Giuliana Barberio

How are you coping or dealing with this time?

In the beginning, it was definitely harder to cope with a pandemic as we went into quarantine, but I’ve learned to get used to it. I’ve adjusted my home lifestyle and I even have a routine down that I do almost everyday. However, sometimes I do get sad or even bored being in the house all day as well.

What motivates you or keeps you going?

I think what motivates me is knowing that one day the pandemic will end and there won’t be such a worry anymore. One day we will be able to go out in public without wearing masks, one day we can spend time with as many people as we want, and one day we can wake up and not have to feel constantly trapped inside our own little bubble. I know this day will come soon, which motivates me. 

Also, my grandma motivates me. She is the reason I am who I am today. When I feel down during these times, I call her and she gives me advice. She tells me things I should do when I am feeling this way or even things I should tell myself. She gave me a better outlook on life even after everything she has gone through on her own. She has given me a better understanding of how to take care of myself physically and mentally. One day, my grandma and I are going to travel the world.

What have you learned to appreciate?

The little things in life used to not give me joy, but ever since being home and not being able to do as many things due to COVID, I have definitely found the joy in them now. One example of this is going outside. I used to hate being outside and having to stand in the cold or the heat. I wanted to stay inside all day long. Due to COVID, I now enjoy going outside, as it helps me relax and find my calm. When school is getting too stressful or real life is hard to handle, I like to sit in my backyard and maybe go on a walk.

How has this changed you?

I feel happier even though I am always home. I feel that no matter whatever happens to me in the future I will be able to bounce back remembering everything I went through during the pandemic. Emotions bouncing all over the place and people coming and going out of our lives. I have found my true friends and now I also learned the things that make me happy. Going on a bike ride with my family, going to the beach just to watch the waves, bringing my puppy to the park, going out with friends because we are tired of being stuck at home, and even sitting out in the backyard.