By Raymond Tran

   For any high school student, waking up at noon, staying in pajamas all day, and doing work at a personalized pace sounds like paradise. However, as I soon realized, staying home all day is not ideal.

   On March 13, Gabrielino High School suspended school for three weeks due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Soon after, it was announced that physical school was canceled for the rest of the academic year.

   At first, there was joy. Senioritis took a toll on the class of 2020, and a sigh of relief swept across the tired senior class. But the bliss didn’t last. My peers and I soon realized that our senior year had been stripped from underneath us. 

   The Director of the California Department of Public Health ordered all individuals living in California to stay home on March 19 as an attempt to reduce the number of people exposed to the virus. This meant that my spring break and summer plans were suddenly cancelled.

   While sleeping at 3 a.m. and waking up at 1 p.m. every day for a week was pure ecstasy, the days of quarantine started blurring together. I yearned for social interaction and the dream of staying home all day became a nightmare.

   Two weeks into the mandated quarantine, I started noticing people on social media hanging out with their friends with captions such as, “Don’t worry, we’re six feet apart.” At first, I wanted to do the same. As a very extroverted person, I am wired to search for social interaction and physical contact. 

   However, it was painfully clear that flattening the curve and practicing social distancing were the only ways that I could have a chance at a normal summer.

   More importantly, health care workers are risking their lives in order to help treat infected patients and it would be irresponsible and disrespectful if I were to leave the house simply because of cabin fever. 

   According to Business Insider on May 3, over 9,000 healthcare workers across the country have tested positive for the coronavirus due to exposure at work. Almost 150 nurses and doctors have died due to the virus. 

  While distance learning and social distancing are not ideal to most, during this pandemic, it is imperative to understand why these safety measures are implemented. 

   Dr. Pia MacDonald, head epidemiologist at the non-profit scientific research institute RTI International, explained to ABC News that despite the toll that social distancing takes, it buys us time to build a sustainable way to control the pandemic. 

   After weeks of social distancing, it can be easy to lose sight of how important flattening the curve is. The New York Times reported that flattening the curve is extremely vital for hospitals. Given that medical facilities have a finite amount of resources, having cases slowly come in rather than a surge will aid in their ability to treat patients.

   While essential workers, such as nurses, doctors, and even grocery store employees, are risking their lives and being exposed to COVID-19 on a daily basis, it is our duty to do our part as well.

   From watching a whole season of “Grey’s Anatomy” in a week to FaceTiming my friends for three hours straight, I have found ways to enjoy my time at home. During this time of international emergency, I urge everyone to become educated, have patience, and make safe and smart decisions. Take time to be grateful, learn a new skill, or catch up with old friends. 

   Remember, this is bigger than you.