Coronavirus Diaries is a series of diary-type entries written by students and staff documenting the day to day activities and experiences in quarantine. If you are interested in submitting an entry, contact us at [email protected] 

6 a.m.: I make sure to wake up every day before sunrise for my morning prayer. Then, I go back to sleep.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: I usually wake up again at around 10. Unfortunately, ever since the virus broke out, my sleep schedule has worsened. With online school beginning, I’m hoping to sleep and wake up earlier every day to become more productive. Then, if everyone gets out of bed, my family eats breakfast together.

11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.: During this time, I try to get work done. This can include any homework I’ve gotten from my classes as well as the online class I am taking, Self-Directed Economics and Personal Finance. Nowadays, I also have a lot more time to focus on personal tasks I’ve been pushing back for a while, such as cleaning my room and closet. I am also trying to write a story/screenplay.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: With my spring season of volleyball canceled, I decided to set up a net in my backyard and play every day at around this time interval to maintain my skills. I often play with my siblings, like with my brother, who I’ve kept a total record of wins and losses against. When I’m playing alone, I set up a slanted table on the other side of the net so the ball can bounce back to me, which allows me to practice hitting and receiving. My family always prays our five daily prayers throughout the day, but every Friday, since the mosques are closed, we make sure to pray our Friday prayer together at home at around 1 p.m.

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: This time is generally free time. I like to watch “The Office” and play video games on my PlayStation. My dad usually gets home at around 5 p.m. He manages a restaurant, which has only been doing take-out.

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: My family eats dinner together during this time. After dinner, my mom, sisters and I like to go for a walk around the neighborhood.

6:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.: The rest of the night is usually free time. If I’m not watching a show or playing games, my family spends time together, occasionally setting up the fireplace. We have many family movie nights and sometimes watch a show together. We’re currently watching “The Masked Singer” and “Tiger King.” Sometimes, my siblings and I play board games or cards. I usually go to bed at around midnight.

While it feels like the whole world is in distress and on pause right now, it is also remarkable how we can adapt to new situations. Our schools and many other programs are striving to maintain connection with people. During this time, I am excited to strengthen my bond with my faith, especially as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. While it may not be the same this year, many mosques have already transitioned into providing virtual programs and lessons. Quarantine has also allowed me to see my family much more often and it has given me time to focus on any personal projects I’ve been meaning to do. Sometimes, you have to look towards the good to distract yourself from the bad!