. The summer after 5th grade we were on break after a difficult end to the year. I remember we would go to the store to get supplies and the shelves were empty. The store looked like it had been through an apocalypse. I didn’t really like that part of the pandemic because I didn't like seeing my mom struggle to get us food and household items. During summer break I would go to work with my mom and brothers. I enjoyed going to work because I spent time with them. I also found painting to be relaxing. Our job was painting apartments, because that was my mom’s job as a single, immigrant mother. I understand how hard the work is but I looked forward to painting. I found it satisfying and even fun because I'd be with my family and we would make lots of jokes together.

In that same summer, we found out my grandma was diagnosed with cancer. I remember the day she was diagnosed very clearly. I was home taking care of my siblings while my mom took my grandma to the clinic. My grandma came home from the doctor at around 8 or 9 in the morning with my mom. My mom was crying, her eyes were puffy and red. I asked her what was wrong and she told me that my grandma was diagnosed with cancer. We were already kind of struggling with money. My grandma being diagnosed with cancer made it worse since my mom would have to pay for her chemotherapy and all the appointments.

Then, on June 29, 2021 two of my brothers passed. My mom and I were coming back from work when my grandma called telling us that my brothers weren’t answering their phones. It was weird because they always answer. When we were going through the freeway there was a car crash ahead. My mom somehow had a feeling that it was my brothers. We went to check and I saw my brother's car. It was wrecked, completely destroyed. The front was pushed in and on the side of the passenger’s door it was also pushed in. My brothers weren’t there though. My mom tried running to the car but the police stopped her. That's when they told us that there was 1 dead and 4 badly injured. I remember when we got home my mom was screaming in tears. I’ve never seen her like this before. It was devastating to watch. My whole family was broken down. I didn’t know how to feel. It was unbelievable and I felt numb, I couldn’t feel anything about the situation.

I was affected greatly during that time. My mom wanted me to try therapy but it didn't work for me. They made me think I was feeling better the whole time when in reality, I felt the same. I wanted to change for the better. I set goals for myself because I wanted a fresh start for 8th grade. I was in a constant state of being emotionless. Eventually, with time, I got better. Socializing with people who were fun and outgoing helped me raise my level of happiness. I stepped away from my quiet self. Now I'm happier. I know going to school and being able to get used to it, making friends, and normal productivity made me happier. My phone was a big part of my self-improvement since it was like my personal therapy. I changed a lot as a person and the person I am now will help me become who I want to be in the future.

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