Finding the Positives in a Pandemic

By Amanda Kaplowitz

Included in Spring 2021 Magazine

It’s probably no shocker that the first line that comes to my mind when starting this piece is: COVID-19 turned my world upside down. It’s pretty apparent that this past year has been anything but normal, and everyone’s lives did a complete 180° when the pandemic hit. Times were definitely tough, and my freshman and sophomore years of college were not at all what I thought they would be. 

But, being the positive person I am, I saw the Coronavirus as a challenge for me to find the good in the crazy, turbulent, mask-wearing world that I was thrown into. While it was certainly difficult having to let go of my routine and alter my usual way of life, I ultimately was able to pinpoint some really valuable takeaways from this hectic year. 

For one thing, I wholeheartedly believe that Corona strengthened my relationships and allowed me to find who truly mattered in my life. Since physical connection was limited during quarantine, I was forced to make the extra effort to keep in touch virtually, which further cemented my friendships. Then, this school year, I was spending so much time with the people around me due to the COVID restrictions, that it forced me to develop even stronger bonds. I feel so close to the friends I’ve made during this whirlwind of a year since we went through this journey together and always leaned on one another. 

Not having classes in person and getting the opportunity to make “school friends” was also a change. Sitting next to someone in a Bailey Hall class, working on group projects in Mann, or even running into acquaintances in Zeus, all became things of the past. Online classes meant finding new ways to foster social interactions, and despite partaking in my fair share of awkward breakout rooms, making friends virtually was a unique and rewarding experience. 

Another positive is all of the time I had alone to reflect. At first this was admittedly scary. Going from being constantly surrounded by people and living with a roommate to quarantine and essentially isolation was a shock to the system. But, having the time to sit with my thoughts and take things at a slower pace was something I never really knew I needed. Even returning to campus in August provided me with an opportunity to continue to take a lot more time to myself given the scaled-back nature of this year. 

I know this sounds cheesy, but I do think that the pandemic changed me as a person. I used to be  very routine-oriented and had to always plan out my days; I love structure. When my life became a lot less busy and everything went virtual, I had to adapt. I learned that it’s okay to not have everything planned out because– as the outbreak of Coronavirus made abundantly clear– you really never know what life will throw at you. This may seem obvious to some, but I think the pandemic taught me how to slow down and live in the moment. 

So, was this how I thought the first two years of my time at Cornell would be? 100% not. Hardly anyone could have predicted that a global pandemic would lead to completely virtual instruction, COVID testing three times a week, multiple dining hall closures, and Cornell life as we once knew it entirely transformed.

Yet, when I reflect on this unusual journey of college-during-corona, I can finally see the light. With vaccinations and re-openings, I now realize how much I have learned and grown during this past year. To say I wouldn’t change a thing is certainly an overstatement, but everything definitely happens for a reason and I’m grateful for what I’ve gained.