The Life of a Student During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light underlying problems and challenges that our country has managed to keep under the radar. The decline of our economy, the empowering Black Lives Matter movement, the downfall of the police union; it’s honestly hard to keep up. 

Photo: The Triton

The majority of students are putting the weight of these problems on their shoulders, while simultaneously adapting to a new form of learning and an overall new way of life - the “New Normal” as everyone is calling it. Dealing with people who won’t wear a mask, students who won’t properly social distance, and a president who just does not care. We are all struggling, and I have been searching for my motivation that disappeared in March.

Photo: University Business Magazine

For me, who relied on the gym as a stress-reducer, I struggle to find a way to relieve my anxiety. For students who relied on the parties on saturday nights as a way to let go, they are struggling. For students in extracurricular activities or sports teams, they are struggling. And for students who can’t see their families due to travel bans or safety precautions, they are definitely struggling. 

Students are adjusting all over the country, and that includes me. We all are dealing with unprecedented changes to our everyday lives, but I truly don’t understand where my motivation went. I could read article after article labeled “steps to get your motivation back!” or, “how to stay motivated during the lockdown!” but really all I need is a day where the fear of COVID-19 and our country isn't weighing down my mind. 

Photo: PopSugar

So how can us students help each other? We are all experiencing the same feelings of confusion, loneliness, and fluctuating levels of anxiety. I saw a trend on TikTok the other day of people showing the things that has happened to them during quarantine so others can empathize, and I think this is the greatest way that we can stand by one another. So, if you are reading this blog post, I want you to comment - only if you feel comfortable - various ways that you have been struggling during this pandemic and how you have been combating those struggles.