These past few months have been an emotional rollercoaster for me. Pre COVID-19, I struggled with mental health issues and finding peace, joy, and sanity was already difficult. Though this pandemic, I have gone through a plethora of emotions being surrounded by family and dealing with the fears and anxiety such a pandemic brings. I am quarantined here in Columbia, MO, with my family ranging from a six-year-old to my grandparents in their late 70s and everything in between. As a family, we have had to be extremely cautious as my grandpa is immunocompromised, which has made life all the more nerve-wracking. I have taken on many hats during this time of student, caretaker, teacher, chef, the buyer of all things necessary to cope with this pandemic, therapist to friends and family, and lastly, taking care of me. This has been the hardest role of all- both in taking care of myself physically and mentally. Being surrounded by family 24/7 has been a double edge sword. But I believe there is a larger lesson and meaning to be taken from all of this. I am trying to find the balance of both validating and feeling my emotions while also trying to cope with my emotions in a healthy manner. One thing that I realized I have been doing that has brought me joy through this time has been cooking and baking. I have used this as both a stress reliever and taken this as an opportunity to bring joy to others- family, friends, and neighbors by sharing my creations. I have tried many new recipes and making things I have never made before.