It was so sudden. Everything happened overnight.

People were constantly moving, and everything was changing so fast. People were being transferred from IMC to the ICU or ICU to general care. We had to quickly learn how to use new equipment. It was extremely stressful. I actually quit school in the beginning of the pandemic, because it was extremely difficult to balance school and work – both physically and emotionally. 

A couple months before, I bought a new home that needed some work done.  I learned how to landscape through Google, and I did a lot of yard work during that time. I have a big garden in the backyard with blueberries, but the soil that was required had to be very specific in order for the plants to survive and grow. But it’s become a new hobby. 

-Nicole Justman