Written by: Andrea Grimaldo, Cisneros Class of 2023
Living through a pandemic for nearly a year is not how many of us imagined spending part of our college years. Although our lives have changed dramatically during the pandemic, there have been a few positive aspects of staying at home for some students, believe it or not. Many of us have found ways to appreciate the simple things in our daily lives, explore new hobbies and interests, and focus on ourselves. Here are a few ways some Cisneros Scholars have done exactly that!
Looking on the Bright Side
Spending months indoors has been an endless cycle of Zoom fatigue and minimal social interaction. It’s almost as if the days bleed together, unclear if it’s a Tuesday or Thursday. Acknowledging that times are tough, fourth-year Cisneros Scholar, Mariela Cabanillas, has started practicing how to enjoy the small things in life.
She started a daily practice she learned from another scholar that they call A Hundred Happy Days. “At the end of each day, I list all the things that made me happy that day,” Mariela said. Sometimes it’s challenging to take note of the tiny victories, but it’s completely worth it! According to Psychology Today, writing rituals like these have proven to be helpful during stressful times. Savoring positive moments, no matter how small, can contribute to unexpected health benefits.
The best part about journaling practices like these is that there are many opportunities to perform them throughout the day. After eating a healthy meal or while getting ready for bed, take a few minutes to reflect on the day and write down something positive. It can range from making your younger sibling laugh after telling a funny joke to the feeling of peace after a morning walk. Although it may seem minor, the impact can be much larger, as it leaves you feeling accomplished, content, and ready to tackle the next day.
Living with Family
With limited housing on campus, GW students are currently scattered all over the world. For many, this means returning to one’s hometown and staying with family. This might mean having to hear your parents tell you to clean your room or invade your privacy here or there. While this may not be what a typical college experience looks like, some students are embracing the bright side of this unconventional circumstance. Second-year Cisneros Scholar, Gabriela Perez, shares what she appreciates from being at home.
“I’m [originally] from Puerto Rico, but I wasn’t there most of the time. Spending time during the pandemic with all of my cousins, my grandparents, my family, that’s been a great blessing.”
As much as we’d all like to get back to campus, we can try to utilize this time to get the most out of having to be at home a little longer. Friday nights can be spent bonding with family members over Netflix or baking your favorite cookies together. While a supportive household may not be the reality for every student, friends can also serve as a chosen family. In this age of technology, there are several ways to stay connected virtually, which might include hosting a movie party or even having a virtual dance party. It’s important to stay in touch with loved ones, something we know is difficult to do as an adult.
Explore an Interest
Before the pandemic, many of us thought about delving further into an interest, such as photography or baking. We might have paused and said, “I don’t have enough time.” Whether we were grabbing lunch, exploring D.C., or hanging out with friends, our lives at GW were busy.
Now, our daily routines look a lot different, meaning we can find ourselves spending more time alone. This isn’t always bad. When we aren’t powering through online classes, we can now explore some hobbies.
Jennifer Garcia, a third-year Scholar, appreciates having more time for her drawing and painting. “[It’s been] really nice to take a moment to create something.” For others, like second-year Scholar, Linette Delgado, this time has given her an opportunity to focus on her fitness journey. “I take advantage of going on isolated runs, something I didn’t use to do.” Taking the time to re-evaluate and focus on one’s personal goals has allowed some students to appreciate what is often taken for granted. In other words, now is the perfect time to dive into poetry, improve your Spanish skills, and perfect your chocolate chip cookie recipe. Just as Elvis Presley said, “It’s now or never.”
Taking time to reflect: A Healthy Approach
We must acknowledge that it’s been almost a year since our lives have changed. The pandemic has presented the world with many challenges, ranging from economic hardship to a general increase of anxiety and feeling of loneliness. With that in mind, it is OK to not be OK. As cheesy as that may sound, finding a balance between sitting with stress and looking at the bright side is necessary to maintain a healthy mindset. Be kind to yourself and others, and remember to reach out to loved ones. It’s a new year, and we’re hoping it brings us better news!
Andrea Grimaldo is a second-year Cisneros Scholar in the Elliott School of International Affairs. From Houston, Texas, she is pursuing international affairs and philosophy and is a fellow at Michelle Obama’s Better Make Room. Andrea’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.