Returning to campus means a lot of different things. On the hopeful side, it signifies a dying down of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects in Canada. It means possibilities for more social interactions, in-person classes, and in-person extracurriculars. There is much to be excited about. But there’s much to be worried about too. Suddenly interacting with more people than we’ve seen in a very long time, adjusting back to in-person classes, lingering fear and concern about COVID, and more.
The potential for a return to campus is exciting. It’s hopeful, and there are a lot of positive things to look forward to. But while we become excited, it’s important to keep our expectations in check. This pandemic has been rough for everyone, and it’s tempting to see a return to campus as the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. It’s easy to think of returning to campus as the last step in this process, after which things will be ‘normal’ again. We have to remember that this just isn’t true. COVID is not over, and the effects of the pandemic on social interaction and mental health are far from over as well. I say all of this not to put a damper on the excitement and joy of being able to see people in person again, but to keep my own expectations in check. I know that if I go into the Fall term expecting things to be like they were pre-pandemic, I will be seriously disappointed. And that disappointment has the potential to have a real impact on my mental health. If I go into the next term expecting things to be as they were, the only thing I can end up being is disappointed when they aren’t that way.
If instead, I go into next term remembering how difficult the past year has been, remembering the long months of not seeing any friends in-person, of quarantine, and of isolation, then I can begin to appreciate all the wonderful things about a return to in-person. If I go into the next term not thinking about all the things that aren’t the same as before, rather than thinking about all the great things we can do now that we haven’t been able to do for months, I am able to be grateful. Personally, gratitude plays a big role in my mental health. I find that remembering to be grateful for the good things in life and for the opportunities I have helps me to stay hopeful and stay in good spirits. Returning to campus will bring a lot of joy and happiness and excitement, and I would much rather experience all that joy.
It is also important to remember that a return to campus will not all be smooth and easy. Transitioning back to in-person classes means getting used to completely different lecture styles and learning styles than we have been accustomed to. It will take real time and effort to get used to being around lots of people again. These are real challenges, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Everyone will have a lot of adjusting to do.
I can’t wait to get back to campus where I can see people again, and attend an in-person class. That idea is incredibly exciting, but I’m very aware that it won’t all be easy. I need to be patient with myself if I have a hard time adjusting back to classes or feel overwhelmed by being around lots of people. Things are changing and it takes time to adjust.
Being mindful of your mental health and being patient with yourself can help to navigate a return to campus and make the most of an exciting (albeit stressful) change.