I’ve been putting off writing this for some time now. Mainly, because every week, every day, and every hour, some circumstance changes regarding the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. I, as a sophomore in college, of course, find this terribly frustrating; but, in my gut, I also know this frustration is privileged. I know well enough that as students in the year 2020, we are incredibly lucky to be able to continue learning online as a result of the modern advancements in technology.
On the flip side of that coin, there is a small part of me that also lives with my peers and knows that living life behind a screen certainly isn’t fulfilling. However, rather than whine and moan about the moments which will not come to fruition, I am going to choose instead to use those initial feelings of frustration as a motivator to appreciating what it is about college that translates into the cliché “best four years of my life”— and urge my classmates to turn this pandemic into a moment of appreciation as well.
As I sat on the couch with my father last night, we spoke about his favorite memories from his time at West Virginia University. While watching his face light up at the mention of studying with friends late in the library or eating cold pizza for breakfast, I was able to identify my own value in what I thought was freedom. However, after a second thought, I realized it was simply the connection and the endless possibilities to connect with students, teachers, strangers, and friends. These relations cultivated in the library, or even on the street, are what sets the college campus’ apart.
Although I, and many others, may not get those opportunities for connection this year, I can appreciate them more now knowing that they may be gone. How many times in your life have you stopped to think about how wonderful something was only after it was gone?
If anything, this pandemic has brought us all an opportunity for reflection and evaluation of the things we hold dear.
Although students across the country will experience this school year from behind a computer screen, we must all remember that
we are still a part of something bigger than ourselves. If I could only say one thing to my peers, it would be to remember this: every face mask you wear, every cancellation of your favorite school event, and every time you find yourself missing the sight of raised hands next to you — those sacrifices are part of something bigger, and that selfless connection between you and others will be worth it in the long run.
Stay motivated, and stay safe,
Madison Smith