A Year in Review: Learning to Cope and Grow with Constant Uphill Battles

posted in: Opinion | 0

The past year has been a whirlwind of emotions and disasters. My school year started with evacuating from the Oregon wildfires and is ending with me getting my second dose of the Moderna vaccine. I’ve struggled plenty of times this year, from losing internet connection to forgetting about meetings. I have, however, made a lot of progress in managing my personal and school/work lives. 

I’ve finally learned how to make a schedule for myself that prevents me from procrastinating and finishing projects the day before they’re due. I’ve made connections with lots of other students, staff, and professors. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and have learned how to present or share my work with confidence. This year has been a year of growth. 

It’s also been a year of reverting to antisocial behavior. As much as I’m excited to be back on campus, having a screen between me and whoever I’m talking to has been quite a privilege. I don’t think I’ve worn anything but pajamas in my morning class this semester, but no one would ever know because I wear a sweatshirt and put my hair up. It’s also made communicating with others easier and less mentally draining since we’re now able to meet up online with last-minute notice. I’m dreading the moment where I have to make sure I’m fully presentable and am expected to communicate with others at a high-functioning level.  It’s important to celebrate the small victories in such traumatizing times. Sure, my room is a total mess right now, but I’ve also created a sustainable work routine. Try not to beat yourself up too much because, at the end of the day, we survived the 2020-21 school year. We tried, and I think that’s the most anyone should ask for right now. — Grace Alexandria

Photo: Just a picture from some flower place in Oregon (Grace Alexandria)

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