Education, Interrupted: Self-Isolating Away from Home
It was another quiet morning, but you were too late to realize that you prepared a cup of bitter coffee. A maelstrom of emotions was about to overwhelm you after you noticed the lovely morning. It was still the early part of spring, a perfect time to go out, but the flora and fauna seemed oblivious to the coronavirus. Social distancing wasn't the new normal among the insects and birds while you compared yourself to a confused winter bud bitten by a March frost. Perhaps it was the right time to get back to your bed. Self-isolating away from home would seem hard, but you wouldn't be the only one.
A friend of yours, who encouraged you to pursue your artistic ambitions, once remarked that human connection would bolster the immune system. That's why it's important to be kind, and the lockdown would make it more important than ever. Whether you were too late to book a flight back home or you come from another country, you would wonder if this could be a good excuse not to do well in your studies. Faculty staff would understand your predicament, even never get tired of encouraging you, yet they won't consider failure, or near failure, as an option. It also doesn't help that many colleges are closing down, probably wiping out the remainder of the term. (It remains to be seen if schools reopen next month.) One of Maya Angelou's quotes came to mind. ("Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.) You wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, as you haven't set foot in what could be America's iconic landmark. That trip may have to wait for a year or two. You must survive the uncertain month of April and beyond.
What you're about to read is the list of things that you should do on a weekly basis. You will get bored sooner, but it must be expected. You must be creative to think of any activity to amuse you. (If you want to join the hundreds of restless individuals wanting to learn the tango online, then it may be wise to tell your family and friends later.) It would be a bumpy ride, but this wouldn't be something you haven't experienced before. Get ready.
My Cramped Week: 4 Ways to Survive Self-Isolation in Halls
Exercise kindness and patience. You're likely to look at memes in your cellphone instead of focusing on your assignment (or lesson). You lost your focus on your professor's recorded lecture after remembering your moments of annoyance at other students in the hallway. You may be able to hold your tongue, but it would make you more anxious than you should. This is a disconcerting time for everyone, so take it a minute at a time. A day might be an eternity, and there are other things that need your attention. You may make a slip, and some wouldn't mind, but you can't cite a bad day as an excuse. Try.
It's time to put your (impressive) communication skills to use. You heard the rumors about a notice that you must look for another accommodation next week, if not the week after next. Your tutor reassured you that the university would provide temporary residence for the likes of you. If it's not the case, don't make a scene when you meet the one who manages the dorm. (If you about send an email, it would be better to be polite. And keep it short.) You may encounter another student who has yet to handle the situation well. Don't ignore him (or her). Show your generous, if not friendly, side, but your coursework is your top priority. You might receive news that one of your professors praised your last essay. It should inspire you.
Don't get upset about financial issues. You're about to run short of cash, and you can"t talk to your parents for a long time. Whether it's due to the lockdown, which would result to downsizing (in your parents' company), or an illness that isn't linked to the coronavirus, you must be cheeky to ask your tutor or any figure for advice. You may too ashamed to ask other students for help, but it won't be a painful thing to do. (You don't have to be too apologetic if you sense that student to be offended.) You have managed to live by your limited allowance, even attempted to work on a part-time basis, even if it would be a short one. You can't afford to make promises, as the coming months look anything but certain. How about lending a helping hand? Another room might need cleaning, if not arranging. You learned how to cook a tasty soup and/or prepare pasta in a few hours or less. No one would turn down an invitation to lunch (or dinner). If you're considering credit, think twice, if not thrice. Employment could be an issue sooner.
Rise above the occasion. The online lecture is about to start when you smell something. Another student, who lives in a room next to yours, is vaping. Moreover, the proximity of the bathroom bothers you a bit. And you didn't notice that there might be a slight problem with the sound right away. Relax! There's a good chance that it would happen again, which must not spoil your day. If you're a huge sports fan, you should know that the best athletes learn to rise above the occasion especially if the conditions aren't ideal. If you don't, try not to take it seriously. Just look outside.
The Lucky One
Always remember that you have family and friends, and you can count your tutor as one. If you get distracted easily, make a mental note at night time. If you make it, which you should, you would be ready for the challenges that await you after graduation. If it's not comforting enough, look at the memes one more time.
