‘You can use your time to finish three degrees, an internship, and a Ph.D.’ Students taking online classes don’t need this bs.
They need emotional support. They should be in the college/school canteen eating diarrhea-inducing chili garlic noodles.
I am guilty of this. Every 16 to 21-year old I know has heard me say that they should find different ways to spend their time because much like many other adults (me? adult? yuck.)I thought this was great advice — the hard work culture, the race for brilliance, and the ‘no time to waste’ act.
We are all made up of different stories. Stories that make us who we are and college life is highly romanticized in the books, in the movies, and in our parents’ stories. As COVID-19 disallows the youth to live this glorious college life, there is bound to be resentment and the sense of panic that this glorious period is running out. This is the real fear of missing out. The fear of missing out on college activities — really was everything for me.
College really has the potential of introducing you to the people who will walk with you for a significant part of your journey, I found some (I guess). A large part of this bond is based on being away from home and depending on people other than family to fulfill those needs of love, community behavior, and other familial feel goods.
It is also the time for self-discovery. The exposure one gets in college helps in identifying what truly resonates with us. If you have read my previous articles, you probably know that I have a proclivity for negativity but today I am so grateful for the opportunity I took for granted, the opportunity to socialize and learn as a body of students — the subtle nuances of adult life. The ability to interact real-time and the absolute privilege to start afresh.
For my immediate juniors who missed out on the core memories of saying final goodbyes and farewells, it sucks. Your frustration is so understandable.
I know it feels like time is running out and the fact that it will be too late by the time you can actually go back feels like a very real soul-crushing possibility.
Very often when I am dealing with something that is completely out of my control, I lose control of myself. I let go of my good habits and I am in a state of coping. It looks pathetic from the outside but I just can’t help it.
Many of you may be coping too. That ‘time’ so many people think you have at your disposal is not ‘time’ that you can healthily use to do other things with. You probably want to sleep, use social media and distract yourself with other things because really you just want to go to college and sit in the foyer and reach late to class and beg for notes.
The most tragic part about this situation is the fact that wedding parties are allowed to summon peoples in quantum while schools and colleges remain entirely shut.
And if you think you’re the only one, you’re not!
A study titled Psychological impact of COVID-19 lock-down on college students across India found that 53.1%, 37.2% and 24.3% had symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress respectively, with varying severities (N=727). Significant associations of the negative emotional states with decreased time spent with their family and friends and its effects; increased incidence of domestic violence; increased sleep duration; disturbed sleep; financial crisis, etc. were found.
To validate your feelings, read this.
The college community that was affected may, in my very humble opinion, emerge to be emotionally robust individuals that are fresh out with a college degree.
I am honestly amazed at your ability to handle the unpredictability of your academic pathway, the newness of the online learning system, and the loneliness that comes with not being able to nag the person sitting next to you, bunking a lecture, and engaging in futile debate about affairs.
You are really doing it all differently.
If you find yourself thinking about how time is running out, think of it is as a test for your emotional capabilities. I know this advice is easier given than taken.
Sleep a lot, eat a lot, scroll moderately, go for a walk and find that one hobby maybe?
You’re doing the best you can, I guess?
Take lots of care and drink some watermelon juice. You’re definitely not alone and the recipients of the worst during times of crises are most often benefited with the maximum character development.
I would leave a fact from history but I can’t seem to think of any. Supplementing soon.
