COVID-19 threw just about everyone a curveball that seems almost impossible to hit. Not to mention, the implemented stay-at-home orders across the United States have many going “stir-crazy.” Among those feeling most impacted by the coronavirus are graduating seniors, especially since they are unable to say final and proper goodbyes to their friends, professors and schools.
Two seniors, Madi Troyer and Tons Ferguson opened up about their life in quarantine as well as how they use their time since many find they now have too much of it.
Tons Ferguson, an exercise science major with a pre-professional concentration, talked about the emotional impact that quarantine has had on him.
“From a mental standpoint, it has been a rollercoaster in terms of processing the fact that I probably will not see some individuals again for a long time or even at all in the future,” said Ferguson. “It’s just been hard knowing that a lot of seniors are not able to close out this chapter of their lives the way that they would have liked.”
Ferguson is originally from Nassau, Bahamas, but he is currently in Rosedale, Virginia being housed by his friend Brent Coleman and his family. Rosedale is under a stay-at-home order until June 10, and residents are only allowed to leave the house for essential items. Ferguson and Coleman’s family have been in quarantine going on six weeks.
To pass time by, Ferguson likes taking photos, editing, strength and conditioning workouts and working on fitness projects he plans to develop over the summer. He also enjoys playing board games, specifically monopoly.
Madi Troyer, business administration major, social work minor and former cheerleader, has made the decision to move to Elizabethton, Tennessee from where her family lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She made the move to stay connected to her community in Elizabethton as well as continue working as director at Chick-Fil-A. When she’s not working, she is staying at home and completing her studies at Milligan.
With the time spent stuck at home, Troyer has created a “zen space” in her house. “I have set up a painting area and a yoga area, as well as planted myself a garden,” said Troyer. “I have been trying to get in touch with my creative side as I have missed that in the busy times of being in school.”
Sad and depressive days are no stranger during quarantine as people do not have the opportunity to socialize in large groups, attend church in person or even go to a movie theatre for entertainment. In the darker days that people may face, Troyer recommends finding something new.
“Find something you love,” Troyer said, “YouTube tutorials on anything you would like to learn. There are endless things out there. Call your friends. That’s something that has been very good for me.”
Once coronavirus calms down and society can find a new normal, Troyer plans on taking a day trip to Asheville with her friends to make up for lost time. Ferguson plans on seeing his friends and giving them a “huge hug and savoring the moment.”
Headline photo: Tons Ferguson uses a string trimmer to cut the grass and help out with yard work at the Coleman’s house.