Recently, I was talking to my friends via the now infamous service ‘Zoom’. We laughed. We cried. We chatted about what lockdown had taught us. I had to think about this one. My friends must have thought my screen was frozen because I had not responded. I was so lost in my thoughts of how the ‘new normal’ has - dare I say it - benefited us. For starters, we have seen the communal spirit thrive in all of the UK with fundraising for the ineffable NHS, neighbours congregating at a socially accepted distance to clap for our carers and, for me personally, staying in touch with each other. So when I finally escaped my trance, I answered my friends by stating that the importance of staying connected is what lockdown has taught me. Connection is what has supported me in these unstable and unknown times. Whether it is to stay connected to your friends, your family, your pets - even yourself. Humans are social creatures who need to have a human connection to benefit their well being. Knowing that I have others that I can rely on for that extra support, care and love has reminded me of the basic necessities that we need in life; our loved ones.

Is it the lower levels of pollution which has cleared the skies and has let light escape that has helped me see my future more vividly? Or is it the perfect precious present that this lockdown has gifted us: time. Time to heal. Time to relax. Time to think. What have I been doing with my time? Well, besides arguing with my sisters over whether Carole Baskin had fed her husband to the tigers - it has still left my family undecided - this time has allowed me to rethink my A Level choices and what I want for my future. Of course, I understand that life is unpredictable and things can change - as we can all clearly see! However, I have been able to finally see a little more vividly about what I want for my future.

One area where there is a little more light needed is the greatly anticipated event of the school year: Prom. Dress? Check. Shoes? Check. Clutch? Check. Prom? No answer. Due to this lockdown, my year has sadly lost our invitation to the ball. I'm grateful that we will eventually have our Prom, as so many of my friends are not receiving theirs. Even though it follows the American tradition, it is still a very fundamental part for any British pupil. For some, it’s the magic atmosphere that the glowing gowns emit, lighting a pathway for their own fairytale. For others, it’s the celebration of ending their school career. For me, it was the chance to all be together once again, to dance, to sing, to laugh. I understand the financial pressures that this brings to so many parents and for that, my heart goes out to every pupil who did not get to attend theirs. I hope that one day we will all get to experience the perfect Prom that so many of us see through movies - maybe we could live vicariously through them? That would mean Troy Bolton would be my date - no complaints there. So, to all my year group, keep practising walking in your chosen footwear for the night, make sure to keep your outfit safe and maybe add a mask which matches your prom wear to the next shopping list. Mask? Need to buy.

Checking the news updates often means I see the weather updates too. The forecast says that we are to be presented with more bright sunny skies. Perfect for Tik Tokers, to gain the natural lighting needed for their Oscar-worthy motion pictures. Hopefully, this time I will receive the tan I wished for and not be graced with a scalding burn of anxiety. Time will tell. We are living in an uncertain time. But focus on the ‘we’ part. We all have each other. We can all still stay connected - of course, two metres apart. Just remember to be the best, the best that you can be - and if your best is binge watching Netflix murder documentaries or running around your garden for what feels like the umpteenth time, then please, continue.

Stay Safe!