This entire situation is hard. I am a graduating senior and this semester was supposed to be great and filled with friends, UNC traditions, soccer, Chapel Hill in the spring, and many many other things I had to say goodbye to early. I am most upset about graduation and do not quite understand how they decided to cancel/postpone/whatever it so early. All my years of schooling lead up to this moment- all the sleepless nights, work ethic… everything, and now I feel like it will not get properly celebrated. I also did not know that my last soccer game would be my last or that my last practice was the last time I’d see my team all together. I did not know many things were my last at UNC. I can’t even remember the details of my last soccer game here- a sport that has somewhat defined me up to this point is now gone and I can’t even remember how I played in my last ever competitive game. There is no proper closure to my time at UNC.
Despite all my frustrations laid out in the first paragraph, I am very thankful that I am able to stay at home with my family, and in a place with internet connection where I can continue my classes. I think of those who are under more stressful circumstances whether it be moving back to another country, financial problems because of unemployment, or poor home life situations. While I am thankful to be here, it is definitely an adjustment. It is hard to study at home and to stay on top of all the assignments that are pouring in, taking the place of class time and projects. Some of my professors have seemed to be more lenient to try to work with us, and some have not but instead keep piling up the work.
On the other hand, I am trying to be optimistic about the circumstances and make them the best that I can. I think this is a time to rest, release, redefine, and realign. I want to come out of this cocoon as a butterfly, ready to tackle the world and my ambitions. I am going to optometry school next year so am trying to focus on all the positive and exciting things I have ahead of me. Overall, I am frustrated but optimistic and will appreciate “normal” so much more after all of this.
Microbiology, Get Cultured! 