The COVID-19 pandemic has provided self isolation, quarantine, and lack of human interaction and has had detrimental effects around the globe. But the lack of human interaction gave way to considerable amounts of free time.

Free from the burden of school and societal pressures put on day-to-day life, quarantine was particularly freeing.
The social normality that High School puts on students prevents them from expressing themselves freely, me included. To be “normal” is to blend in. But free from the chains holding people back, quarantine led to many peoples self-expression. Discovering new hobbies, styles and authenticity.

Personally, I was able to pick up many things, including the bass guitar and a sense of style. Before the COVID-19 lockdowns, I typically would try to blend in with everyone around me, simply because I didn’t want to stand out. But as soon as I was freed from the judgement of others, I was able to grow as a person, both visibly and non-visibly. My sense of style dramatically changed, from someone who blended in, to someone who wanted to stand out on purpose. I became bold and felt free to express myself through clothing. The free time quarantine gifted me, led me to do some extensive online shopping, expanding my closet and confidence. Without people from school judging, I was able to express myself freely.

Quarantine also allowed me to look into new hobbies, such as music and writing. Exploring different instruments in my extra time, I landed on the bass guitar and piano. My friend and I even started our own personal blog with a domain we bought. Without quarantine I doubt I would’ve picked up either interest’s.

Many people I’ve talked with have agreed, saying that quarantine gave them a chance to freely express themselves and try new things out. This could also be seen in trends that were on the uprising in quarantine, like cooking. With trends such as Dalgona coffee, cloud bread, and homemade bread breaking the internet. Quarantine gave people the chance to try things they wouldn’t have in the past.

Although some may argue it’s added more stress and held them from self expression more, which I’m not disagreeing with, I think it has allowed for major self improvement and in some ways was freeing from societal pressures.
As the pandemic is changing our definition of daily life, it has allowed many to adapt to this new situation and find new interests. Growing an authenticity to who they are and who they want to be.