Everyone changes; it’s normal. But certain things in your life change you forever. Plenty of things happen in your life over time, even without you noticing, and those experiences shape who you are today. Things like parents divorcing, relationships, school, and much more. But one thing that really changed me was the global pandemic, Covid-19. The pandemic is something that has affected tons and tons of families health wise, but nobody really talks about the personality changes.

During February vacation in 2020 I went with my family on a trip to Florida. It was one of the most exhilarating trips I've ever been on. Little did I know what was waiting for me when I got home. Walking into our massive rental house with my cheery family, hearing our voices echo throughout, we laughed at the thought of Covid.

“Everyone’s just being dramatic,” or “Nothing will ever happen” were repeated over and over through smiles and laughter. I didn’t quite understand what it was, so I never came to drawing conclusions. I waited it out, and that got me to becoming a whole new person.

When I was in 6th grade, we went remote for the majority of the year. I had my little desk in my grandpa’s office that I would sit at every day, staring at a computer screen. Considering it was still school, there were scheduled times to login to Zoom and participate in class. I honestly think I thrived during this time and did really well with my grades and learning. But besides the main focus of school, everything else fell apart. Socializing was technically off limits because of the lockdown and social distancing, which I think really changed me, and going back to school once Covid was over was a complete shock.

Like I said before, my desk, where I spent most of my time, was in my grandpa’s office. I think although staying home affected my social life and my personality, it really strengthened my relationship with my grandpa. We would eat lunch together, go on walks, do activities, and so much more. Walking into my family’s favorite Chinese restaurant causes a wave of memories to hit me. That was my grandpa and I’s place throughout the pandemic and I couldn’t wish for a better person to share it with. I appreciate how much time I have spent with him because I will have these memories forever. My grandpa has always taught me to look for the good when going through your worst, and I think he really was the good throughout the pandemic.

Towards “the end” of Covid when everyone was back at school, I definitely wasn’t myself anymore and I couldn’t ever get the old me back. I was much more quiet and reserved. I think overall, this change was good. It helped me get to where I am today. Over time, I have started to find myself more and more, but in the back of my mind I'll always remember the old me. One saying that has stuck with me for my whole life is that everything happens for a reason. I think this experience really was meant to happen, and although change can be scary and hurt, it has to happen to improve, or worsen, you as a person overall. Life is all about growth and transformation, and when we embrace change, we open ourselves up to so many amazing possibilities. As we go through different experiences and encounters, we learn and gain new perspectives that shape who we are. Change allows us to break free from old patterns, habits, and limitations that may be holding us back from reaching our full potential. So, I have chosen to embrace change.

© Kylie. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.