Coronavirus: A College Student’s Perspective

The coronavirus pandemic has rapidly spread across the nation and affected everyone’s daily life. Businesses have closed, jobs have been lost, and college campuses are emptied of their students who have transitioned to online learning. News headlines of the virus’ impacts are now ubiquitous on our phones and televisions. The uncertainty of this pandemic has caused anxiety and stress, and forced students to adapt like never before. It is an unprecedented time because the social environment of the college campus and classroom has profoundly changed.

As a college student at the University of Southern Maine, the coronavirus has impacted my entire college experience. Before the virus, I was living on campus, attending classes, walking around Portland, working part-time in retail, and seeing friends everyday. As the virus approached pandemic proportions, there was word that students may have to leave campus temporarily, and that after a short break, our classes and activities would resume. Neither I nor my friends expected the severe turn of events that would change our college experience in all the ways it has.

To our dismay, students were advised to move off campus in early March to ensure our health and safety. My friends and I were deeply saddened that we would be spending the second half of our spring semester at home. The sudden change made me realize how much of a student’s academic and social life revolves around connection with others, and how much joy these connections bring us everyday. However, it was clear that this pandemic was becoming more acute, leading to more restrictions and uncertainty.

Since moving back home with my family, many aspects of my life have shifted. I continue to feel the impacts of the virus: I was furloughed from my part-time job, I am unable to visit friends, and finished the spring semester online, taking final exams alone in my room. I felt isolated, anxious, and uncertain about the future. College is such an important time of life, and my friends and I regret that we were not able to enjoy this time on campus.

However, I then realized this is an opportunity to practice acceptance. No one can change this situation, so we must learn to adapt and make the best of it. I learned to change my activities and restructure my days in order to abide by the safety measures.

To maintain a balance, my days are focused on education, nature, and (virtual) connection. I am pursuing my degree by shifting to online classes, and am reading books to educate and enlighten myself. I also have more time to spend with my immediate family, who are working at home. On weekends we hike on local trails, which has been an unexpected silver lining to this experience at home. It has given me an opportunity to reconnect with nature, which leaves me calm and refreshed.

Although not able to see one another face-to-face, social connection through FaceTime and texting is as important as ever to combat the inevitable isolation the pandemic has brought.

Amid the challenges and stress we are facing, I’ve learned we must not let this pandemic get the better of us. It has given us a chance to slow down and reflect, as quarantine is an opportune time for self-reflection. Here are my thoughts: give yourself credit for persevering through these difficult times, and doing your part, whether staying home or serving others. Reflect on the challenges you have experienced as well as silver linings you have found, and how you have been able to adapt and develop resilience.

We are persevering through this time: students are still pursuing their education through online classes, friends are still connecting virtually, and those who are able are continuing their careers by working from home.

Thank you to the front line workers who are saving lives and those doing their part staying home. I believe our community is strong and we will overcome this. I hope everyone is staying safe and well.

Published In the June 2020 Issue of Maine Women Magazine (Page 28)