It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a year that no one will forget, especially not me. I started the year with a lot of optimism and hope. I wrote my affirmations each day, ‘this year will be my year,’ ‘I will get the points I need in my Leaving Cert,’ ‘I will get my first-choice college course.’
While I am lucky that I achieved my goals, this year was certainly not my year. COVID-19 upended the globe, and soon I realised my plans could be deterred too. The new online learning experience was unique for everyone, but I don’t think anyone expected we’d be starting the first semester of the 2020 college year online.
The new online learning approach that we were taking filled me with dread. I was terrified of not making any new friends and felt like I wouldn’t be able to grasp my course material as well as I could if we were to attend lectures as usual. I am so glad that I can say now, I am actually enjoying the experience. I have accepted that things this year will be different, even if all I’m dying for is a drink with my friends in Nubar.
I know that not everyone feels the same way that I do, so I spoke to some of my newfound college friends Jennifer Brennan and Aisling Hurley to see how they are getting on.
“I’m struggling a bit, I won’t lie,” Brennan answered, “it’s getting harder to focus with all of the distractions around me, but I’m trying my best to keep on track and get things done.”
Aisling had a slightly different answer to Jennifer. When asked about her online learning experience, Aisling said she is “up for the challenge, even though it is challenging.” Aisling also offered some advice to anyone who may be struggling with this new experience.
“Everyone is in the same boat. I found that starting the Baking Society with you and Jen was really helpful in giving me an outlet outside of classes. It helped us to become friends too!”
It is very daunting being alone in your own space when you’re in classes, but joining a club or society is a great way to dissipate those feelings. There are so many clubs and societies here at DCU, over 150 to be exact, so there is something for everyone!
One thing I have learned during this experience is that it’s very easy to overwork yourself, or even feel overwhelmed with all of the assignments and projects coming your way. It is so important to remember that you need to take care of yourself and your mental health. It is also important to remember that you are not alone and that there are so many services available for anyone struggling.
DCU offers a private and free counselling service to all students. Appointments can be booked at counselling@dcu.ie. Samaritans also have a national 24/7 helpline for anyone who needs to have a chat.
While my 2020 has not been the best, I missed out on so many events and opportunities, it will be a year that I will never forget. It may not have been what I wanted it to be or what I imagined, but I am grateful for this experience. Hopefully, by semester two, I’ll get my drink with my friends in Nubar. A girl can dream!