5 Things Every College Senior Needs To Remember During Quarantine.
A bit of wisdom from one college senior to another.
I get it. As a fellow college senior who has just heard the news that our college graduation, a ceremony we have anticipated for years, has been thrown up in the air of uncertainty, maybe even cancelled entirely, your mind is moving in all different directions. You feel angry, disappointed, frustrated and like you will never get the recognition you deserve. Despite this rollercoaster of emotions, there is so much good left for us to uncover and recognize during this time.
Here are the top five things I remind myself every morning during what seems like a never-ending quarantine:
It’s nothing personal. Really. This was something I struggled with at the beginning when I wouldn’t hear back from employers/received a note that the position I applied for is no longer available. However, it’s nothing I personally did wrong. The economy is so uncertain right now and the stay-at-home order is always able to be extended until who knows when. I know it might sound cheesy, but it truly isn’t YOU, it’s COVID-19!
Focus on what you can control. Everyday, I wake up to the news telling me different updates about our current situation. In a world that is currently swimming through a sea of grayness, I remove myself and put my head on straight. What I can control is how I spend my time to be productive, how I can improve myself for when job openings do become available again and how I can keep my mindset as positive as possible. All things are temporary. This too shall pass.
Your network is also stuck at home. Although job postings are declining, the people who work there are still around. They are just as cooped up as you are, so brighten their day with a nice note and check-in on one another. They’ll appreciate this time to step away from reality more than ever and remember you as the person that stayed positive and connected during this tough time.
Use this extra time to your advantage. While at home, I am accomplishing so many things I never thought I would get around to! I’ve started working out more; I’ve created a branded Instagram account (@kathryncmccarthy); I’ve watched two TV series that I’ve been waiting for the perfect chance to finally relax and watch; I’ve been taking time to bake sweet treats for my family; and I’ve been exercising my videography skills by volunteering to record mass for my hometown parish. Now is the time to dig deep and accomplish your inner checklist!
You matter. All of the hard work you’ve put in to your school work will not go unnoticed. I see you, your professors see you, your college sees you, your friends see you, your family sees you and the world sees you. You are not alone in this, and we will come out together stronger and renewed. Keep your chin up and know that the Class of 2020 will forever go down in history as the class that stayed proactive despite the many obstacles the world has thrown at them. WE GOT THIS!
