A letter to students [Re: COVID-19]

A letter to students [Re: COVID-19]

Dear fellow students, no matter what age or year, 

I am simply one voice among a million expressing our concern and anxiety. From simply scrolling through twitter since Monday, I have recognised that this topic needs addressing and to be given empathy. Whilst this does not represent the situation at large, nor am I speaking on behalf of any institution, I have simply collated my thoughts and those of whom I have seen speaking about it on social media platforms.

Under current circumstances, the world has become a confusing and uncertain place for students. On the one hand, who doesn't like time off? But on the other hand, we've been studying for months now, some for first year exams, some for graduation, some for A-levels and some for GCSE's. We don't want this year to leave a mark against what we've worked so hard for. We don't want to cancel everything we've been looking forward to as a reward. 

One minute I'm sat in the flat having fun with my flat mates and the next I'm at home, in bed, unsure as to when I'll see them again. However, the most important thing to remember is that we need to keep ourselves safe in order to keep those around us safe. Whilst we may be able to cope with the virus, there are a lot of people we may come in contact with that are vulnerable. It is these people that we need to remember in the midst of our disappointment. 

Seemingly, within the course of a few days we were told that all face-to-face teaching would stop, and today, it was announced for those younger than myself, that exams would be cancelled. We have all, I'm sure, attempted to predict when life will continue, when and if we will return to campus this year and whether or not those due to take exams will get where they were headed. The outcome is looking ominous and uncertain. Returning home, we were greeted with an overwhelming sense of uneasiness, elbow bumps and stock-piling. As a younger generation, we have never known the world like this. 

We have lost parts of our days that help us to function. For some, this is a routine. For others, this is an escape. For students, it is the door to the future, or so it may seem. Whilst our future is uncertain, it still remains, and for this reason we cannot loose faith in ourselves or motivation to succeed. 

The holidays, sporting events and proms/balls we were all looking forward to, those that served as our motivation for getting through the school or university year, will be rescheduled. They can be re-planned and reorganised. This time, it will feel even more like an achievement. 

Everything is cancelled and closed indefinitely. This does not mean forever. Across the globe, the onslaught of coronavirus has meant that many individuals are facing their own challenges. This is both an pandemic and an infodemic, but, as a media and journalism student all I can recommend is not to let the news and social media take over your day to day life. Fake news and rumours are constantly being put out there and we, as a society, need to be aware of this. Excessive exposure to information during this time can increase anxiety and that is not beneficial for anyone. Please be cautious of what you are both reading and sharing.

As students, particularly those from university, we are accustomed to change now. We have learnt to adapt, accept and embrace new situations. In our first year we have learnt how to navigate new cities, how to live independently, how to adjust to new classroom formats and how to meet amazing new people. This should not be forgotten. 

With that being said, I sincerely encourage you to take this time and use it to your advantage. Whilst for many of us lectures are being put online, this means we have more time available to explore specific topics that interest us so that, come September, we have fresh, knowledgeable minds to take us through the next year and any challenges it may present. Take this time to do something you've been putting off for whatever reason, whether that be yoga, painting, writing, fashion. Focus on these productive and relaxing activities in order to keep yourself busy and your mind off the current situation. Furthermore, I have seen an increasing amount of concern about how this will affect people's mental health. As best as possible, because I am no expert, treat every day like a self-care day. Being encourage to not go anywhere unnecessary means that we'll have more time to look after ourselves, our bodies and our minds, however it is that you do this. 

See this as an opportunity to better yourself. 

I will be spending this time keeping up with University assignments, spending time outside with my puppy, finishing books I have been reading and working out.
In times of uncertainty and negative news, we all need some positivity.

What I am concluding with is that, ultimately, it will all be okay. 

One day, we will look back at this year, remembering the chaos and reflect on how we made it through. If you are a graduate, or someone in their final year of school and sixth form, you will forever be the coronavirus class of 2020. But this won't have stopped you from getting to where you want to be. 

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. 

My love always, Annabelle Grace

xox

(For more information on Coronavirus, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 )

This was inspired by @MargotLee's Video