Messages

"The early bird catches the worm " - Sedonah Breech

"Mental Health is dropping, but I haven’t stopped trying."

"COVID-19 has impacted my mental health greatly and caused some very low and lonely points for me, but has also helped me learn coping mechanisms and going back to therapy again and trying to work on myself and become better "

"In the beginning of COVID-19, I was disappointed that I could not travel anywhere because each state had their own restrictions. I was also disappointed that I could not see my friends or family. Throughout quarantine, I came up with some creative activities at home that kept myself busy. I stayed in touch with my family and friends through social media platforms and zoom so we can all stay connected. "

"COVID-19 has drastically altered the college experience that I thought I would have. My 21st birthday came and went without celebration, my dog passed without me saying goodbye, I did not get to see my family for a whole year, my study abroad program canceled, the fires forced me to wear 2 masks - one to protect myself and one to protect others. This year was not at all what I expected and while it was full of hurt and sorrow, there were also moments of joy and bliss. I learned a lot about myself and the people that I care about. I learned how important strong friendships are in trying times and I discovered new passions of mine when I allowed myself to take a step back and create something new. This year was definitely rough and had a very steep learning curve, but I think it made me stronger and helped me discover new things about myself and for that I am grateful. "

"I think my main take away from this time period is the importance of a healthy living. Whether that be literally through keeping spaces clean and organized, or by doing weekly mental health check-ins with your roommates and yourself! Creating a space that makes you feel happy in has been extremely vital for making a productive and encouraging environment. I have been trying to find ways to improve my personal routine and be consistent between balancing school and computer time, and staying connected with my roommates, family and friends. This is the time to try new things, learn more about something, experiment, and finally do something you have been putting off for a long time. Use this time to develop yourself and what makes you happy! "

“How COVID-19 has affected me and the people in my community…” Oof, there’s so much there. Well, I’ll start with myself, I guess. 

Nearly at the 1-year mark of everything starting to close down (and eventually flip upside down/burst into flames and freeze-over) a lot more has happened in 11 months than any year has a right to and over 2.5 million lives have been taken. Some of the events have made me hopeful while others have revealed deeper levels of existential dread than I have had to deal with before, to be honest.

I know I have changed, from a fan of button-downs with ties and beers with friends and to a sweat-pant clad near hermit. My mental health has definitely suffered. But I started teaching myself how to cut my own hair and play guitar. The good news is no one can see the back of my head in a zoom call. I have found new ways to connect and continue to explore the human capacity for resilience. 

My “community” is spread between Eugene and Portland, where my closest friends and family await my return. Here in Eugene, I go to as few occasions of sharing enclosed space with other people as possible. It’s a trade-off I make to be confident I will not unknowingly bring a potential death sentence home to my immunosuppressed sister. In Eugene, I focus my energies on the education and community activism that I value most while trying my best to not kill my houseplants. 

I think Covid-19 was a catalyst in many ways, it ripped the seams of social orders and perceptions of security. I’ve been enlivened and inspired by the increased exposure of institutionalized racism where millions of people declared in the face of a deadly pandemic that even more importantly, “Black lives matter!” I’ve been devastated by the continued violence and near-overthrow of my country’s democracy. The best and worst have been brought out in people, and the way many have let this virus shift their priorities toward empathy, community, and finding ways to transcend the limitations of social-distancing are among the best. " 

This has been a hell of a year. Looking back it's actually amazing to see how much we have lived through, and not singular events either. Not only a global pandemic, but nationwide social unrest, a chaotic presidency, an attack on our capital, and historic wildfires locally, let alone personally trying to grow after a divorce, trying to succeed in school, biting off more extracurricular projects than I can chew... And a social life? What is that even?

Reflecting on this past year makes me appreciate the growth that I have experienced in this time. These events are all challenging by themselves, but dealing with them together is been especially unrelenting. Watching as communities have adapted has been pretty amazing to witness. I have seen communities really come together in support of one another. I have seen people risk themselves to care for others and to continue to provide services to the general population. In trying times lie the opportunities to rise to the occasion. Personally I feel like I have gained more emotional maturity, more connection with myself, greater leadership skills, a higher resilience to states of turmoil. Still working on that time management thing though.

I have some trepidation about what we will experience as the "aftermath" of this pandemic. The businesses lost and the livelihoods put in jeopardy from losing their source of income and/or their place to live. A furthering wage gap between the wealthy and the working class. Increased automation within the workforce which is going to continually put people out of jobs (slightly unrelated but still an issue)... I hope we can get vaccinations to everyone who wants them so we can open up our social circles and activities again. I hope we can soon safely go back to in person schooling. I hope businesses are allowed to open and function unimpeded.

Above everything, I hope we can move towards more caring communities. It seems to me that a lot of people have an "every person out for themselves" attitude instead of having more care for our neighbors. It takes work and effort to make these connections and to provide for one another, but we would all be stronger because of it.

-Joshua Fox