Navigating through the pandemic
In March of 2020, COVID-19 made its way to the United States and would change our lives as a country together.
March 13th is the day President Donald Trump had declared that the COVID-19 virus was a national emergency and immediately, funding was sent to research the virus and find a way to fight this deadly disease.
Almost a week later, California would be the first state in the U.S. to put the stay-at-home order in place which would be set to keep everyone in their homes except those who work for essential businesses such as healthcare and other essential needs.
The world was in disarray as millions of Americans were left wondering what was next and when this pandemic would be over.
Loved ones were encouraged to be apart, essential needs like water and toilet paper were scarce at many stores nationwide.
Through it all though, many Americans managed to navigate through the pandemic mentally and found ways to cope with the crazy situation presented in front of us.
In my own personal journey, I was able to make the most of my quarantine in the form of picking up a hobby and gaining some responsibility in various forms.
A short time before the pandemic, I had started working at my local Target. A part of me earning responsibility was being able to keep a job I had while also balancing school.
It was challenging at first but my parents were very supportive of me working in both a job and school to better myself.
One thing I thought of while I was working and learning in school is that I would eventually need to learn to drive.
During the pandemic, I was able to obtain my driver’s license which was something I had been scoffing at for the longest time.
After obtaining my license, I began to save up enough money to buy my very own car.
Months had passed and by the summer of last year, I had purchased a used Honda Civic for me to drive myself around.
It made me proud to say that I worked hard to obtain not only my driver’s license but my very own car that I paid for in full and insured myself.
One major step for me also being responsible had to do with exercising my god given right to vote during the past election.
My parents and I had driven together to Dodger Stadium to cast our votes and it was significant because it was my first time voting since I had just turned eighteen in September.
Towards the end of summer, I got heavily invested in the sports trading card market.
I would attend local card shows and go to card shops to buy cards of my favorite players or authenticated cards to invest in and sell later in the future.
This hobby was something I was already involved in and had participated in but on a whole new level.
These cards can be seen in the same way as stocks, seeing as the value appreciates and depreciates based on player performance and how big of an impact they have on their respective sport.
I started buying highly sought after cards of big name players starting with my first ever one which was a 2007 Topps rookie Kevin Durant card valued at $500.
Today, It remains as my most expensive purchase I have made since I started investing big into the hobby.
Since then, I have a far bigger collection of valuable cards in my possession and I plan on making a profit in the foreseeable future.
Since then, I have a far bigger collection of valuable cards in my possession and I plan on making a profit in the foreseeable future.
This hobby has kept me busy and is a way for me to destress in my free time when I am not at work or busy with school.
I walk into shops or shows with no goal in mind but to browse and make new connections because one thing I have learned in this hobby is that making connections can help you make the next big trade or deal happen.
My parents have been there every step of the way for me and my two sisters as we have been trying to get through virtual school instruction and not being able to hang out with friends or other family.
It gave us more time to bond and create memories in our home while finding ways to stay entertained.
Lots of our time was spent watching the latest hit shows or movies on Netflix while ordering food for delivery.
We would also Zoom with our grandparents and other family that we missed all together and celebrate birthdays as one.
My family and I had simply made the most of the situation.
My father, Miguel Ramirez, had most of the same responses that my mother had while also adding that the emotions come from us having to conform with the new normal presented to us by the government mandates.
Amongst the pandemic and responsibilities at work, my dad has really gone through a lot and continues to be the ray of sunshine in our family.
As many Americans can relate, we have gone through our own personal struggles mentally and in other manners but we are nearing the home stretch of this pandemic.
This lockdown has taught not only myself but my whole family new things about ourselves and the world around us.