The Pandemic– A Boon or a Bane?

Reporters in Isolation 2020

By Evaris Pala

The COVID-19 pandemic has surely changed how we live in some way or the other. I would’ve been on some island in Greece right now chillin’ and enjoying my summer if it was not for this chaos. Well, at least that’s what I planned. So, Hi. I’m Evaris, an undergraduate student majoring in International Relations, and this is my life, during this time of isolation in Leiden, The Netherlands.

Besides focusing on getting straight A’s in my classes, I also work part-time at a food distribution centre, which deals with fruits and vegetables, or as I like to call it, “Vegan Paradise.” So, what I do is get a list of orders, pick the vegetables and fruits that were ordered, put them in crates and start building pallets. Since the pandemic struck, I’ve observed a lot of changes at the workplace too. Imported Fruits and vegetables now come in closed packaging, and I mean airtight closed packaging, which explains the rise in their cost price. And working during these times is hard; only because I’m lazy. Orders are enormous, and we’re all working round the clock.

Anyways, besides work, I have made space for art in my daily routine. Staying home gave me more time to work on my poetry writing and guitar playing skills. I also found out that I enjoy gardening. So, to wrap it up, I would say that this pandemic has given me more space for self-care. I do miss going to the bar, eating out, etc. But at the same time, I really appreciate this time of being with myself.

The world is at a halt, and people are learning to appreciate breathing again. So, make use of this time to find yourself. And I know life seems to be all over the place right now, but remember, all this chaos will end. And when it does, I want you to know with everything inside you, that beginnings always hide themselves in ends.