How Survival Video Games Help Me Prepare for Adulthood by Ethan Cespedes, Class of 2020

Quarantine life is not something for which you can really plan. Eventually, you will be consumed with the madness of losing track of time. You could even forget a meal or two if you are not careful. Our generation is not equipped to handle this; we are the most social generation after all… that does not sound correct. Let me rephrase, we are the most social… It just does not fit, does it? The words "most" and "social" when talking about our generation. Yes, we talk to each other, and we could make friendships with people from different cultures, but it's not like we are comfortable hanging out in person or doing anything spontaneous in real life. For us, it is easier to stay inside and use our screens to either hide some parts of ourselves or get lost in other people's worlds entirely. 

I suppose quarantine life hasn't been the worst. For me, at least, it's been alright. I'm coping with being alone and in my head for long periods. But then again, I always have my trusty phone at my disposal. I got a new phone recently, and it has only improved in its ability to transport me elsewhere while physically confined. I have diversified my music taste, communicate more with friends, and spend a lot of time playing games. I also have Netflix, what a wonderful invention that was. I've been binging on shows that I never thought I'd find time to check out. I started running, too, but that's a horrible experience that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I'll keep doing it, though, so that I can keep from turning into a slob. 
Though I know many of my friends don't feel the same way, I'm doing alright. The only thing missing is  PS4. Talking to my boys would make my life better. I do miss that. But I am a weird person. I don't like being around people all that much. I hate actual phone conversations. Text messaging is preferable. 

I've been playing this survival horror game called "The Forest," and it's been helping me deal with the terrifying stuff in my life. There are cannibals, children to protect, new threats at every corner. Getting scared of something in the game distracts me from my actual fear of the future. The adrenaline is also a great feeling, and there is a better feeling than making it out alive. Besides immersing myself in alternate worlds, I've been thinking a lot about adulthood and the future. I've been wondering what it'll be like to live alone. I was initially terrified by this new reality, but I'm getting more comfortable with it as time goes on. I'll make sure to write about the experience when it happens, start keeping a journal or something. I think I"ll survive. Sure, I won't be fighting cannibals, but I'll be surviving adulthood. Even if it's not a life and death situation, it sometimes feels like it. Even though the thought may be terrifying at first, the idea of beginning this solo adventure also fills me with excitement. I'll keep you posted.