"MARCH" – the month that felt like a year. I think I can speak for most of us when I say this month has turned our world upside down. It started off the month documenting the back-half of both Southern Illinois University men's and women's basketball seasons. Sadly, the men's team was knocked out by the Bradley Braves in the 2020 Missouri Valley Conference "Arch Madness" tournament but if any consolation, the Braves went on to win the tournament and punch their ticket into the Big Dance for the second year straight.

While in St. Louis, I had the very distinct privilege of being able to work with Tanner Curtis, politics photo editor at The New York Times, while documenting a Joe Biden campaign rally. While the former vice-president and Democratic presidential candidate was slated to speak for closer to 45 minutes, he spoke for about seven.

Overall, it was awesome being able to photograph side-by-side with folks from the likes of the Associated Press, Reuters, Getty Images and the like in my old stomping grounds and being in a situation where I had to think on my feet. It was an unreal experience to see one of my images in the print issue of the New York Times, a true childhood dream. A huge shout out to Carolina Hidalgo, St. Louis Public Radio photojournalist, for recommending me!

Soon after the Biden rally, life started getting interesting.

There was a new virus that had been widely impacted the Chinese city of Wuhan. This virus was something no one had seen before and scientists were hastily trying to learn more about "COVID-19" as hundreds landed in the hospitals. In the coming days and weeks, the virus had spread to nearly every corner in the world as global leaders attempt to figure out how to gain control of it and save the lives of their people.

I was at an indoor golf range with some friends the night before we were supposed to head out to the MVC Women's Basketball tournament when we looked up to a nearby television screen – "NBA SEASON CANCELED" was plastered across. Then every major league sport followed – MLB, NFL, XFL, NHL and MLS. The Missouri Valley Conference and then NCAA announced they were canceling all of their championships and essentially, the rest of their athletics seasons.

The Illinois High School Association had elected to move forward with their seasons, where I documented the Goreville Blackcats take the 1A Super-Sectional title over the Central A&M Raiders, as well as, the Mater Dei Knights defeating the Murphysboro Red Devils for the 2A Super-Sectional title which I photographed for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The IHSA then suspended the rest of their seasons amid rising COVID-19 concerns.

With all sports suspended, I shifted gears to helping the Southern Illinoisan crew with COVID-19 coverage. It's been an incredibly daunting task to keep up with everything because it seems like something new comes in every minute. Journalists across the country have been working their tails off to keep their readers informed. With Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's executive orders limiting group sizes, closing schools, in-person dining and more in attempts to limit the spread of the virus, I've had the opportunity to explore the impact of the pandemic in our back yard. I hope things get back to "normal" as soon as possible but will continue telling stories until then.

Support your local newspaper, no matter where you are. Per usual, if you have any story ideas or know of something photo-worthy going on please feel free and reach out at info@brianmmunoz.com. Always remember – the greater the storm, the brighter the rainbow.

Here are stories I've written on this month for The Southern Illinoisan:
Class of COVID-19: Southern Illinois high school seniors face uncertainty amid pandemic
One day at a time': Carbondale bars uncertain of future with COVID-19 restrictions
As schools close during coronavirus outbreak, Carbondale schools fill food gap
Southern Illinois faith communities adapt weekly worship to coronavirus pandemic
Homes in Sunfield, in Perry County, damaged by Thursday afternoon storm
National Weather Service says 2 EF-1 tornadoes hit Southern Illinois Thursda y
SIU Carbondale's Delta Chi fraternity suspended after violating COVID-19 directive