Dean Grassi

Name: Dean Grassi

Grade: 12

How has the pandemic affected your life?

While most people hated quarantine, I took the time to learn about things I usually wouldn’t have learned if I was in school. I picked up new hobbies such as metal detecting and blacksmithing. Very uncommon hobbies for a kid my age. I spent more time outside enjoying the nice spring and summer days by going on walks with my girlfriend or any outdoor activities with my family. I also took the time to learn more about my family and about the business world. I invested money into the stock market and now want to pursue a career in finance-related jobs. Quarantine was a period of self-improvement and learning. I also grew a lot closer with people even though I couldn’t see anyone.

What have you learned as a result of the pandemic?

That no matter how hard we try to control the things in our lives bad things will happen. No one could’ve stopped the pandemic from happening and it’s a burden we all just need to deal with. It’s also shown the nasty side of certain people both in public and on social media.

What worries are you experiencing now? How are you currently coping?

I am not worried. Worse things can always happen and I am very fortunate that I did not lose any close family members to the virus. This virus could’ve been a lot worse but luckily it wasn’t.

What are some positive things that have come out of the pandemic?

I had a lot of self-improvement. I realized that I am not as extroverted as I thought I was. While I love attending parties and get-togethers, I enjoyed my alone times at home. I was only allowed to see a small number of friends and it could only be outside. I also got a lot closer to my girlfriend and her family. I learned a lot about myself and what I was actually interested in. I’m glad I got a few months where I could learn who I was.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope that normalcy will come but we have to give it time. If we rush back to normal I fear deadlier mutations of the virus will become more common. Then we will have to start all over again. We need to keep fighting the virus one day at a time and get people vaccinated.