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My covid-19 summer: A reflection

Everything's been feeling a bit upside down

It's crazy to think about how different the world looked at the beginning of 2020. Now, phrases such as 'social distancing', 'the new normal' and 'key workers' are part of our vocabulary like they've always been there. Tiger King, 'Run 5 Tag 5 Donate 5', and staring in disbelief at the empty supermarket shelves, wondering how you're supposed to make banana bread now everyone else has had the same idea... 

As scientists discovered more about the virus every day, and cases and deaths seem to be doing nothing but rise, these qualms allowed us to feel united from afar. Not being able to find toilet paper began to feel quite comforting. Nobody's going to forget these times, especially those who have lost loved ones or been seriously ill from the virus. My heart goes out to everyone that has, and if that's you, I am so sorry.

Another way lots of people have been affected by covid-19 is through a hit to their mental health. A study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that 70% of 18-24 year olds have been feeling more anxious than usual during the pandemic. And chances are, this figure is a lot higher. I don't know anyone who hasn't found the last 6 months worrying, some more than others. I love being busy, so after I'd finished my second year of university, I felt very lost. All my summer plans of course had been cancelled, and after already being home for 3 months, another 4 felt like a very, very long time to have nothing to do. Regardless, I soon became busy again finding opportunities for writing online, and seeing friends from a distance. And, of course preparing for final year of university.

As I begin to prepare to go back to university this September, I thought it would be nice to make a list of the top 5 highlights of the past 6 months for me personally. It's important to remember the bigger picture, but reflecting on our own lives is also important to help us remember to be grateful for everything we have. 

It's hard to believe this is England!

1. I finished my second year at university

Luckily, I wasn't majorly affected in terms of changes to assessments or not being able to get hold of resources because my modules were already all essay-based. It was interesting to say the least trying to work at home, and I especially missed being able to pop to a coffee shop for a change of scenery. However, working from home did have it's perks. And, having my sister working from home too meant we could keep each other motivated (or distracted- depends who you ask).

2. I still got to go on holiday

A couple of days away in Brighton (during the week to avoid the busy beaches) and a week in the Lake District would not have felt possible at the start of lockdown. But, now shops and restaurants are starting to open up again, I was lucky enough to go away twice this summer. It was lovely to be able to switch off for a few days, and discover lots of new places.

Discovering Brighton

3. I overcame my fear of phone calls (mostly)

Other than my closest friends and family, I am the worst at picking up the phone and talking to someone. It doesn't matter who it is, if it involves me not being able to talk to someone face to face, it fills me with dreaded anxiety. If I don't know the number, under no circumstances will I pick up. And if I've got to do the calling, I'll contact them in any other way possible to avoid speaking to a real person on a phone. But turns out, when there's absolutely no other option than moving everything online, phone and video calls soon feel much, much easier. I'm still not amazing at answering calls to strangers, but it's progress!

4. I managed to keep busy

I know for lots of people, the idea of a long summer holiday with no responsibilities or commitments sounds ideal, but I find it difficult to stop. I'm fine having a chill day if I feel like I've earned it, because I've been working hard. So I didn't cope very well with the prospect of month after month of 'relaxing'. But as lots of opportunities moved online, I soon found lots of ways to keep busy. I've been doing book reviews, taken up the position of food editor for the Cardiff University magazine, writing one-off pieces for a couple of websites, and writing a newsletter for Extinction Rebellion. It's also been the perfect time to dream up lots of new projects too, that I can't wait to get started! 

5. My best fried got engaged!

I had to leave this one until last because it is definitely the best. My best friend since day 1 has finally got engaged to Jenson, another one of my closest friends. It may not have come as much of a shock, but it was no less exciting when they came round to break the news. The news has certainly made my summer, and it's something to look forward to too as we start celebrating the engagement!
A personalised wedding planner for the happy couple

Of course, we still don't know the exact challenges we will face in the future- covid-19 related or not. So, as we continue to face new circumstances, let's continue to stay safe, stay kind to others, and stay thankful for what we have.

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