The Corona Virus has created a strange atmosphere for me. When I packed up my stuff last Thursday and realised that the first year of university could be over, this created a depth of anxiety of how serious the situation was. Instead of heading into class and saying hello to my peers, and talking about each other’s weekends, I’m now sat on my bed trying to stay on top of my learning in an atmosphere that doesn’t quite feel the same.
The only normality that I have found in these past few days was going to Longleat Safari Park for Mother’s Day and my mum’s birthday. Even though this virus has created unsettling worries and fears, the safari was surprisingly busy. It was filled with families in their cars eating ice cream and taking in the sights of the animals. No one was talking about the pandemic and not a single face didn’t have a smile on it. It was freeing in a way. I was watching the tigers out my sister’s car window and they didn’t have a care in the world. They had no idea what was going on around them as they laid out in the sun. Not even me and my family talked about the virus, we were all hooked in by the animals.
That was when I took it upon myself to try and do as many normal things as I could whilst sticking to the advice from the government on social distancing. Doing my normal evening run was something that I could continue as long as I was careful. I adopted a green thumb and helped my mum with planting seeds in the garden and making the most of the nice weather over the past few days. I have taken this opportunity to read more. I’ve had a large pile of books bought for me over Christmas that now has my name on it.
My friends and family have also been taking advantage of the technology we have to stay in contact with each other. The game ‘Psych!’ has been a favourite amongst my friend group to have a bit of fun but being mindful to those of them that are vulnerable. We’ve also taken the chance to teach my nan about the ways of facetime so we could stay in contact with her over the next 12 weeks of not being able to see her, which has had definitely had its challenges!
This situation has definitely allowed me to see that me and my family have to stick together. Whether it’s through messaging or facetime. We have different scenarios that we have to accommodate to and it seems to get a lot easier when you have someone supporting you.
Although university lessons are a bit different now and we don’t know how long it will last, the support network that lecturers and classmates have created has definitely made this transition period a lot easier. The amount of reassurance and measure that have been put in place by the university shows that I’m still being seen as important and that my education is important.
So, if there are any students out there who feel a sense of loss or worry surrounding their degree, grab normality whist you still can and remember that we are all facing the same circumstances. It will be difficult and overwhelming, but your education is important and that’s being taken into consideration. Keep going, we will get through this!
Author: Holly Briant
A first year journalism student at the University of South Wales