2020 Graduate Reflects on COVID-19
- Lauren Carey
- Jun 14, 2020
- 2 min read
COVID-19 altered my life in a lot of different ways. Since as long as I could remember, I always dreamed of my spring semester senior year of college. I was excited to make lifelong memories with my friends before I transitioned into my career, I was excited for the banquets and all the special events, I was excited to travel with the American Marketing Association to New Orleans for the International Collegiate Conference, and I was excited to check off all the things on the BGSU bucket list. Most importantly, I was excited for Black Graduation, a celebratory event for all Black BGSU Grads, and Commencement.
A mere 24 hours before my flight, my trip to New Orleans was cancelled and two weeks later my internship was cancelled and my last semester of college was officially online. While I had taken online classes before, I did not enjoy the forced adjustment to online learning. Afterall, I had applied to BGSU, not Zoom University. In the midst, of the transition to online school I lost friends to COVID-19 while simultaneously yearning for social connection.
I began to look at life "Before COVID-19" and pondered what life would be like "After COVID-19". Many days my mind would play tricks on me and the day's seemed never ending. Eventually, I adjusted to my "new normal" which consisted of working remotely, virtual classes via zoom, and daily walks to clear my head (with my mask on of course while socially distancing).
During this time, life seemed so bleak. It felt like right when everything fell into place everything broke back into a million pieces. I lost routine, I lost my jobs, I lost memories, I lost opportunities, and I lost recognition. All these things were truly meaningless when compared to the loss of my friends and my loved ones that contracted COVID-19 and were suffering. Once reality set in, I stopped focusing on what I lost and instead what I gained from this experience.
I gained strength, resilience, and a new appreciation for all I had achieved in my life. After mourning the loss of my loved ones and life Before COVID-19 I became stronger than ever before. Quarantine taught me how short life is and how quick life can be taken away. I learned that there is strength in vulnerability and that being vulnerable can direct me to my purpose. I learned that a symbolic ceremony being cancelled does not diminish my achievements. I know what my accolades are, I know the value I brought to my university, and I know the best is yet to come.
Lauren Carey
BGSU Alumna| BA Communication
I recognize this is an extremely difficult time and I highly recommend journaling to process your thoughts. Consider using these prompts below:
How are you feeling?
What have you gained from Quarantine?
What have you learned about yourself?
How is your mental health?
What do you think life will look life after COVID-19?
What are you going to accomplish after COVID-19?
What are your goals for the next 6 months?
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