While in quarantine, Gabriela officially graduated from CCHS and is hoping that a graduation ceremony will be possible sometime in the future. Meanwhile, Gabriela is preparing for college and has been studying for her AP tests. “I am still taking all of my school work pretty seriously—studying for all of my AP tests and doing Zoom English meetings when I can… I’m still enrolled in Introduction to Differential Equations at SIU, and I just had a test on Monday,” Gabriela reports.
“I’ve also been staying busy by reading. Currently, I’m reading Melinda Gates’s book, ‘The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World,’ which is really inspiring. I have also read several other books during quarantine—more than I usually get to read during the school year. With the self-isolation, it is hard to get out and be active, but my mom, sister, and I go to campus often to run or bike along Lincoln Drive, or sometimes, even in our neighborhood. I’ve even done a Zoom workout with a friend,” Gabriela says.
At the suggestion of her mom, Gabriela has recently begun writing a journal to document her experiences during the quarantine. “I have found it rather therapeutic and am conscious of the fact that my observations about today could serve as a primary source for people in the future. I have paired my journal entries with my bullet journaling, which allows me to tune into my artistic side,” Gabriela adds.
Gabriela and her sister Maya have discovered Netflix Party, Zoom, Snapchat, and other social media platforms to connect with friends while staying home during the quarantine. “We have also written cards to our grandparents and other elderly people that we know, in order to provide a little hope for them during this unusual time. I’ve also completed several scholarships that will (hopefully!) lessen the cost of college,” Gabriela explains.
Most recently, Gabriela officially decided to attend Columbia University in New York. “It was a long and difficult decision process, but I am really happy with my decision. I am unsure what I will study at Columbia, but I have until the end of my sophomore year to figure it out. It could be anything from math, to chemistry, political science, international relations, or something completely crazy! I’m also hoping to audition for the Columbia University Orchestra, and possibly even take some lessons. I am looking forward to beginning my college career in NYC, and I only hope that I actually get to start in the fall (fingers crossed that coronavirus is not so much of a problem by then),” Gabriela exclaims!
We are so very proud of her and wish Gabriela much success as she continues her educational journey!
