For Shayla Rudd, the prom is a nerve-racking challenge. Because of her autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, even her family doesn’t know how she will respond to the abundant stimuli at the event. A day before the prom, Shayla is even bothered by the sound of her mom’s swallowing. How can she handle the frenzy of a teen prom? To lessen anxiety, Shayla’s mom walks her through the details of the schedule three days in a row before the prom, from food to the setup of the dance. Hair and makeup are done over many hours with breaks at home so that Shayla can slowly build up to the peak moment at the prom. Her whole family and friends all devote their time to her preparation. They want to make sure that the prom is a memory of success that will help her grow into an independent adult. “I think the best way to learn is to let her try and do it. And, then, she succeeds. Then she understands that she can do things without having support from her family” Shayla’s dad, Kelvin, said.

Many people I meet during the pandemic say that they are frustrated, anxious and worried. That often seems true. But as I talk further and observe their behavior, I realize that people still adapt. Because their resources are limited and their behavior could pose a health risk, people think twice before taking action. ‘Is it really important for me?’ They narrow down their values, and adapt to the current pandemic to cherish their essential values.

In the religious city of Victoria, Texas, attending a religious service is as important as having a meal. "To me, when you don't come to church, you don't get fed,” said Sherie Hill, one of the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church members in Victoria. “It is like my soul is getting fed." The coronavirus pandemic can’t stop them from having the “meal.” Religious leaders learn the new technology, while members get on their truck, turn on the radio and honk to shout out “God Bless You.”