Jessica Belmosto

Twitter: JessBelmosto
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It’s safe to say that the first half of 2020 has kicked everyone’s asses. It felt like it was one thing after another and we were all drowning. To be completely honest, I’d love to wake up tomorrow and find out this is all a dream. There’s no COVID-19. My dad is still here and Lilly did not suffer from kidney failure.

Welcome To New York

A week into 2020 I moved to New York. It was an easy decision. I wanted to be somewhere where an apartment wouldn’t cost me a mortgage. It was important to me that Bradley be around his family.

Before I met Bradley I knew I wanted to move after I graduated. I had my heart set on Chicago but after realizing I’d need an army of roommates, it wasn’t going to happen.

Living in New York has been awesome. I love the independence. It’s forced me to figure things out on my own and not run to my mom when things go slightly haywire. I have an awesome support system here and back home in Massachusetts. Don’t get that twisted.

New Found Independence

Moving into our own place at the start of April was awesome. Our rent was prorated for the month and I think our utilities bill was maybe $5. Having my own space where I can do whatever I want, when I want is so cool. There are times when I miss living with family. That’s typically when I have laundry or chores to do though. Kidding. I miss home cooked meals or trips to Maine because we have a day off.

Making new traditions has been one of my favorite things. Now Bradley and I make our own adventures. Whether it be skipping rocks out at Cumberland Head or going to St. Albans for a few hours. I like cooking for us. It’s kind of fun experimenting with classic dishes and throwing your own twist on them!

Quality time is so important in any relationship and making time during a busy work week can be hard. Our nights typically include a homemade meal and a few episodes of Hawaii-50. Even though it’s only 2 or 3 hours of us hanging out it feeds my soul.

Homesick and Grieving

Thanks to COVID-19, I wasn’t able to see my mom and brother for four months. It was an incredibly challenging time. I was grieving my dog and my dad away from the people who mean the most to me. In a way, it’s probably a good thing. If I was home, I’m sure I would’ve been curled up in my dad’s bed crying. I really believe the depression would’ve consumed me.

I’d call my family regularly and make sure they were alright. While we all had bad days, we could lean on each other no matter where we were.

My mom was working on the frontlines at the height of the pandemic. There were days where I just wanted to bring her fresh clothes or something other than takeout. I don’t know how she did it without breaking. She’s my hero.

So, What’s Next?

Right now I’m taking on a bunch of journalism projects. Working in retail part time is cool but it’s certainly not the long term plan. I’d like to get involved with local politics. I think that’s what I’ll be going back to school for once it’s safe to be on a college campus again.

Recent events have inspired me to demand justice and seek answers for those who cannot get them themselves. I want to make a change in this world and I believe that someday I will. For now, I’ll be out here doing what I can to make a difference.