Hi from my bedroom. My name is Ava and I am a 17 year old living in Los Angeles. This is a crazy time to be 17. I have never been in a situation where it is so obvious that the adults know just as little as us kids, and that’s scary as hell. Three weeks ago I was sitting in my school's auditorium listening to the head of school attempt to answer the questions the student body had. Most of her answers were “I don’t know.” As a young adult who pretends that they need nothing from the real adults, I will finally admit that right now I need guidance. I am trying to live day by day. If I look too far ahead I get inundated with fears. The big and the small. A few days ago I was taking my daily social distancing walk around my neighborhood, and I realized that I want to leave this as a better person. I want to be able to say I was productive, that I made some difference, that I learned a new skill. That’s really hard for me, I am anxious and feeling completely lost, but I am going to try -- that is all that I ask of myself. I hope you all do the same. Here is the list of things I have tried to do:

1. MAKE MASKS OUT OF AT-HOME MATERIALS

First and foremost I am a designer. I have been avoiding my sewing machine for months, and this time was an opportunity for me to sit down and sew. As I sat I realized that I had no way of getting fabric. I went to the attic, grabbed the boxes of old tshirts, and made a huge t-shirt quilted fabric I can now use. A few days ago the CDC announced that we should all start wearing masks when we go out. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for -- to put my sewing skills to use. I started making masks out of materials I had at home. I used tea towels and cotton t-shirts and have been making them for friends and family. This is the tutorial I used: mask tutorial.

2. POSTCARD / TEXT BANKING!

I know many people -- including myself sometimes -- are using this as a time to take a break from the news, but this free time is a great chance to write postcards. They are super easy and are a great way to make an impact without leaving your home. I also text bank with Open Progress. I have gotten all my friends hooked on text banking -- it is honestly so fun you will not regret starting.

3. ZOOMERS TO BOOMERS

My friend, Mira, started the Los Angeles group for the Zoomers to Boomers platform. People who are older and who are more at risk can order off of the Zoomers to Boomers website and a teen who is less at risk will go and pick up the food at the market and deliver it to their house. All of the teens follow strict protocol and wear gloves and masks. I do a few orders a day.

4. THINK ABOUT WASTE

All the free time has given me the chance to observe how much I waste. I over estimate how much food I want, how many t-shirts I need, and use too much plastic. During this reflection period I am trying to fix my actions. I am only using reusable water bottles. I try to cook only the amount of food I actually am going to eat. I try and repurpose the clothes I do not wear. I suggest reflecting on how you can waste less even if it means using one less plastic water bottle a day. It is important. 

These are four things I am really trying to do. I feel very out of control during all of this. Doing a little bit each day -- making small but meaningful changes -- helps me feel more in control. I know there are many more issues and ways to take action, but this is my start.

____ Ava