If it’s not on my face, I am carrying it around my wrist or in my purse. The mask mandate has been eased in LA County, but I still have a face mask with me at all times— out of precaution, and habit. Those extra face masks in the glove compartment of the car are still there, too.

I feel like every March of each year, at least in the next few years, will take me back to memories of March 2020 when the entire world seemed to shut down. Just like when I remember where exactly I was during the September 11 attacks (I was in US history class and my teacher had come into the room with tears to tell us the news)— I feel like March 2020 is a notable timestamp for many.

I was still going into work with minimal staff, and juggling different roles in the newsroom (reporting, producing, line producing, booking, coordinating, AP duties), while others from the newsroom worked remotely. We were all getting used to our fluid roles and situations during a pandemic. I gratefully accepted the bi-weekly handouts of hand sanitizers, face masks, and alcohol wipes— rationed out for each employee. The company faithfully replenished our supplies, hoping to better equip us to work in a virus-ridden world.