Despite quarantines being effective in stopping the spread of sickness and keeping students overall healthier, it has many more advantages and disadvantages. 

Some of these benefits of quarantine include having more time for self-care, finding new interests, and getting to work on your own schedule as you feel healthy enough. Although, being quarantined can quickly lead to extreme boredom. Boredom generally has a negative connotation, but in the moment, people tend to discover new interests and passions because of not having much else to do. Another advantage of quarantining at home is being able to spend extra time with family. This is especially coveted since we, as boarding students, don’t get to see our families as much as we may like.

This being said, having to quarantine alone can have a serious effect on people’s mental health. Extended periods of isolation can lead to depression and anxiety. Having to be separated without friends and constant human interaction tends to make people’s anxiety skyrocket. Another con of being quarantined is the lack of exercise opportunities available. When someone is stuck in their house, it’s harder to get outside or work out. Another influence on one’s mental health is missing out on special events. Even though people in isolation miss out on day-to-day activities, more importantly, they can miss events such as weddings, baby showers, office parties, birthday parties, and so on.

It seems everyone has a slightly different perspective depending on one’s own personal experience with quarantining. Elizabeth Olson ‘23, who was recently released from being quarantined in the health center for 5 days with the flu, can attest to the negative aspects and boredom that she experienced. 

Quarantining is a necessity when it comes to stopping the spread of illnesses and keeping people healthy, despite some of the harmful psychological effects.