“I can’t see my friends, I don’t understand my class content and my life is falling apart.”
If you’re feeling anything like this college student, you likely are processing a lot of change and
emotion, missing people that you care about, and knowing all too well the mental pendulum that
swings between “overwhelmed” and “bored.” Oh yeah — and classes are back in session too.
Here are a few tips that will hopefully serve you well during the switch from school in Wilmore
to the new, virtual reality:
1) Create rhythms — Carve out specific space and time every day to focus on school.
With the disruption of “normal” rhythms, it can be an opportunity to create new patterns of work
and rest. If you’re anything like me, it is quite helpful to have a daily and weekly routine. The
old adage “consistency is key” could be a tool to help you succeed. Carve out a consistent, quiet,
distraction-free space and time to work daily. When you set the expectation of “this is my
location and time to study,” it will become easier to follow through on your aspirations. Your
parents, friends and, most importantly, your grades will thank you!
2) Prioritize & Organize — Know what your assignments are, and plan to do them (well).
What assignments do you have, and when are they due? What big projects are coming up, and
how do you plan to complete them over time? Whether it’s a spreadsheet (I see you,
accountants), a giant color-coded whiteboard (hey, ed majors) or your standard calendar, find a
system that works for you in order to stay on top of your assignments. Once you know what you
need to do, prioritize! Start with what is most important and then leave the minor things for later.
3) Work hard, play hard — I dare you to turn off your phone.
We all know how it goes. You sit down to “write that paper” with only a few brief interruptions
… to check out the Twitter bracket, a few memes, how a friend (or two, or seven) are doing, and
of course, browse the fridge (again) before returning to finish up that assignment. Here’s a crazy
idea: What if we turned off our phones, heaven forbid, for two hours, finished our work and then
were able to give our full attention to our tasks, and then our full attention to the people, rest or
hobbies we enjoy?
4) Exercise — If it’s good for your body, it’s good for your mind.
Benefits that come with exercise, such as increased happiness and memory, are quite appealing.
According to Forbes, through exercise the body produces molecules that combat depression,
reduce anxiety and promote brain cell growth that can aid learning and retention. So, though it
may sound more delightful to grab another homemade chocolate chip cookie and scroll through
Instagram for the 17th time, a quick walk or jog around the block will be better for the body and
mind in the long run. Get creative with your workouts. Show off your liberal arts education by
creating unique, fun ways to get fit at home. (Think Jazzercise).
5) Choose to see the “upside” of the downside — Time is a gift.
Yes, you won’t get to see your friends in person for a while. (My fellow Visionaries, my heart is
just as heavy as yours.) What an incredible thing, though, that we have had the opportunity to
cultivate friendships that are so deep and wonderful that it hurts this painfully to not be together.
What can we do? We can encourage and care for people the best way we can: a FaceTime call, a
handwritten note or a carefully thought-out and specifically chosen meme could brighten
someone’s day.
What about all the time that was once spent in practice, rehearsal or hanging around the other
Stuce rats? Man, do we miss it. But, this time could be a chance to pick up that hobby,
instrument or dream you didn’t have time for previously. Though it doesn’t always feel like it,
this time is a gift.
And for all Christians, this pandemic is a big time of opportunity. Wait, what? Yes, that’s right.
Not only is this time an opportunity to adjust to an online format, but to love with all of our
heart, soul, mind and strength. What better way to “start here and impact the world?”
