Being stuck in a nationwide quarantine for almost 10 weeks has proved to be a struggle for me. I am finding that the longer quarantine continues, the less motivation I have to do simple things like write an essay, work on math problems or even just go outside and walk my dog, which I’m sure many other high school students can relate too. 

I don’t have many responsibilities throughout the day due to the stay-at-home orders, but I know there are hundreds of people in Austin alone who still have to go to work. I am incredibly thankful for the essential workers who still have to get out of the house and go to work despite a current global pandemic. Ordering food from my favorite restaurants has drastically improved my mood during quarantine and has made this situation seem a little more normal. 

I wanted to find a way to thank the essential workers who have kept going to work despite the complications from COVID-19, so I went out and photographed some of the employees at places I visited often before quarantine began. I visited Whataburger, Sonic, Starbucks, JuiceLand, Chick-fil-A, Target, Bush’s Chicken, P. Terry’s and Healthy Pet Austin and took photos where I could. 

In addition to the essential restaurant workers I focused my photos around, thank you to all the other types of essential workers. I was not able to photograph or thank individuals working in health care, garbage collection, hardware stores, pharmacies, veterinary clinics, convenience stores or other businesses, but their employees all deserve immense appreciation. 

You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for everything you are doing despite the challenges you face at work and the complications of a pandemic.