PREVIEW
Once upon a time, our reality changed and the world became silent. The once-believed special year of 2020 that everyone was so excited for became a nightmare to all. Worried if we would ever see loved ones again, feared how much longer this pandemic would take place, trapped in our small bubbles, and wondered if we would ever go back to normal again. It has been four years… my, how the times have changed. What have we learned about ourselves, others, and our environment?
I was 17 when the world shut down and now I recently turned 22. The pandemic has taught me so many things, not just appreciating the time we have but also the smallest things. Let’s break it down:
2020: The New Reality
At the time, being a class of 2020 graduate meant losing graduation, prom, my last choir spring concert, and not being able to see fellow classmates and teachers for the last time. It felt like the end of the world when we learned those two weeks off meant we weren’t returning at all.
While it was a hard transition to accept, I learned to appreciate the memories I made during the last four years of high school. I also learned to be with my family more after being so caught up with AP homework, key club meetings, and choir practice.
My favorite memory during this time was going to the Hoover Dam. We went for a walk near the mountains. It was quiet, peaceful, and breezy during May. Then we went to a park where I watched my small Yorkie play around the grass. Since then, we’ve made it a weekly tradition.
My love for music also grew when famous singers created songs to bring us together during those beginning months of lockdown. My favorite artist, Ariana Grande, created a song called Stuck With You and it was comforting to watch the music video of not just artists but also normal people dancing with their loved ones at home. It taught me to appreciate my time with who I am with, even if there were rough patches.
2021-2022: The Dark Times
These two years were some of the most challenging moments of my life. I had started my early years of college. I survived a car accident with my mom. My family and I had COVID and my mom had to be hospitalized. I had loved and lost people in my life, I developed symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
I was stuck in fear for what felt like an eternity, and the lockdown made me feel like time was moving so slow, yet so fast. Despite the hardships I faced, I knew I had to start moving forward to a new life and a new normal.
One of my proudest moments during these two years was running my own small business, selling cosmetics while working part-time on campus so that I could support myself and my family. It felt like my first step to being independent and taking control of my life.
I also participated in various organizations and programs at school to help me get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to make new friends and feel a part of a community. The First Generation Club specifically always made me feel safe and see, where I gathered with fellow first-gen students and students of all kinds of backgrounds.
Those two years taught me that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes, it takes longer than we like,but I try to think of it as better late than never.
2023-2024: Learning and Growing
These next two years were a lot happier and I finally took the initiative to care for my mind and body more. Throughout my four years of college, I always felt like I had to constantly be on the go, or else I felt I was wasting my time. The pandemic still made me lose my sense of time, and sometimes I felt I had to do it all or accomplish so much at such a young age.
I was a full-time student, working part-time, joining several organizations, and attempting to manage my personal life. I was constantly going out more to enjoy life rather than being at home, whether it was a concert, hanging with friends, or attending a college event. It was all so amazing, thrilling, and memorable, but I lost the lesson I had learned, which was that it was okay to slow down.In late 2023, I became ill physically and mentally, so much so that it was starting to affect me and I was forced to slow down. It was then that I knew I had to create new habits and start healing my mind and body. I started this by dedicating myself to going to the gym more often.
Instead of listening to music, I would start listening to podcasts related to self-growth. My favorite one is by Tam Kaur called Self Obsessed, where she speaks on different topics about how to conquer your young adult life. It changed my mindset so tremendously that for what felt like the first time in years, I was starting to accept myself more every day. I would also finally dedicate time to other forms of personal care such as skin care, reading, journaling, and reconnecting with my inner child by watching old movies/shows.
These two years taught me that, yes, do all the fun things I want to do in my life, especially with others; however, that I should also learn to be in my own space. In addition, do not forget to take care of yourself because sick days are equally as important as mental health days. The pandemic has taught us to be cautious with our physical health, but sometimes we forget to take care of our mental health.
AFTERMATH
Four long years it has been. We all saw and experienced so much in that amount of time. Sometimes, it’s hard to keep track of all the adventures and stories to remember. I’d like to share one of my favorite journal prompts for any writers or anyone new to journaling. It is called the Five Minute Journal where you take three minutes every morning to write your gratitude and goals, and two minutes every night writing down your highlights. It is a nice way to reflect on your past journey and a good challenge to focus on the present time. What I love about this journal is that each page not only has motivational quotes, but also has weekly challenges.
Another thing I like about this journal is that it has a reward and a do-over system of your choosing. For example, if I complete all five journal entries of the week then I would give myself a sweet treat. However, if I miss a couple of entries then I would not be on social media for the week to help me focus on my journal entries. I struggled for the longest time, having anxiety about my future while also focusing too much on the past. I was never the type to write down my thoughts, but this journal introduced me to being more focused, appreciating the small and big things in life, and motivating me to complete my goals.
Even though this journal is supposed to be short and simple it can still be challenging to commit five days of the week to it. What helped me in addition to the rewards system is setting scheduled reminders that I know I can dedicate time to. We easily look at our phones as it is, I know I do, so I thought it would be the most helpful way to not forget about my journal entries. I would set it at 8 am to start my day with gratitude and around 10 pm to reflect. Also, for those who like to write away without prompts, there is a section of blank pages to write anything you like.
See the image below of sample prompts:
Bringing back the question whether it be in the past or present day, “What have we learned about ourselves, others, and our environment?” I learned so much these past four years, which was that it was okay for me to slow down, how I learned the beauty of nature, and learned to feel gratitude towards my loved ones.
This summer I wanted to challenge myself by being on my own more to discover new levels of independence and learn to be comfortable in my own space.
About the Author
Viviana Hernandez is an intern for LYF as their Admin & Wellness Coordinator. She attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in spring ‘24.
Viviana loves music, dancing, and reading. She enjoys watching movies/shows, going on coffee dates, and shopping!
Instagram: @vivixhdez
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