Back to normal?
This past weekend I took a trip to New York City. After two midterms a break from school was much needed. It was faster and a similar price to fly so a few friends and I booked tickets for the long weekend. It has been years sever years since I have flown. Traveling even just a short distance completely changed when the pandemic hit. Getting on a plane for the first time in so long was comforting almost encouraging that we might be coming towards the close of COVID in its worse state. With Omicron more under control, the return to “normal” life is hopefully on its way again.
Reflecting on the past few years is both heavy and encouraging. The world was faced with sickness, racism, financial challenges, mental illness, and more in an overwhelming amount. I feel extremely privileged to have had a good quarantine. School was different but manageable. I missed going out but by no means was my financial situation or physical health challenged. Walking around the city and seeing all the stores and small businesses open again I recognize and am so appreciative of how things are returning to normal. Just a few years ago these stores were closed, lights off and the streets were empty. The liveliness that has returned is just a small reminder of how things were and a glimpse of how things will hopefully be.
