Page 209 - 聖方濟各英文小學（學校雜誌）

At Home, We Love

5D Liu Darin Gwenael

This year, COVID has affected many of our lives. We had to stay at home and could not go anywhere. We had to
wear a mask everywhere we went, scan the Leave Home Safe QR code in public places. We had to go through many
burdens and try not to get infected. I have many stories I want to share with you guys too!
These two years were great years. I helped many people and did not get infected. My mom is a psychologist, and
she helped her clients a lot during the special vacation. I had to stay at home to study while my mom went out to work.
Even though staying at home was a bit boring, I did many meaningful things. I had projects to do and many books to read.
It felt weird since I could have the whole house all for myself, and instead of murmuring alone in my room, I could shout,
talk, jump around, and do whatever I wanted. I also learned to manage my time well. I read in the morning, learned in the
afternoon, read and had some free time at night. It’s not very difficult to plan my day, but I have to know priorities. Growing
older, I have a sense of independence. I don’t like to be controlled by others, but I have to manage my time well if I’m
alone and want to be independent. Many weird feelings developed in me, and they are hard to ignore. I can’t share all of
them with you, but they are weird and funny. It's fun to be growing up!
Even though my life has changed a lot, it didn’t affect my mental health or daily activities. School classes were online,
tutorials were online; hence, there was not a significant effect on our activities. I usually do everything by myself, because
my mom has to go to work, as usual. Whenever I go out, wearing a mask is needed.
Many activities were cancelled though for example, swimming class and other sports classes. I was sad I could not
meet my friends face-to-face, but at least we could do it online. We have to accept what is happening.
During COVID, I also played with many of my friends! I had playdates, and we had much fun. It’s also a good time
to know that COVID brings us joy, but on the other hand, realistically, it isn’t a good thing to go around. We are having
an early summer holiday, but it doesn't mean that our playtime would last long. If you think, “Oh, then COVID is actually
a good thing.” You may be correct, but that’s only for us. Many people got infected and couldn’t have the fun as we do.
We have to care about the people in our society, not just ourselves. Our friends may get infected, so we must be on the
lookout.
A lot of public places have been affected too. The sportsgrounds’ facilities are fenced off, swimming pools closed, and
wearing masks everywhere is a rule although wearing masks is certainly not very pleasant to many people. We also have
to find different ways to keep fit at home. I search for workout videos on the Internet and follow the demonstrations to
stay healthy. My weekly running five rounds around a football field before the pandemic has turned into daily walking and
running in place in the living room. I think workouts burn more calories than track and field exercise. Some public facilities
have reopened, but our normal lifestyle has not resumed yet.
COVID-19 has affected our lives a lot but remember that we have to stay positive and accept it. We will get through it
eventually! COVID may be a never-ending disease we never know. But stay positive, and we will get through this soon.
Maybe figuring out a new way to get rid of it? Viruses multiply very quickly, which makes it harder to for us to live without
them. I truly hope the viruses would soon stop dividing and evolving, but that’s not under our control. Whose control is it
under? What are your thoughts about COVID? I’ll leave that for you to decide.
Everyone, stay safe!

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