COVID-19 has changed the course of our everyday lives. As a college student living in these uncertain times, although I am grateful for my health and safety, it’s upsetting to think about everything I’m missing out on. Coming from a small town in CT, I was excited to move to New York City, attend college, and finally have independence. I was fortunate enough to have experienced a normal college semester during my freshman year pre-COVID-19. This time last year, I was living a “Carrie Bradshaw dream.” It was a time of self-discovery, making amazing friends, parties, exploring the city, shopping, working internships, and balancing school and work. I finally felt like I was able to be myself and experience the real world. However, COVID-19 has put an end to that.
I am now back home taking all online classes. I would have never expected that I would be attending my classes from my bed. It’s already October and I feel like school hasn’t even started. It’s upsetting to see old Snapchat memories and Instagram videos of my time on campus. I would have never thought I would miss the campus this much. It’s even more difficult because times are so uncertain right now, we don’t know if things will ever go back to normal. What we once viewed as normal, Large gatherings, family reunions, getting together with friends, traveling, and college parties are no longer possible in keeping ourselves risk-free. We are now faced with a new responsibility and pressure of keeping ourselves risk-free and healthy. While it feels like our college experience is being taken away from us, we have to think about our family and community during this time.
As the holidays approach, we will have to make difficult decisions in deciding to travel and visit family and friends. Although COVID-19 has completely changed my college experience, I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities I have had so far and I hope to return to campus soon.