Hannah Johnson

Everyone has different reasons for why they take certain paths in life. I’ve learned that a lot during my first couple weeks in Army basic training. And it’s got me thinking about why I’m even here in the first place. Some of the girls are here for independence and to get away from their families. Definitely not my reason. Some are here to try something new or to get physically fit. Kinda of my reasons, but more secondary. Other people joined for financial stability and college funding. That’s a lot closer to my reasons, but still doesn’t quite hit the nail exactly on the head. I just feel like there’s something more that pushed me to be here...

Everyone hopes to find their perfect match. You know, the person who compliments them the best, the person they meet once and can’t imagine living without. You think you know exactly what you’re looking for. For me, I had a type. Tall, lanky, a little nerdy, a good dresser, and someone social and outgoing (since I’m so introverted).

Let me preface this article by saying I in no way think this is going to change anything. I know one person alone isn't going to change the world, and I know it's going to take a lot more than me writing an article about how I feel about the black lives matter movement. But what I have to say needs to be said, and it needs to be said by a lot of people to make a difference.

All my life, my jobs have been considered essential. I've worked in horse barns, at dog kennels, and at veterinary clinics. Even in snow storms with a Ford Fiesta, I made the trek to work to take care of the animals. Never in a million years did I expect essential to include working during a global pandemic.

Social distancing these last few months have sucked. I hate not being able to see my best friend, my family, or even clients at work. I hate talking to people through doors or FaceTime. I hate wearing a mask everywhere, and I hate not being able to go to the grocery store every time I remember something small that I need. But guess what? I do it.

It's not a surprise to anyone that I really do not like this quarantine thing. I hate being pent up, and I am such a restless person. I kept two jobs throughout college, I worked 50+ hours a week at Disney, and I was known to petsit for up to three families a week. So naturally, getting laid off and being told I should only leave my house when absolutely necessary, as well as most of the places I like going to being closed, has been a huge slap in the face to me. But honestly, and I thought I would be the LAST person to do this, I must say it's been good in some ways.