Photo Journaling Everyday Life During a Pandemic

by Jaycee Hampton 

Day-to-day life has been quite different ever since the outbreak of COVID-19. Empty grocery stores, restaurants closed, nobody going outside unless it’s for the basic necessities.

Being a teenager during this pandemic has been hard for most, but many are trying to remain busy and occupy their time with things that make them happy. 

This week, I decided to step out of a comfort zone and do things for my friends that I normally wouldn’t do. 

I decided to write a quick note of encouragement to some of my closest friends and drop them off in their mailboxes. Just doing a small act of kindness gave me a good reason to get out of the house and make others feel appreciated! It was very rewarding. 

I’ve also gotten to spend a bunch of time with my younger sister, sophomore Kenzee Hampton. We woke up at 6 a.m. to get donuts this week and watch the sunrise together in her car, and I will cherish moments like this with her for the rest of my life! 

We also have been doing a lot of cleaning and getting rid of old things we don’t use anymore. Kenzee and I both have old American Girl Dolls we haven’t even looked at since we were little, so we decided to take them to the girls we babysit and love so much! Their parents let us come by for a little bit and we got to hangout with them and catch up on what they are doing in quarantine. 

Another thing I got to do this week that I normally wouldn’t do is go hiking at Turkey Mountain in Tulsa, Oklahoma with my friend Bridget Marrara. My parents said it was okay as long as we both wore our masks. 

Being outdoors and appreciating time with my friends and family has been such a big thing for me during this global pandemic. Doing things safely and with the approval of my parents has opened my eyes to cherishing these smaller moments more than I normally would.