COVID-19 Thoughts

Learning Journal #7

The COVID-19 crisis has affected my life in numerous ways as it is for many other people as well. As a university student it has been very challenging but being someone who aspires to go into a career that is full of uncertainty I also believe in being able to adapt to whatever happens. Adaptability has been very helpful for me these past few weeks as the crisis has progressed but everything still is stressful. While I have taken an online class before having to take my entire course load and adapt to learning everything digitally has been a big hurdle. A Lot of my classes are performative and collaborative so me and my peers are in unknown territory when it comes to completing projects and scenes. Also I am just someone who comprehends concepts better by being engaged in a classroom setting. Being at home takes me more time and repetition to be able to understand and put a concept to work at home than when I am at school. The pandemic is also difficult because we are quarantined to our homes, and I know for me and others it is really hard to concentrate and be motivated in this environment. This crisis has cost me education opportunities as well. I was directing a small play, co-directing and dramaturging a Shakespeare play, and a short play I wrote was supposed to be performed. All of these really exciting opportunities I had are all gone and cancelled. It is heartbreaking. I know in the long run I have other opportunities and that other people are losing more than me. But I think this is why this situation is even more upsetting. I think not only for the hard work that I have lost but the effort and heart millions of other people are losing as well. Professionally, a lot of people are losing work, I have personally lost work. Everything is changing and it really is teaching everyone a lot about themselves and our lifestyles. 

Being a resident of Illinois, I am also currently under a shelter in place order. So I am stuck in my house unless I need to go on essential business. As hard as this state order is, it is nice to have some effective action being made to help halt the spread of this disease. My mom and brother are both immuno-compromised so since the beginning this crisis was no joke to my family. I have been self quarantine since before it was mandated to help keep them safe. While I am not personally worried for my health I know a lot of people personally who are so I will take the steps as well to help them stay healthy. I feel that if more people had this mindset and action was taken sooner this crisis could have developed much less than how it continues to spread. Adapting is hard. Change is really hard. But to get through the most difficult times that is what is needed. Be decent and care for others wellbeing and not just your own. I know that this crisis will end. And when it does I know I will continue to change for the better, because bad things will always come up, but it is what you take from your experiences that will help you in the future.