A couple weeks into my senior year and I’m not going to lie, it’s been rough. I was looking forward to so much: XC, hoco, clubs, my advanced creative writing class, and horticulture, and pottery, prom… Now that I’m all online, I’m just watching helplessly as it all dissipates in front of me. Pair that with stress over colleges and the re-scheduling pick up date for our puppy, my mental health has certainly taken a hit. It’s so hard to have faith when it feels like every single day is a battle, even to get out of bed.

The good news: I went to a Drive in Concert on Friday, September 18 with two amazing friends. The featured band was For King and Country, one of my favorites, and even though it was freezing outside, I was content, peaceful under that cloudless sky which was showering us with a beautiful view of the stars. During a song called To the Dreamers, I was barely containing my tears, because it really does feel like I’m “Hanging onto hope by a thread” sometimes. And at the end, one of the brothers in the band said: “I hope you feel seen.”

I did.

I do.

For the first time in a while, actually.

So, I guess my point in writing this: keep being hopeful, optimistic. Things will get better, and if it looks like there’s no end in sight, please reach out to others (albeit utilizing social distancing practices). You’re not alone, no matter how self-isolated you are. We’re in this together.

“Fight on, Fighter.”