Claire Rauck
Junior accounting major and tutor
It’s hard to find the right words to describe what has happened over the course of the past several days. Weird? Frustrating? Scary? Difficult? Upsetting? These are just a few words that describe how I’m feeling, and I’m sure everyone else feels the same.
To all the GC seniors, my heart breaks for you. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like to have the last few months of college taken away from you, but I sympathize with you and I am here for you. I am sorry that all your extra-curricular activities got cancelled without any notice, and I’m sorry that you had to say goodbye to your best friends so abruptly.
As we all make this transition to online and isolated learning, I have some words of encouragement on how we can all move forward during this difficult time.
*Focus on the things you can control. We cannot control the events happening around us, but we can always control two things: our attitude and effort. Online classes aren’t ideal, but we can make the most of it if we commit to staying positive and working hard. You’ve put SO much of yourself into this semester and school year, don’t stop now!
*Embrace those around you (from a considerable distance, of course). We are not alone. This is affecting everyone we know in a multitude of different ways. Lean on those around you for support and let them know that you’re there for them as well. If you appreciate someone, let them know the impact they’ve made on your life, especially during this time of fear and uncertainty.
*Find what else drives you. This is more geared to my fellow athletes, but it can apply to anyone who needs to hear it. It is easy for us to say our “passion” is our sport. But eventually, the ball stops rolling, and we will have to find what else we are passionate about. Since we will be at home for a while, this could be a good chance for some self-reflection. We all have so much more going for us than our sport, and this could be a time to figure out what else we are called to do.
*Live each day like it’s your last. Such a cliché saying that we’ve all heard a thousand times and never think much about its meaning. Turns out we had a lot of “lasts” that we didn’t see coming. The last class, the last game or meet, the last performance, the last Java Junction coffee, the last time being with the friends we have spent almost every day with the last 4 years. When moving forward in all of this, treat every conversation, every event, every day like it’s your last. Don’t hold anything back, you never know how fast things can change.
Good luck everyone! We will get through this!
Action for Today: Spend some time, thinking, writing, or talking with a friend about what else drives you. What are your passions?
For ideas on time management and study test-taking strategies,
contact the ASC team:
To make an appointment for online tutoring or writing support: tutorcal.goshen.edu To request accommodations for a disability, contact Judy Weaver, jweaver@goshen.edu To request an accountability partner, click here |