Dear college student,
I know you probably feel overwhelmed with the many changes happening in your life right now due to Covid-19. You had planned on just going back to school and attending class as usual. You planned on going to the library to study with friends or work on a group project. If you’re like me, you would do anything to go to the local coffee shop to sit, sip on a cup of joe, and take a moment just to regather.
Maybe you are a part of sports, theater, a society, a club, etc. and now all of your events, shows, meetings, gatherings, and plans are cancelled. No real warning, no time to prepare, everything is just completely different now.
And I know you must miss your friends, because I do too. I miss my friends, team mates, coaches and professors. I bet you miss the memories and the life lessons made in the classrooms, dorms, gym, cafeteria, etc. Again, if you’re like me, you take value in the time spent with those people, and now it feels like you’ve been robbed of the time you could have spent with them.
Have you wished things would just go back to normal? That thought has crossed my mind as well. But if I’m being really honest, I pray that things don’t just “go back to normal” for you or me. With all this extra time we’ve been given, what if we could create a new normal that challenges us to think more deeply and be more intentional with others and ourselves?
Ever since our world basically came to a pause, I had to take a step back and think things through. Even though you and I are grieving, this time doesn’t have to be something we think back on as a complete loss. What if this could be a time we look back on that’s very fruitful and grows us in maturity and character? I’ve come to know that life is what we make of it, and I believe wholeheartedly that we can use this time to make a difference!
Don’t slack on your school work. I know you’re tired, because I am too. Don’t procrastinate, just get it done! My tip is to take breaks in between. You don’t have to do it all at once! Doing online school can be challenging, but just keep going. You’re almost done!
Another thing, since quarantine happened we have SO much time while we are stuck at home. And because we are a society full of technology, it’s so easy to fill all that free time looking at screens. We are constantly trying to keep ourselves entertained, and I’ve learned that many of us are doing this to numb ourselves from life’s trials we don’t want to face. I want to challenge you to take some time away from the screen.
Covid-19 has given us a lot of opportunities. It’s just up to us to find them. For me, I don’t want to look back on this time and feel like I wasted it by trying to keep myself entertained. I want to look back on this time and remember that I did everything I could to think outside of the box. I want to think of others more than I think of myself.
If you’ve ever wished you had more time to do things that are good for your mental, physical, and spiritual health, here’s your chance. Don’t miss it, friend.
Call someone who might be feeling lonely. Mail someone you love a card to let them know you’re thinking of them. Get creative. If you’re a Christian, dig deeper into scripture. Talk to God, he’s working. Even if it doesn’t feel like it. Take a walk with your family members. Find out how they are doing. Be real, be honest. We are a connected society due to smartphones, computers, and internet. But don’t forget how to connect with those in front of you.
love others and yourself well, much love.
-Hannah Courtney
Live Free 
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