To start, I want to say that the pandemic is definitely not the vibe! I remember last winter semester when COVID-19 first made headlines, and I just passed it off as somewhat of a joke. Little did I know that it would have this much of an impact on my life. I dreaded the fact that I had to self isolate once I left Mount Allison in April. So far, I have done six weeks’ worth of self-isolation, but I mean, who’s counting?! (lowkey crying on the inside). I would facetime my mom, but I can’t talk since she would be working. There was the constant sound of keyboard clicks from her computer and casual sighs from time to time— my first isolation was really rough.  Although I was off to a rocky start, I gradually realized that this pandemic is not all gray and bad… maybe even it is a blessing in disguise! 

This is a perfect time to explore and take on new things! Take advantage of all that free time you have, learn something new, you never you might like it. In my case, I started my amateur doodle journey— I would set aside a time during the day and just doodle/draw random things that come to behind. It always ends up being messy and hectic, but it’s just an excellent way to do something different each day. It’s funny because you can whatever you want! My friends took up hobbies from crochets, origamis, and juggling. The possibilities are almost endless. 

On an important note, it’s a good time to connect and reach out to friends and family— mainly because we are amidst a pandemic. It is a stressful time for everyone, both mentally and physically. Do those long facetimes and calls, strike a conversation with old friends or, in my case, virtual paint nights with the fam! I love my grandma, but it was painful to watch and teach her how to use zoom...but in the end, it all worked out! We love those Bob Ross youtube tutorials, a good way to get some competition and laughs out (our final pieces do need SERIOUS improvement- sorry, Bob Ross). But please keep in touch with your people! A simple hi or how are you can go a long way and make their day better :) 

Online School, my absolute favourite...no, not really, but we have to make the best of what we got! It’s definitely different— I’m still accustomed to the new changes this year. Please KNOW that it is okay if everything is not falling in place right now, in due time it eventually will! School year this year is brand new and even different, but that’s also a good thing. I like the fact I can wake up 10 minutes before my class, open my computer in the comfort of my room, like how convenient is that? How about the fact the Jenning offer take-outs now? Better else that you can use your meal plan for Gracies now?! (my winter semester self is screaming since I don’t have to walk across campus to get food). 

Photo: Admiring the Sackville sunset with my friends after our self-isolation!