We know the following to be true in the age of COVID-19. Distance learning is a challenge to our education, athletic career, social life, mental health, and eyes. In our daily lives, health precautions are sometimes a pain, a controversy, or a life-saver.
Headlines pop up once a while, describing a corona-virus infected person putting others at risk by venturing to the grocery store during their two weeks of self-quarantine, or a party held at a college with social distancing rules ignored completely.
This leads us to questions concerning values and our behavior. How should we behave during a pandemic? How should we approach the fact that we are in one?
Personally, I believe that we should take the time to reflect- to take heed of the current situation, and become a better version of ourselves. The time given to us now will not return. Ponder on what possessions you may currently possess that others may not have, whether that be a house, WiFi, method(s) of transportation, a backyard, or siblings. In La Canada, we are considerably privileged in various ways we may have not realized before. Think about the unwitting advantageous position you may have- the ability to receive an education when others can’t.
As a result, this is a time to contemplate on the subject of “us”. A time for us to take a perhaps, much-needed break and ponder about ourselves, our identities, and what our purpose in life is.
If not the former, check out the steps below.
First, try and reflect upon your mindset. Mindset is how we react to life and learning. Do you have a growth or a fixed mindset? For the former, do you believe that you and your growth is invariable? Or do you believe that you can grow and learn despite difficulties (ex. the pandemic and distance learning) and thrive because of them? That your education reflects the effort and time you invest, and not solely the abilities you are already possessing?
Second, consider your actions and their long-term impacts. What should I be focusing on? What would be an effective use of my time?
Third, is the magic word: grit. Try and stick to your plans and priorities. Maintain a schedule every day. Keep good habits, for school or for hobbies in which you could blow off steam.
Fourth, jot down a brief list of what you are thankful for- whether it be your parents, pet, education, or friends. This will hopefully motivate you and keep your eyes forward to the future and the poten. Making the best of what we currently have will give us the tools to institute change.
Let’s step up to be the best version of ourselves. As the young but rising generation, we should take on the task of changing others around us positively. The world needs leaders and scientists and engineers and artists. What perspective do you have in life right now? For yourself and for the people you care about? For the world and community you live in?
Make the world a better place. But first, change your mindset.
