Blog 11: A Gained Year

Of course, this past year has presented its fair share of challenges, but there is never a year that can be considered "easy", especially while being a college student. Although this past year has been a whole new experience, and a lot of people's lives have changed drastically (either temporarily or permanently), it wasn't all that bad. Every situation has its ups and downs, and out of every negative experience there is at least a lesson to be learned or a chance to grow. 

First of all, as a student, school was a completely different experience. Although online courses are typically viewed as easier I found them to be tougher, more mentally rather than in terms of content. With online courses, self accountability is needed more than ever. Making sure to stay up to date on assignments, videos, and notes all while maintaining academic honesty and integrity is very difficult to say the least. Motivation seems to be harder to find than ever before, but this is where there hides a silver lining in the situation. I have been able to fight through it the entire time, I have worked harder than ever before, taken more notes than ever before, spent countless hours at a desk each and every day. I managed to hold my self accountable every step of the way, and I have come out on top. Now, just a few weeks away from finishing my junior year, I can say I am proud of where I am at and what I have accomplished. 

Another aspect in which I was effected was through my work. This past summer during the pandemic I began working as a CNA at a nursing home dementia unit. Seeing these residents miss physical contact with their families was hard, and then we had an outbreak and lost a resident to the virus making things even harder. But from this seemingly negative experience, I grew as a person. I learned to be thankful for the family and support I have. I learned to be grateful for my current state of health. I had the pleasure of helping others both physically and mentally through these tough times. I have made lots of memories and have countless stories to tell. It has been a learning experience that I will never forget. 

Yeah, the pandemic sucks, but the year was far from a waste.