The past year has been a hard one. In some ways, it went by in a flash, but in others, it dragged on like a Zoom class on a Friday afternoon. For 12 months the coronavirus pandemic has greatly altered our way of life. It has kept us indoors, away from friends and family, and left us feeling anxious over every day tasks that used to not phase us. Beyond that, the virus took the lives of over half a million people in this country, leaving many mourning and without the closure of saying goodbye to their loved ones. In an effort to memorialize the past year, Seventeen asked readers how they're feeling as we enter month 13 of the pandemic. Some are sad, some are tired, but everyone is hopeful for a brighter future.
How are you feeling one year into the pandemic?
"I feel really good. I think my life has taken a new road and I am exited for what's coming up" —Ananya
"I try to make the best of it, but honestly, I miss my friends and traveling." —Zita
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"I'm actually feeling very different, like I wouldn't be the person I am today if this pandemic hadn't happened. I had way too many ups and downs (mostly downs), but they taught me a lesson every time." —Sameeksha
"I'm grateful for what we used to have. I've realized that we've all taken life for granted. I've learned so much about myself and this world and I'm ready to change it for the better." —Riley
"I'm ready to go back to normal and be able to do the things I love again and the things that make me happy with people I love." —Torin
"It's crazy how much life has changed. It's unbelievable to think that the whole country was on lockdown this time last year. Honestly, I can't wait for this to be over." —Madison
"I don't know. There have been goods days of course, but now I feel like I have lost my motivation to do anything. Every day seems the same." —Sofia
What has the past year meant to you?
"I learned how important it is to enjoy time with family because you never know when you won't get to see them again." —Mia
"I learned that there is hope in a hopeless place. It has shown me there is no reason to wait for later because later does not exist." —Takudzwa
"This past year has given me so much time to reflect on the person I want to become. It has helped me to see who I want and need in my life." —Riley
"A lot of uncertainty. Learning to live one day at a time and not to expect anything from the future was difficult at first, but I hope this new mindset will stay with me." —Camille
"This past year for me was a time of growth, a time to figure out who I am, and learn to cherish the time I have with my loved ones." —Juliana
"I have a new found appreciation for my friends and family. I've also solidified my political stances and having some time to take things slow and stay at home hasn't been too too bad. I focused on myself more when I was in quarantine." —Torin
"The past year has meant some sadness and frustration, but also thankfulness for my family and recognizing my strengths." —Aryn
"It's meant time with my family that I wouldn't have had otherwise. A time to slow down and really live in the moment." —Anna
"I feel like I'm losing important years of my life due to this pandemic, and I won't get them back. I just want everything to get better and be able to get my life again." —Candela
"It was probably the worst year of my life. But it means that I'm stronger than I thought." —Savannah
"It's been a time of self-reflection and self-discovery, and I'm learning about who I am and how to be happy being me. My life slowed down and I've learned to appreciate the little things so, because of that, I'm grateful that I've experienced the pandemic. But at the same time, it's been awful and saddening to see families lose loved ones and people being apart from the people they love. It's heartbreaking." —Kaitlan
"It has meant learning to adapt and be the best I can for others and myself even when it's hard." —Madie
What does returning to "normal" mean to you?
"It would be having my everyday back. I'd go to school, see my friends, and get to play tennis again." –Ida
"Going back to the way things were but with different expectations and boundaries." —Stephanie
"It means setting myself up for future success." —Anna
"It would mean being able to visit my family, being able to hug my grandparents, going out with my friends, be a teenager and do what teenagers do. I know it's kind of impossible for now, but maybe just a little bit of freedom would mean something to me." —Candela
What do you hope the next few months bring?
"Hope." —Nala
"I hope these next few months bring me lots of happiness as I will be graduating soon and moving onto the next chapter of my life." —Juliana
"That the numbers keep decreasing and more advance in the vaccination plan. And that people DO decide to get vaccinated." —Ana
Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. On her off time, she's probably watching Ru Paul's Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed.
