2020: Getting Through It Together
It’s safe to say the world has been turned completely upside down this year. And there is no doubt that, as students, it has been a very tumultuous time. With so much uncertainty and unpredictably surrounding us, there is sure to be some worry and anxiety. However, it’s essential to try and remember that you are not alone, and that we are all in this together.
The inevitable stress of student life
For instance, I was feeling very stressed in the lead up to classes beginning this year, as I didn’t have a timetable. As it got closer and closer to the start of the semester, I didn’t have any idea of when my lectures were, or even where they were taking place. It’s fair to say I had more than a few headaches worrying about it. Then I discovered two of my modules clashed so, I still wasn’t able to rest and I just wanted to get it sorted.
However, I tried to put some perspective on it and remembered I was just one of probably hundreds of students experiencing this issue. On certain online groups for Joint Honours students like myself, I’ve seen so many messages from people in similar predicaments. People had modules missing or couldn’t organise things like childcare as they had no timetable. It’s been a chaotic time for so many people.
The little things that mean a lot
And while a lot of things have changed regarding the university experience this year, and normality has been taken away, we can all help each other through it. Just dropping someone a simple message to see if they are okay can make a huge difference. I saw a message recently from someone who was exasperated and felt like their head was going to explode. It seemed as if they wanted to know if anyone else was going through the same thing. And now, I really wish I had messaged them and let them know I completely understood how they were feeling.
Its easy to feel isolated with everything going on at the moment. Checking in on someone, sharing your experience with others such as your classmates really is invaluable. This is particularly true as a lot of teaching remains online for the foreseeable future, so face-to-face interaction has been heavily reduced which can be difficult for people.
So, while it is not quite the third year of uni that I expected when I first started at Derby, I am going to try and make the most of this unique time. I’ve definitely found reassurance in knowing I haven’t been alone in experiencing moments of worry and panic. If anything, good can come out of this current situation, it’s the way it can bring us together, and support one another.
The door that’s always open
I want to use this blog as a kind of open door. To anyone who may be struggling, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing me at this address: l.davison2@unimail.derby.ac.uk.
My hope is to be a friendly ear for anyone who needs it. Sometimes just having a conversation, getting your worries out in the open can make a massive difference.
