I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to stay on track these days. In addition to the stress of this current public health crisis, adapting to new schedules and a new way of living is also trying. While there is less time spent commuting, my days are still filled with online studies, working on college applications, doing household chores, and communicating with my friends.

Normally, the busier I am the more I get done. Now, though, even with a lot of self-directed goals, I have more time on hand. The extra time is good, but it is also a little daunting. I feel the youth of my generation are used to always being scheduled, sometimes over-scheduled. My parents have told me that when they were kids, they were outside all day, rode their bicycles everywhere, and had some, but not many organized activities. This is very different in comparison to my childhood which has consisted of scheduled play dates and various lessons and activities that I had been shuttled from, to and fro.

So now my regimented self is thrown into the water, no paddle, no flippers, just myself. That might sound melodramatic, but I am learning to adapt, to be self-directed and to use my time wisely. I’m learning not to waste countless, mindless hours on social media and to not drown in indecision about what to do next. I am learning to be more of a self-starter and not depend on where I will be slotted in for the next activity. 

Trying to stay on track and stay focused in times of uncertainty and crisis is difficult. For the teens of today, we are learning to adapt like those before us throughout history. Hopefully, we come through this stronger and more resilient. Stay safe and be well.

Isabella Dussias is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter/composer from New Jersey. She enjoys writing about issues that are important to today’s youth, and she believes music is an important outlet to connect people and share messages through the creativity of lyric and melody. For more information, please visit IsabellaDussias.com.