Student Blog: A Year and Counting

It has been over 365 days since COVID-19 turned our lives and the whole world upside down. 365 days of protecting ourselves and others. 365 days of adjusting to this new version of life that is missing a lot of components we are used to. 365 days of devastating losses and struggles across the country. Even now, countless changes remain in place, millions of people are still suffering the varying affects this pandemic has created and life is slowly returning back to what we know as "normal". But at the same time, the arrival of springtime brings a feeling of deja vu and the realization that we are still more or less in the same spot we were this time last year.

And while there have been hopeful moments, new hobbies discovered and the appearance of time for gratefulness, the overwhelming amount of uncertainty continues to be the gray cloud in the sky. Vaccines are being administered at a steady rate and numbers seem to be dropping which are all good signs we are reaching the light at the end of the tunnel. But, in the year that has passed, not much has changed otherwise. Safety precautions have been lifted in several states and many believe that we have reached the end of this pandemic.

But unfortunately, COVID-19 is still alive and well.

While Broadway remains shut down, many continue to work from home and students are missing out on the various aspects that make their education fun, it's clear that life has drastically shifted in the last year to what we know now. For many of us, we have figured out how to stay in touch with friends both near and far while still enjoying their company. The adjustments that life requires now to even just go out in public or keep each other safe have become part of everyone's daily routine. And more than ever, we see the mental health, economic and other effects COVID-19 has presented.

Despite all of this, things are not hopeless and it's important to remember we are all doing our best everyday. That may not look like what it did a year ago, but it still counts. Something as simple as completing an easy task is an accomplishment and something to be proud of. The little moments in life are to be cherished just as much as the big ones and making sure we each do what's possible to help us all get out of this pandemic is always going to be the best option.

Although it may feel like we are in the same position we were a year ago when the pandemic started, it's crucial to find all the reasons why we aren't. Life is continuing on in ways we never could have imagined and it's amazing! Give yourself the credit for tackling challenges everyday during such an unprecedented time. There is a lot of good in the world, despite how it might feel, so please look for that.

A year and counting of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a journey of all kinds, but we are in this together and will emerge better than ever.

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