Aliha Ali, 13

I couldn’t wait for my 13th birthday. I had it all planned — an elaborate party that all my local friends in Karachi, Pakistan could enjoy. I was so excited to finally become a teenager.

Then came coronavirus.

My plan for confetti and dancing quickly became a quaran-teened birthday. But it wasn’t so bad. My parents managed to surprise me with a giant customized cake when all the shops were closed. I wasn’t even expecting a cake. Written in frosting was “Stay Home. Happy 13th Aliha!” Fitting.

I never imagined that for months I’d be living in a world where I would have to be at home, take extra safety precautions and stay away from school. My school announced its shutdown on Feb. 26. Two days became two weeks became two months. As of July, I’m now on month five.

The days aren’t normal anymore. I wake up around at two in the afternoon and go to bed long after midnight. Since the lockdown started, I’m spending less time learning and more time watching YouTube videos and Netflix, reading the “Harry Potter” series for the second time and practicing my singing vocals.

I also host a children’s news program called “C-News” on the Jinn TV network, and film videos with my brother for our own YouTube Channel: “The Aliha & Aahil Show.” It helps to keep myself busy and creative. Like other developing countries, Pakistan’s school system wasn’t prepared for the digital transition. Many students who go to government schools do not have the technology necessary for video calls or online assignments. The inequality feels unfair. I attend a private school, so I’m privileged to have internet access. It’s cool to think that — though we are at home — my classmates and I log on at the same time each day.

I virtually attend lessons from my study room. It’s a big room in my house with shelves, a long desk, a couple of computers, a sofa bed and a whiteboard to jot down ideas. I usually alternate between sitting on the wooden floor and doing work at the desk. I can’t concentrate properly if I don’t have candy, snacks and a full glass of Pepsi sitting on my desk. (But that’s a secret.)

I share the study room with my brother and both my parents. I suppose the experience feels similar to being homeschooled. I’m missing interaction with teachers and friends, but we often interact electronically. If I ever get confused or don’t understand a specific topic I ask questions through email or WhatsApp.

Learning has been a wildly different experience for me this semester, but I’ll never forget it. I hope I can return to in-person school soon — I study better with company. It might seem like a big ask right now, but I would love to go back to my normal routine.