I am standing in front of my house, having my picture taken by my mom. We are celebrating my commitment to attend Merrimack College in the fall. Merrimack was my number one choice for school. In the picture I am so happy to find out I was accepted.

Although the picture represents an exciting new chapter in my life, it also comes at a time of disappointment and looming uncertainty. In this picture, I am smiling. I am smiling because I am excited and optimistic for the future. I am proud that I was accepted into the college that I worked hard to get into. 

However, lingering is the worry that I may not have a graduation or even be able to live on the campus in the fall due to the pandemic. Also, right now I miss my friends and teachers, and most of all, I just miss life how I had come to know and love it. I miss going to school and seeing all the familiar faces. I miss hanging out with friends and watching a ball game on the weekends. I miss the little things we all now realize that we took for granted.

Still, I am smiling. 

I think I’ve come to terms with the unfortunate circumstances that have hit us all, and even more importantly, I’ve begun to see just how fortunate I am. Seeing how much has been taken from me only reminds me of just how good my life is. 

Eventually, life will return to normalcy. Piece by piece we will get back to normal. I don’t know when that will be, but I know that it will happen. I will see my friends, family, teachers, and everybody again. I will be going to school at Merrimack College. 

And because of that, I am smiling.