Chapter Three: Written by Emmanual Marfo

Name: Emmanuel Marfo
Age: 27
Ethnicity: Black/African American 
Occupation: Med Student
Location: Norfolk, Virginia 

Where do I start? 2020 has been a heck of year, it started off like any new year, where I would set goals that I would want to obtain to better myself, but little did I know that the whole world was in for a shock. I started the year with goals to get into medical school and to get healthier. I had applied to medical school the year before and I was waiting for some good news. The end of 2019 didn’t bring any good news, so I was hopeful for a new year and a new start! After months of waiting, I was accepted into multiple medical schools and made my choice to go to school at EVMS in Norfolk, Virginia. But in the midst of all of these good things happening to me, I could really celebrate because more important things were occurring in the world. Covid-19 put a huge damper on the world, it made millions of people unemployed, and killed millions of people around the world. Even with these statistics I am very happy to say that my parents, my sister, my grandpa and my extended family are all well and have not tested positive or had symptoms for Covid-19. 

Although Covid-19, put a damper on a lot of my traveling plans it was also a blessing. I was forced to stay a lot of time at home and I was able to get a better connection with my family and loved ones. I was able to get connected with family that I hadn’t spoken to in a while because of our busy lives. Covid-19 helped me slow down and appreciate the people in my life. In addition, I used some of the time to better some of my hobbies. One of the hobbies that I enjoy practicing is playing the piano. Since quarantine, I was able to practice the piano and learn new songs and overall get enjoyment out of playing it. It also forced me to become more innovative with my workouts, so I started running and learning different workouts. Although covid-19 is a horrible thing I was able to grow as a person and take time to reflect on all the blessings in my life! Also, I am extremely grateful for everyone that has worked with Covid-19 patients, all first responders, and the scientists that have helped come up with a vaccine. I hope that 2021 brings Covid-19 to an end so that we can all celebrate beating this virus.