Shannon Stewart
The facts about COVID-19 are everywhere. You can just google COVID-19 and find endless webpages of information, suggestions, news stories, politics, etc. But what about the life that we have to put on pause? Our jobs? Our families?
Just because we are told to stay inside for our safety, the rest of the world hasn’t necessarily stopped. We are still required to pay rent, feed ourselves and our families, and for some, finish school online.
So, where is all the information and support we need for when we lose our jobs or struggle to afford food and basic necessities? You may never have thought you would be in this position. Or maybe it’s nothing new for you.
I lost my job a few days before the University of Maine decided to close for the remainder of the semester. As someone who is used to living paycheck to paycheck to afford food and rent expenses, I panicked. How am I going to continue to pay off my lease, and feed myself for the rest of the semester? I never thought that I would be in a position where I did not know if I was going to have food on the table that night.
Thankfully, I have a wonderful support system who guided me to find the resources* I needed until I was able to adjust my lifestyle. The University of Maine provides student’s resources all year round, though I never knew such programs existed until the virus ran its course.
I am thankful for my support system, and I understand not everyone has been lucky enough to have a supportive community. Here are some ways to get involved in your community during this time, and some measures that I have taken to give back.
Clean out your pantry and donate food that you know you will not eat. I know when I go grocery shopping, I buy more than I end up consuming and things like cans of soup, pasta sauce, and boxes of rice go unopened and sit in the back of my cabinet.
Spring cleaning! Now is the perfect time to clean out your home. Instead of throwing clothes away, consider donating!
Reach out to your friends. It is hard to initiate the question for help. If you think someone you care about is struggling, just ask. We all need the support more than ever right now.
Share our blog. Our goal is to provide resources and a sense of comfort to other college students. We are here to help and support one another. If you think someone may benefit from hearing personal stories or resources, we are here.
*Check out our resources tab to find specific resources!
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