Veronica Merchelski

What motivates you or keeps you going? 

Some things that keep me motivated include music, whether it be listening or playing it, and my passion for learning. Whenever I feel uninspired or apathetic, I put in my headphones and listen to my favorite songs. It makes time fly by whenever I do so. Learning and making music has also given me a sense of excitement as when I would have a new idea, I would be eccentric working on it and seeing it all come together.

What have you learned to appreciate? 

 I have learned to appreciate the ability to go outside freely and not having to worry about social distancing and masks. I have also learned to appreciate the people around me and their importance in my life. I found out who my real friends are and who are just there for the short term, which led me to appreciate those who stay more.

How has this changed you? 

The pandemic has changed me in both negative and positive ways. A negative way it has changed me is my work ethic. Since the pandemic started, I have put in less work into my school and the things that I need to do. One positive way is how much I have improved myself and my view of others. I learned not to take for granted the people that I have in my life and to learn how to rely more on myself and not on others.