After a few of my closest friends and I spent spring break together in the Poconos, we decided to return to State College in order to avoid the possibility of spreading Coronavirus to our families in our respective hometowns. There are now seven confirmed Coronavirus cases in Centre County, and we have been doing our part to flatten the curve and stay inside. We all live on the same floor of an apartment building downtown, and have not left except to visit the grocery store and pharmacy. Needless to say, we’ve been spending a great deal of time together. While the news of Penn State transitioning to online classes and cancelling all events for the remainder of my final semester was heartbreaking to say the least, it has been therapeutic to safely surround myself with my closest friends during this time.
Throughout my time at Penn State, I have dedicated myself to theatre. Due to the recent change in school policy regarding on-campus events and activities, two student organization productions I was involved in had to be cancelled. Moreover, I realized that I would not be able to participate in many senior traditions with these organizations and with Penn State in general; all of the “lasts” I thought I would get to experience this semester were taken away in the blink of an eye. While I was incredibly upset at this news, I understood the gravity of the situation and the steps the university had to take in order to control the spread of the virus. Through all of this, the company of my friends has comforted me and kept me positive during this trying time. We watch movies, play board games, and Zoom chat with other friends who are not in State College.
Penn State’s campus and downtown State College are pretty much empty – it is very jarring to venture outside for a walk or a trip to the grocery store and see no one on the sidewalks, shops and bars closed, and parking lots completely empty. My preferred grocery store has been out of many essential items for many days: chicken, flour, vegetable oil, canned soups, and garlic, to name a few. It is strange to see the town I’ve called home for the past four years suddenly turn barren. I constantly have mixed emotions about my situation. One minute, I’m sad thinking about everything I won’t get to experience during my last few months in State College. The next, I’m thankful for all of the opportunities I had during the past 3.5 years. Isolating from the outside community has proved helpful in practicing mindfulness and meditation. While the Coronavirus pandemic has proved extremely tough on everyone, I believe it can serve as an opportunity for mental and emotional growth.
A parking lot in downtown State College that is completely empty.
College Avenue in downtown State College; usually filled with students and community members, but is now completely empty.
