During quarantine, I found myself watching TV or sleeping all day. I had no motivation to get up or do anything productive because I was upset that I could not go outside or see my friends. I thought the world was coming to an end as I went from being fully involved in my school to sitting around the house. I did not like the feeling of doing anything since I am an active person. I kept binge-watching Netflix shows until I realized that it was time for me to get up and spend my time wisely.

I had a blog called Dear Destiny for about four months, and I knew that I could improve my content. So, I spent the entire day working on past articles and trying to improve my image. At that moment, I realized that writing was my passion. I love writing because it helped me make a difference in my community. I used my voice to help the voiceless, so I bring change to the people, who are constantly facing injustices in the world. I use my platform to speak my truth without anyone silencing me.

I knew that my blog could not be the only way I could share my opinions or beliefs. Quarantine allowed me to discover that I wanted to find ways to share my beliefs with others through designing t-shirts and making my own t-shirt business. I used the time at home to buy all the equipment I needed to start my first business. Isolating myself in my comfort allowed me to step out of the box and try something different. I realized that I do not want to spend my whole life waiting to get paid by someone because another pandemic can wipe away people's jobs. So, I wanted to find a way where I could do what I love while making a profit. I am currently writing to make a difference in the world while selling t-shirts to help promote my blog.

Anyone can make their own business as long as you have a reason for why you are doing something. When you have a "why", it motivates you to fail first and succeed last. After all, in a business, you will have many setbacks that will cause you to pivot your ideas. Motivation will allow you to find ways to pivot, but having a reason, such as making money will only make you fail more. Money should not be the reason why you do something; instead, one reason could be that you want to be your own boss or that you want to create financial stability for yourself or your family. A "why" tells your audience the reason they should buy from you, while you are getting your story across to them.

During this difficult time of isolation, you may find it challenging to get up or even do the things you love. Instead, I challenge you to read a book, draw a picture, create a business, etc. Use this time to develop yourself, so you can come out of the pandemic with many skills and talents. Everyone will remember this time, so how do you want to remember it? Do you want to remember it as the time you watched TV all day and slept or the time you drew many paintings or read many books? After all, gaining knowledge is the greatest gift of all.

Remember you are stronger than you think and you are smarter than you believe. Take this time to rediscover yourself, because one day someone will pay you for your passions. Do not settle for anything less, because you are worth more than that. The time is yours and use it wisely because we can never get time back.