Quarantine. The dreaded words that have become a staple in our vocabulary as of 2020. I fell into the majority of people who thought that after a month or so of lockdowns everything would go back to normal, well as normal as things could be after a pandemic. With each passing month since the initial lockdown, it seems as though the world I once knew had been radically changed. The growing political divide between the Republican and Democratic Partyparties seemed to increase significantly. People who I used to be able to have civil conversations with had nothing but bitter and cynical things to say about what was happening in the world and began to close themselves off. While there is justification in being upset due to recent events, such as the current pandemic we are in or the racial injustices our country is facing, this isn’t a time for division and social isolation. And by social isolation I mean in terms of communicating with one another both in person and via technology. This is also an important time for personal reflection and working on bettering ourselves.
I don’t want to give my perspective regarding politics or any of the events that have happened this year, as there are other advocates that have said my beliefs more eloquently than me. However, I wish to assure you that there is hope and peace to be found during this time. Even in the midst of an uncertain time in history and the stress of finals right around the corner. During this time I think back to a quote I remember hearing throughout my life and I wish to pass it along to you.: ‘“Hope is seeing the light despite the darkness.’” I know that many of us, no matter how positive we try to be, feel discouraged and lost during this time. And I want you to know that you are not alone. Reach out and connect with your peers and family or be a part of the community on campus virtually. Be there for others if you can. These small actions of kindness may seem insignificant, but they are meaningful to others.
All I can say right now is that, community and unity is critical right now, more than ever.
- Kierstin Dunaway (Class of 2022), Psychology