As many of us feel like our world has been flipped upside down, I think it can be really easy to forget that nothing lasts forever. Although life won’t be the same for a while, life will go on, and we soon will be able to appreciate the small things that make us happy.
When quarantine is lifted, I’m especially excited to be able to spend quality time outside. Some days going outside can feel like a chore, especially if some sort of family walk is involved. Other days I find myself trying to force myself to go outside to do homework and listen to music. Whenever I give up trying to tell myself that 50° is warm, I am reminded that warmer weather is coming. With warmer weather will come beach days, swimming, bonfires, being tan, going on voluntary walks and so much more. If I really sit down and think about it, warm weather is going to bring so much joy and will improve my quality of life whether we are still in quarantine or not.
I’m also really looking forward to seeing people. I’m not just talking about friends and family, I’m talking about other human beings in general. I miss simple interactions, a head nod here and there as I’m on my way to class, chatting with my favorite barista, even the stranger in the dining hall who asks if they can use my extra chair. Don’t get me wrong I am so incredibly excited to be able to hug all my friends and family and talk to them face to face. I am excited for the long drives with the windows down, the movie nights, even just sitting in their presence. Yet, I have realized that I completely took for granted small gestures and interactions. I am excited to live in a world again where I feel like I’m a part of a greater community.
Something I never even realized that I would miss is coffee. I am lucky that I have a Keurig at home, but I never thought about how much I enjoy going to get coffee. Not only the coffee itself, but even grabbing coffee with friends or sitting down to do work with my drink. Getting coffee is an experience. Having a fresh cup of coffee versus a Keurig brewed cup is incomparable. The accessibility of coffee at Lafayette has not only fed my addiction but has also made me lose sight of the ways in which coffee is a luxury. Not to mention the privilege it is to enjoy an iced coffee or cold brew. I’m excited for the day when I can walk into a coffee shop and order an iced coffee.
Last, but definitely not least, I am really looking forward to getting back to Lafayette. This summer it will be really difficult to see many of my friends as not all of them live within driving distance. Going back to school in August will be a great time for all of us to catch up. Although class isn’t my favorite part about Lafayette, I’m excited to be able to walk into my class and sit down and learn while I am in the presence of the professor. I look forward to having a quiet place to do work, endless food options, sitting on the quad, Mojo, and most of all, being able to have Her Campus meetings!
I can’t wait to see what the summer and fall will bring and I am hopeful that shortly we all will be able to find more things to be happy about!