Paige Matthys-Pearce

Sophomore Paige Matthys-Pearce has used her quarantine as an opportunity to improve on herself and her lifestyle. 

“I’ve really tried to look at the positive side of things and there are so many things I’m grateful for that wouldn’t have been possible without the quarantine,” Matthys-Pearce said. “I feel more free to be creative because there are no real or perceived time constraints.”

From trying new activities to working on a book she plans to write, Matthys-Pearce says she has enjoyed the opportunity to improve.

“I’ve experienced real personal growth just in the past weeks, and I attribute that to getting to adapt to the quarantine and make the best of it,” Matthys-Pearce said. 

While Matthys-Pearce has begun a routine of recognizing what she is grateful for each day, she feels that she sometimes struggles to remain optimistic. 

“It’s hard sometimes to let myself stay positive while knowing that so many people around the world are struggling; when the world has stopped in its tracks, affecting the lives of everyone,” Matthys-Pearce said. “It’s hard knowing the struggles countless people are going through and then seeing in the news people who are complaining about the quarantine or utterly disrespecting the quarantine entirely. It shows a complete lack of empathy for those who are struggling.”

Matthys-Pearce says she has sought solace during this time in recognizing that there is only so much she can control. 

“I think in times of struggle like this, it’s so easy to look to the negative side of things and forget everything that we do have,” Matthys-Pearce said. “I’ve really tried my best to express gratitude in everything I do during the quarantine and it’s been amazing how much my mindset has shifted.”