By: Alexandar Aguilera
My last semester as a college student was different and I think many other students would say something similar. I went about my semester like I had in previous years and did what I had to do in order to pass my classes. All of a sudden I went back home and found out I wouldn't be able to walk across the stage for graduation. If there is one big thing I learned this past semester it was to roll with the punches.
I had many days where I was fed up with school. Taking one day at a time was the best piece I gave myself to get through any tough day. But they weren't all that bad. I think what I always enjoyed was just hanging out with my friends. Knowing there were other people going through the same stuff as I was made the journey a little easier.
Obviously with a world changing pandemic it made this semester a lot different from others. As a graduating senior the realization hit me that I will be entering a tough job market. In general I've had to think about my future more in this semester than any other semester. For the first time I really don't know what’s in front of me. I feel the journey of this semester has been different mainly because it’s sort of a transition point for me.
A basketball court sits empty during COVID-19
When I first heard about COVID-19 I didn't fully understand the scope of it. I probably reacted differently to COVID-19 than most people. In all honesty I didn't realize how big it was until NBA player Rudy Gobert got the virus. Sports has and always will be a passion of mine. To see something I've admired since I was little come to a sudden stop was the realization that this thing is serious.
With technology being the way it is made this whole pandemic scary. Hearing everyday a couple hundred people a gone because of a virus is just frightening. It’s hard to avoid when it’s the first thing you see on your phone or the first thing you hear on TV.
A plant overlooks a vacant street.
It’s weird that even though things sort of look the same, nothing feels right at all. I look outside and everything just feels odd. One month ago I had no clue what social distancing was and now I feel like I say it everyday. Everyone had to adjust to a new normal in what seems like an instant.
As the pandemic has progressed I feel I've viewed it as both a regular person and a journalist. I feel like any other person in the sense of being concerned about the situation and how to go about it. At the same time as a journalist I'm looking at the news more than ever to learn and understand any and everything I need to know about the pandemic.
A once busy Chicago neighborhood sidewalk is empty.
I will say being a student during this pandemic has also been an adjustment. Being at home and still having assignments to do is different. Something I feel I've always done in school is finding a way to get things done one way or another. I think the many scenarios I've faced in college where I've had to think outside the box has sort of prepared me for this. Considering the circumstances I adjusted to getting my work done one way or another. I also feel the fact that I've gotten this far has also given me confidence that I can finish the semester and earn my degree.
Looking at this class and college in general I think it has prepared me to face adversity at any given moment. I gave myself a personal goal at the beginning of the semester to bounce back and finish off strong. I think TV2 and this semester as a whole I feel that I've bounced back and gathered myself to push through one last semester. I think for any college student out there they should take things one day at a time. College is not any easy thing and it takes a toll on you mentally. Whatever you do to relax, do it. Give yourself time to rest that way you can push yourself and get things done. Take the time to make sure you’re alright and you will be alright at the end of the day.