Editorial: Where to Turn When Everything is Online

This pandemic has been (and will continue to be) rough for all of us. We’re all feeling stressed, burnt out, and worried. It’s not always easy to deal with, especially as a college student.

All of our classes have changed, and it’s hard to adjust to an entirely new system so quickly. Plus, many of us have lost our jobs, or are forced to work with the public every day despite the risk it poses to us.

Some of us had to abruptly move when quarantine began, too, which could mean living in more expensive housing, living farther away from family, or stuck living in unhealthy, abusive environments.

Most of us also know someone who had COVID-19 or may have even had it ourselves. Many college students are starting this semester with additional health problems or mourning the loss of loved ones.

When we’re still stuck inside all the time, it’s hard to know where to turn. The coping mechanisms we used before COVID-19, like meeting with our friends, spending time with family, and getting out of the house, aren’t available to us anymore.

What can you do? The Insider wants to help you answer that question.

This issue, we talked to faculty and staff about resources for students in need. Whether you need financial assistance, help getting food, or counseling, there are people available to help you.

I encourage students to use the resources available at the Counseling Center. At this link, you’ll find instructions on how to set up an appointment, as well as a list of local emergency contacts.

Like I said before, this is an unprecedented global emergency. It is absolutely justified to need help right now. Please, if you need help, reach out.

If you can offer support to the people you know, whether it be emotional or material support, please do so. We could all use some extra assistance, too.

But I have to say, considering we’re all desperately trying to stay alive in the face of an unprecedented global virus, with no help from our government, we’re doing really well.

We’re enrolled in college right now, during a global pandemic. No matter what your grades are, the fact that you have the strength to do that is admirable.

Having enough energy to get out of bed and turn your computer on for the day is admirable, too. Being able to force yourself into the shower and taking care of your hygiene is worthy of a celebration. Being motivated enough to still reach out to the people you love is difficult, particularly when you can only talk virtually.

You should be proud of yourself.

Don’t hold yourself to the same standards you did last fall. Now is different. This is uniquely challenging, and you deserve gentleness and grace.

Be kind to yourself. Reach out if you need help, because no one is facing this alone.

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Other stories from vol. 13, issue 2:
Remembering Alina Sheykhet
Pitt-Greensburg Creates New Dorm Visitation Policy for Pandemic
Hall Olympics Take Over Campus
Campus Close-Up
Dr. Campbell Catapults Cantaloupes in First Clusterchuck
“Troubled Blood” for J.K. Rowling
Stream Your Heart Out: “The Devil All the Time”
Stream Your Heart Out: “The Boys”