Courtesy of Dean College’s Instagram
It is no surprise that the recent pandemic has impacted everyone. From kids, teens to adults, and even pets as individuals react to the unknown and trying times differently. Speaking of the unknown, COVID-19 has brought a continuous cycle of challenges and uncertainly. Most had to evaluate their goals and daily choices to live a manageable life as the world went on pause.
Lives were lost as well as jobs. Students had to adapt to a new environment for learning when the school turned virtual. What was used to be a stress-free area to use for winding down, their rooms turned into a classroom. Alongside school, nostalgic experiences were subtracted too. No games, dances, and graduations shifted to sitting in a sweaty car, limited friends and family on a stage, or nothing at all. Something students look forward to as a child, got taken away.
Now this generation of students watches other classes have these school traditions for memories of a lifetime. In the past few years, COVID-19 presented an isolating school adventure as undergraduates grapple with having to create new ways for the college experience.
A couple of students stated their thoughts during this trying time. Joelle Reisner class of 2024 and an international transfer student shared her ideas. When asked “Did you ever believe your college experience would be this way?” She gave a thoughtful response as she believed her senior year of high school was also robbed of the pandemic. “I expected it, but I am pleased with how much freedom we have even in the midst of a pandemic.” Obtaining an open outlook will make handling the situation of a pandemic more doable. Dean College strives for students’ safety but also to thrive in college. Reisner commented on how COVID-19 has affected her college experience, “having the ability to spend time with people and undertake activities.”
To have an open mind it is important to know how you handle and ways to handle stress in healthy ways. There are places around campus to seek support such as Health and Counseling Services. Anxiety, stress has commonly crept up in students’ lives. It is vital to know that you are not alone.
Reisner states that she listens to music as a stress reliever. She also provides tips for students who may be feeling overwhelmed, “just do your best and wear your mask, wash your hands and focus on yourself.” There is a high chance that most students who go to Dean did not see this is how they would undergo college. “It’s difficult to read people since everyone is wearing a mask over their faces, and the only way to grasp emotion is to look at them.” Joelle
As there is a lack of facial expression, you can ask people how their day is going or do tasks like holding the door for them to make someone’s day better. On the bright side, it might strike up a conversation and eventually become friends.
Amanda Taylor also in the class of 2024 expressed her feelings as well. “Despite having strict protocols, try not to use those to have a bad time at Dean. Follow the rules but seek out every opportunity.” When it comes to stress, Amanda has never been the best at handling stressful situations. However, recent years have taught her some techniques, “If I am feeling stressed, I always go for a short walk. It clears my head and helps me refocus. I also really like to take some time to listen to music or a podcast. It really helps shift my mood and be more positive.” Music can help us feel connected and less divided and to know that we are not alone.
Joelle is not the only one who believes COVID-19 has made connecting with peers difficult as Amanda states, “We started our first semester completely virtual and at home which was not what a lot of us had envisioned.” Although the pandemic has brought up difficulties, it also has made the student body more resilient, resourceful and strengthened the ability to handle anything that may be in the way.