Zack Lisewski
This whole pandemic has just been overall horrible, especially for college students. Those that were living on campus were forced to pack up and leave within a couple of days and head back home. Other students that lived off campus had a choice whether to go home or stay at their residence. When hearing about the effects quarantine has on all of us, typically we hear about cabin fever, loss of job, lack of motivation, and stress eating. Although these problems are very real and need to be addressed there are many other issues that get overlooked. One problem that many students face after being sent home for quarantine is having an unhealthy family life. Some kids go to college to get away, or escape whatever they have going on at home. Living at school surrounded by peers can give students a sense of belonging, safety, and joy. Although college comes with stress, some students prefer that stress rather than being at home in an environment that is less than satisfactory. Everyone’s homelife is different and for the students that do not have an ideal at-home situation, it is really unfair to ask them to go back and stay there. I think the University should offer living options for students that really need somewhere safe and happy to live. Although I understand it is difficult to allow students to stay on campus due to social distancing and no congregating, the option needs to be there for those in need. If you are reading this and struggling with your life at home just know that you are not alone and there are things you can do to better your situation. Due to the circumstances right now, I’m not sure how many help resources are actually still open and available besides phone appointments, which honestly does not really do anything compared to in-person interactions. There are things you can do yourself that will help out your situation a little more. Although the advice I’m about to give is not a solution to the problem, I just want you to know that there are others out there that understand and share your struggle, and people that want to help.
It is essential to keep your friends close. Even though you cannot see them in person (technically), call them, Facetime them, write them letters. Anything you can do to stay connected to those close will benefit you.
Find reasons to get out of the house; go for a walk, go fishing, go hiking, learn a skill or try something new. The weather is getting nicer out which gives you all the more reason to get outside.
Try to have an emergency back-up plan. If shit really hits the fan at home, try and have somewhere safe you can go for a little while like a nearby family member, a friend, or even a neighbor.
Stay positive and think good thoughts. This quarantine will not last forever! Just keep repeating to yourself, “This will not last forever…” There IS a light at the end of the tunnel and someday soon you will find a place to proudly call home.
Hang in there! Covid 19 has made life a shit show. But this shit show will not last forever. As Dory says, “Just keep swimming..” Before you know it, you will be where you NEED to be to feel safe and happy.
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