Hi! My name is Emilia and I am 21 years old. I am in the 2nd year of care and rehabilitation pedagogy. My hobby is dancing and reading psychological books. I am very sorry that we cannot get to know each other in real life. The coronavirus thwarted our plans, but I am glad that at least I can send my thoughts to you by e-mail. 

The most difficult thing during the pandemic was and still is for me that I lost contact with my loved ones once, this time showed me who and how much was able to do for me and sacrifice anything. It hurts me a lot that all cinemas, swimming pools, etc. are closed, I miss freedom. I haven't really dealt with a lot of things, but I tell myself "this is what it is". The mere fact that I found a job during the pandemic compensates for my sorrows. In worse times, I reach for an interesting book, call my mother or go to the park. Nature calms me down. I feel free in the park and in the woods. 

I myself got a lot of support from my relatives, e.g. emotional support. I remember when we had exams via webcam. It was our first time, I was very stressed. It was a difficult situation for me because I don't like to answer verbally. My boyfriend and my mother supported me a lot. They told me that I can handle everything, "You're the best, you can do it!" 

I provided instrumental support. An elderly woman who is sick lives in my town. He has diabetes and other comorbidities. Due to the coronavirus, she limited leaving the house, so my sister and I would do her shopping every two days and teach her how to deal with the pandemic. 

Also my uncle, who has health problems and had to stay in the hospital, and we couldn't visit him because it is forbidden. It was hard for him and us but we supported him with warm words through the video camera and we told him how we love him and that we miss him every time. 

Support area as a person-group. My family and I have always been religious. I believe the pandemic has brought me closer to God. When my family started getting sick, I was very scared, anxious and terrified. I prayed more and went to church. 

I believe that the human-human support area based on my and my sisters' example has improved. My sister is 7 and I'm 21, it’s a big difference so it's hard to communicate. I believe that for the greater amount of time we spent together, we got to know each other better and got closer.

Nothing can replace a face-to-face conversation, but I think that if someone feels bad alone or feels lonely, it is worth using the help of a psychologist or therapist, even online, or signing up for relaxing yoga to listen to yourself and your own body.

The pandemic taught me, above all, patience and listening to myself and my own needs. She made me realize and showed me that the world can stand still, and our great desires and dreams are worth nothing compared to how much was taken from us today - what is most precious, i.e. freedom, closeness and health.