INTROSPECTION
The current Covid-19 pandemic has ravaged the world, with over 190 countries with confirmed cases, affecting millions of people. In order to stay safe from the pandemic, we have had to make changes to our lifestyle. We have to study from home and maintain social distancing. We have to wash our hands frequently. Every age group has been affected, with most people choosing to self-isolate themselves in order to prevent contracting the virus. The time spent at home is almost like a vacation of sorts, and so has been dubbed “Coronacation” by the youth.
Students now have to take their classes online. Some who were studying abroad have chosen to return home to be with their families, and as more and more countries decide to enforce lockdown there is an increasing number of students who find themselves away from their families and friends. In addition to worrying about our loved ones, we worry about ourselves as well. What if the pandemic persists for longer than anticipated? How will we now take our exams? And, if we do take exams at a later date, when and how will we apply for university? This unprecedented lockdown has led to uncertainty about our studies.
However, we must believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We must take this time to remind ourselves of the little joys in life. In Italy, a country that has been on lockdown from the 9th of March, residents have taken to blasting music or singing from their homes in order to boost morale. In the United States of America, citizens have starting putting up their Christmas lights to brighten their days. We can also perform small tasks like these to remind us of all the joys life brings us, be it learning a new skill you simply never had time for before, spending hours with family playing monopoly or Ludo, or simply sitting outside in your garden or balcony with a hot cup of chai and the cool spring breeze.
There are also multiple ways to keep building your resume, even while at home. Those of you who have academic enriching activities planned for the summers, do not be disheartened; these activities are not being completely cancelled, simply the way you must go about them has changed. Instead of attending a summer course in person why not choose from a wide variety of free online courses from multiple prestigious universities? In addition, online apps and websites can be used to learn another language, a skill that may be useful in the future. Furthermore, do not forget those who are less privileged. Why not partner with an NGO to provide food for families of daily wage earners, or even just offer basic groceries to those who work at your home? During this time of crisis, a quote from the late Fred Rogers seems appropriate, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Be a helper to someone, whether it be by providing material necessities or simply hope in these trying times and remember, this too shall pass.