Throughout this time of uncertainty, many De Soto High School students have taken the COVID-19 “stay at home” as an opportunity to create new hobbies they typically wouldn’t participate in. 

With all sports and activities also being called off during the virus, many students find themselves still staying active in a variety of ways.

“I have been running a lot more,” sophomore Zack Schwarzenberger said. “I think that it is very important [to stay active] because this is a hard time for everyone so staying active is a great way to keep the mind clear and off of all the bad that’s going on.” 

The pleasant weather has also given many students an incentive to spend time outdoors.

“My mom and I walk at least five miles every day to get out of the house and get fresh air,” senior Taylor Ellis said. “It’s nice because it’s not something either of us would do if it wasn’t for the stay at home.” 

Similarly, junior Brooke Stonestreet has taken advantage of the outdoors by taking multiple bike rides at local parks. 

“It has helped me take my mind off everything [COVID-19] that is going on, and has allowed me to spend time doing something I haven’t made time for since I was much younger,” Stonestreet said.

For freshman Erin Barr, the stay at home order has given her time to bring back old pastimes like the once-popular video game, Minecraft. 

“It’s really fun and time-consuming, I never had the chance to play because of sports or homework.” 

With many families all at home together, this quarantine has become an opportunity for many to spend quality time with their loved ones. 

“Our lives were so busy before [COVID-19 quarantine], but now everything has slowed down so it’s nice to be able to spend time with them [family] before I go off to school,” senior Kyra Halvorsen said. 

Other activities such as arts and crafts and baking have been popular among DHS students. 

“Baking has given me something to do because it can be time-consuming. I enjoy it because it has given my family something to snack on during all the stress,” junior Erin Parker said. 

Students have found that many of these new hobbies are relaxing and entertaining which has distracted them from technology.

“It [arts and crafts] has given me something to do other than be on my phone which is really nice,” junior Jordan Zade said. 

Along with all the negative effects COVID-19, DHS students are making the best of their time at home by filling their time with safe, and fun activities.