About two weeks ago, someone I came in close contact with started showing symptoms of COVID. A couple days later, I woke up with a giant mass of pain centered between my eyes, a stuffy nose, and a scratchy throat. 

My parents rushed to get us tested. I was expecting one of those awful tests that reach back into your throat and poke your brain. Fortunately, I got the easiest one: a quick swab in my nostrils. Still terrible, but comparatively awesome. 

Surprising no one, my test came back positive. 

Having coronavirus sucked. I have a candle on my desk, one of those stress relief ones Bath and Body Works, and I haven’t been able to smell it properly since I got sick. The lack of eucalyptus and spearmint in my life doesn’t compare to the unending headaches, but it sure stacks up as one of the worst parts of having COVID. 

It might sound like getting sick was a bad experience. And it was. 

However, I’ve been able to spend more time with my parents than I have in months. We go on a walk through the neighborhood about everyday. My mom and I have made considerable progress in watching New Girl. I’ve finally found time to read as well. 

Fortunately, I only missed one day of in-person school before we transferred to fully remote. I was also lucky enough to get a two-week (paid!) break from work. Although I miss being around my coworkers and getting out of the house, I don’t miss it more than cleaning toilets and dealing with impatient customers. 

Oddly enough, I’ve developed a taste for tea. Not sure if that’s related to being sick, but it sure is nice. I feel distinguished, even in pajamas while I’m watching Hulu.

I’m lucky enough to not have anyone in my household with immunity problems. We were able to get tested early enough that I was able to quarantine quickly and minimize the amount of people I came in contact with. My family and I were able to pick up our groceries with limited contact and my parents are lucky enough to be able to work from home. 

And even with all those advantages that many are lacking, it was hard to stay positive. Some days, I felt too tired to leave bed. I lost most of my appetite. We still don’t know what long-term effects this will have.

However, if you find yourself in quarantine, try to look at the bright side of things. I know it sounds awful and easier said than done, but you’ll have a two-week (and then some) break from some of your responsibilities. I’ve had more time to watch TV, draw and read than I have since summertime. 

Being sick is just what you’d expect, but try to utilize this time to explore your interests. And, hey! You’ll forever be able to look back on 2020 as the year you were among millions infected with COVID.