By: Rachael Doyle
Looking back, this school year is definitely not what I had hoped for. I was so excited to get on campus to meet new people, try new things, and make plenty of memories. Instead I’ve been stuck in my room staring at my laptop for the past year wondering when my life will actually start. But I know I’m not alone. Students all around the world are experiencing the same thing, as life in a remote world seems to take an immense toll on our physical and mental health. Now that we have reached the light at the end of the tunnel, it is important to reflect on what got us through these hard times. Whether it be something as simple as a favorite snack or the help of a supportive teacher, remembering the good that got us through this past year will hopefully allow us to move forward from these hardships and into next year with a positive mindset.
Here are some things that I wouldn’t have been able to survive this school year without.
The Morning Coffee Run
The only thing that got me up in time for my early classes was the thought of my morning coffee. Each day I would wake up, get ready, and hop in the car on the hunt for cold brew. My usual spot was (and always will be) Dunkin’, but sometimes when in the mood I’d take the 20 minute trek to my local Starbucks. This time to myself each morning seemed simple, but trust me when I say it was so needed. While it seems silly, these drives would always put me in a good mood and allow me to have a productive day.
My Professors!!
This school year has been hard on everyone, including teachers and professors. My mom is a high school teacher, and watching her have to navigate the pressures of our constantly changing education system in 2020 has given me a newfound perspective on what our professors at UMass must be going through. Despite this I have yet to face any issues this year, as each professor I have had has been flexible and understanding toward the needs of their students. They constantly check in on us to make sure we are doing okay, and sometimes I even get extensions on assignments without even asking for them. Their kindness and transparency has been a huge help to me this school year, and has made my first year at UMass so much easier.
Trying Something New
Another way I would fill my time usefully was by finding new hobbies and activities to try. I wanted to be able to do something that I would enjoy while also getting away from my phone. This led me to start learning how to play the piano! I got a used one from my local music store, set it up in my room, and taught myself the basics. This new hobby gave me something to feel passionate about, and I constantly practiced in hopes of getting better. It helped me feel productive while also getting a break from my schoolwork, and overtime I slowly started getting better. While I am still not great at playing the piano, I look forward to practicing almost every day and even hope to take formal lessons one day.
Extracurriculars
One of the things that I looked forward to the most this semester was my extracurriculars. Many students probably thought that clubs held virtually “wouldn’t be the same”, but I actually think that this year has allowed many clubs to be more creative and personable despite their setting. As a freshman that didn’t get to live on campus, I was scared that I would fall behind socially, and that I would miss out on what was happening at UMass. However, the clubs that I was involved in this year like WiB and the Isenberg Marketing Committee helped me connect to other students that shared my interests. I was able to listen to guest speakers that inspired me, participate in fundraisers for great causes, and even get advice on campus life that I can use for next year. Staying involved in as many extracurriculars as possible helped me do so many things that I wouldn’t have otherwise, and it is one of the best decisions I made for myself this year.
I hope my yearly reflection inspired you to think about some of your favorite things from this past school year. It can be something as simple as your favorite snack, or an event that inspired you to do something great. Be sure to write these things down, and think about how they will inspire you to enter next semester as a better version of yourself.
