A Time to Learn: 3 Lessons From A Pandemic College Student
By: Emily Baller
Tags: Lessons Learned, Covid Diaries, Self-awareness, Personal Growth, College

In a time that is supposed to feel dynamic, I feel suspended in time — floating from month to month without a destination. And yet, each day I continue to learn more about others and gain a deeper appreciation for humanity and the complexities we hold.

Everyone experiences life differently. In the midst of a pandemic, this principle should be no different. Each person carries their own struggles and can share their own stories. Take it or leave it, here is my experience as a young person navigating this complicated time.

As selfish as it seems, I needed to write down what I have learned. I too easily take for granted the inexplicable nature of life and neglect what is being taught before my very eyes. Maybe you can look through my life lenses and glimpse the same lessons I’ve learned play out before your own eyes.

1. We are resilient.

Of course, this is true — I’ve been told this my whole life.

I have been overcome the difficulties in my own life whether it be dealing with heightened anxiety or grieving the disappointments of the past year. We all have gone through something.

In the past months, I have hugged friends who have lost loved ones, people mourning lost weddings, internships, and experiences. Loss manifests in a plethora of forms from the highest of pain to mundane misses. Despite this, there is an underlying attitude of hope in those who experience loss.

Even in the face of trying times, people all around me have hope for the next day. It’s unexplainable. People refuse to define the next day by the sorrows of the present. It’s admirable — encouraging — a beckon to keep my head high and step forward.

2. We are adaptable.

Yeah, it’s a cliche word. I know.

Regardless, it rings true.

I have had to change most aspects of my life. I have shifted my study habits to better absorb virtual teaching. My friends have learned how to reach out to people they love in virtual formats. People have shifted their job duties and expectations.

It’s been an important reminder that adaptation is a necessity in life. My own habits and expectations continue to transform with age and occasion. Gaining confidence in this now will only benefit us all going forward.

3. We are complex.

I have seen so many realities clash before my eyes. Relentless optimism has collided with sinking pessimism. Some weep in mourning of the things lost and others put their heads down and trek forward.

When observing this, I have come to understand that it isn’t on me to discern what responses are wrong or right. Rather, I have been reminded to remember the intricacies that exist inside each individual's hearts and minds. People are inexplicitly valuable and part of that value is derived from each person’s uniqueness.

Complexities are not attributes to gawk at. We are much better served when we marvel and seek to appreciate each person’s perspective.

In the past year, I have learned so much about myself. Who I am, who I want to be. By seeing glimpses of others from afar, I have seen into my own soul and observed glimmers of transformation.

Yes, time feels slowed and stalled, but I am moving forward. Maybe you are too.

Take a look around. Maybe this can be a time not to do, but to observe — to pause, reflect, and learn more about ourselves and our world.