By Jocie Dixon, Staff Writer
The realization hit that the long-awaited Harry Styles concert was only a week away. I honestly kind of fell out of my Harry phase so once I read about the Covid restrictions I thought I might not be able to make it, and the thought didn’t break my heart.
The rules were you either had to be fully vaccinated, have a negative Covid test within 48 hours of the concert, and you have to wear a mask the whole time. I wasn’t vaccinated at the time and neither was the person I was going with so that was a major stressor. After relentlessly trying to get a rapid Covid test we were both able to find openings day of the concert.
This concert will be a lot of firsts for me. First time driving manual through heavy traffic in St. Louis. First time going to an event at the Enterprise Center without a parent. First huge concert after Covid. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, being at such a huge gathering again.
The drive went super smooth with only one road being stop-and-go traffic. Getting in was super easy because we had our negative tests, tickets, and masks.
Being around all the people was a lot of fun because everyone was dressed as if they were the ones performing. It was so easy to talk to people since we were all there with the same interests: Harry Styles and One Direction!
Once the concert started I instantly remembered why I loved Harry Styles so much. The energy of the whole place was just phenomenal. When he stopped to talk for a little bit he said that he wanted us all to feel comfortable and to have fun! From that point forward I left the energy shift into everyone going all out with dancing around and screaming the lyrics to all of his songs. My friend and I danced with the people around us the atmosphere was just immaculate. It was a little weird singing along while wearing a mask but it wasn’t that bad and you have to remember that you are wearing it for other people and their safety.
After the concert, we picked up some merch, took some pictures, and headed to the parking lot. I started blasting some One Direction and all the girls in their cars around me started jamming out with us while we waited for traffic to move. It’s little things like this that made me remember why I love Harry and his fans!
It was a long time coming but I’m glad I had the opportunity to go, and for it to be my first big concert experience as an adult!
ECC Cornerstone 