(This is the ninth post in a series of articles from students about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.)

Were you in college or high school when the pandemic hit the country? What was the biggest impact on your life during the first few months of the pandemic?

I was a junior in college when the pandemic hit. The biggest change to my life at that time was moving back home to Iowa from Springfield.

This was the first time I had spent more than two weeks at home in about two years. It was definitely an adjustment! I enjoyed the extra time with my family, though.

What were the challenges of transitioning from seated classes (either high school or college) to online learning?

The most difficult part of transitioning to online learning was not having a schedule to follow. Most of my classes did not meet at a synchronized time initially, so I had to learn to create my own schedule to follow. This was a challenge for me because I am horrible about procrastinating!

What is the greatest lesson you took away from the pandemic (from the beginning to the point we are currently at with social distancing, masking)?

One thing I’ve learned through the pandemic is that it’s always possible to find another way to do something if your first option doesn’t work. It sometimes takes a bit of creativity. I have been amazed by how many things have still been able to happen despite all that is going on in the world.

It’s taught me to never give up because there is always another way to your end goal!

How did you practice Self-Care-As-A-Bear in dealing with the stress of online classes, isolation from friends and activities, general stress of dealing with the unknown?

Throughout the pandemic, I have made sure to have time to talk with my friends, even if virtually, to help me feel supported and connected.

I have also learned how important it is to get out of the house for at least a little bit each day, even if that is just sitting in my backyard for a bit!

What did you learn about yourself as you went through/continue to go through the pandemic?

I have learned that I am definitely a very social person and enjoy having lots to do in a day! I have also become much more confident in my ability to adapt to whatever new situations life throws at me.