In the mist of the COVID-19 outbreak, people all over the world are handling the situation in many different manners. Some are locking themselves away in their home, some are stocking up on toilet paper and butter, some are taking advantage of the situation and are exploring whatever part of the world they are in. It is the worst thing that has ever happened to the world, or it’s the best. My boyfriend, Zach Bates, happens to be someone who has benefitted from this awful situation.

Despite the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases throughout the United States, Bates decided to go on a weeks long road trip out West to visit his family who he hasn’t seen in months. He transformed his car into a bed, packed a week’s worth of food in the cooler and hit the road.

Many people questioned why he wanted to go out into the world when the government was directing everyone to stay home. Why on Earth would you put yourself at risk? The government is shutting Michigan down, you know that right? Aren’t you afraid you’ll get it? Bates had a simple response, “What’s holding us back? All of the restrictions with work and school aren’t there anymore, so why not?” So, he took the chance; having hand sanitizer handy the entire way.

“It’s a trip I will never forget,” said Bates,“Travelling across country with nothing but you and the road, literally everyone else gone, I needed it. I had more conversations with myself than I have in a long time, I feel good. A lot lighter”. Those conversations he had with himself  revolved around the stress that school and work had put on him both mentally and physically. He felt that he was detartrating from entering the adult world, it was eating him alive, having no social life. No room to have fun.

As we proceeded to discuss his trip, he mentioned that he felt that this pandemic is the perfect opportunity for each individual to have those same conversations with themselves. This is the perfect time to sit down and think about how we want to better ourselves. What we can do to take care of ourselves. Bates took this time to travel alone and ground himself, and thinks that everyone who is experiencing this pandemic, which is the world, should all do the same thing. Whether that be staying at home, doing yoga outside, or traveling across country in the safety of your car, do what it takes to get yourself right. 

Need a quick, easy, healthy meal for the family? Try out these Sweet Potato Tacos!

Ingredients needed:

• 3 small sweet potatoes, washed and chopped
• 1 head of broccoli, washed and chopped
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups white rice
• 1 cup raw spinach

Extra toppings:

• sour cream
• chunky tomato salsa
• taco sauce
• shredded Colby jack cheese

Today I interviewed Sam Sagan, a Central Michigan University Student in my Intro to Journalism 102 class.