Pandemic brings resilience, appreciation, and new awareness

Right alongside the masks, anxiety, and challenges that the pandemic brings are strong lessons in resilience, appreciation, kindness, and self-care. Those are reflections from Nazareth College students after completing a full semester on campus with health and safety protocols.

New perspectives are a common theme as students reflect on 2020. Kiara Román '24 of Farmington, N.Y., says, "The pandemic has made me see how the simpler things in life are more important than materialistic things." The biomedical sciences and pre-vet student says she's grown closer to her family.

Kenyetta Sloan '22, a political science major and Spanish minor from Greece, N.Y., says the pandemic has brought more anxiety and made her more shy. Among the helpful ways she's found to cope: "I go outside a lot more during the night and day. I enjoy stargazing now. I also found that meditating and writing works for me. Everyone has their own thing, so it's about finding what brings you peace and makes you feel the most centered." She adds that comedy and sci-fi shows offer a great break from reality.

The pandemic also has brought more time with loved ones and made Kenyetta "appreciate time and the fact that tomorrow is unpredictable. Love on your family today, not tomorrow." Her three siblings each enjoy doing different things, "so I meet them where they are. They don't have to do the things I enjoy."

Tyler Young '22, a psychology major with minors in biology, honors, cognitive neuropsychology, and developing child and families who's from Brewerton, N.Y., echoed many students in saying this time of disruption gave him a "new sense of gratitude and appreciation for those around me." The way he's paying that forward: "By being kind and understanding toward others and supporting them as much as I can."

Bailey Elizabeth Robinson '22, a studio art major from Farmington, N.Y., has "a newfound appreciation for the essential workers that keep the world moving, from frontline workers to janitorial staff." She tries to give back by sharing openly on social media her great respect for all people — "all races, all ages, all genders, all sexualities. I want everyone to feel seen and heard in these unprecedented times. I started a mental health based TikTok (@_....bailey..._) and hope to help people through everyday daily affirmations."

Paying it forward

Many students embraced the question about how they can support others. Haley Maziarz '23, of Walpole, Mass., says, "Paying it forward is really important to me." The inclusive early childhood/childhood education and psychology major plans to continue being a board member and a mentor in Best Buddies with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "I can also pay it forward by following protocols and keeping Rochester and Nazareth safe when we return in the spring."

Sydney Fina '22, a music therapy major from North Syracuse, is likewise doing her part "in protecting myself and others as we continue through this pandemic, and I will continue to be aware of my actions and how they affect other individuals. I will also keep checking in with others, and do my best to support them, just as I would do if we were gathering together in-person on a frequent basis. I will live compassionately and considerately, which this pandemic has reminded me to do."

Skylar Crysler '24, a communication sciences and disorders major from Elbridge, N.Y., has discovered ways to cope with stress — and now realizes she loves to paint. "I will be giving my paintings as gifts this Christmas and showing people it's the little things that matter," she says.

Brianna McDermott '22, of Seneca Falls, N.Y. who's majoring in inclusive early childhood/childhood education and American studies, is giving back between semesters: "I am tutoring children during my break since distance learning has affected so many children in the basics like reading and math."

Nursing major Richelle Laitenberger '21, of Rochester, has learned to slow down, appreciating how precious time is. "I spread kindness and give in ways that I can. Sometimes it's financially, spiritually, or verbally. I try to do as much as I can for other people without running myself dry."

Coping skills

Coping with the challenges of the pandemic has brought life lessons that students say they will hold onto. As Min Gonzalez '23, of Greece, N.Y., a music education major and cellist, avoids being out in public, "I have rediscovered some of my old solitary habits that bring me joy."

Virtual yoga and meditation with friends has been a great mental health boost for Madison Darrell '24, of Baltimore, Maryland, a public history major with minors in dance and the honors program.

And sometimes you just have to encourage yourself. Advice from Joshua Theodorou, a LifePrep student from the Rochester area: "Keep on working hard. And don't give up." He says the pandemic has given him the gift of time "to do what I want to do."

Personal growth

Multiple students say this year has been a year of self-improvement — such as discovering more patience, developing a positive mindset, focusing on taking care of your health and yourself, and gaining skills at communicating well with others.

Paul Gaston '23, a music composition major from Bluff Point, N.Y., says communicating online has "given me the opportunity to get better at paying attention to context. Oftentimes it can be very difficult to understand context over something like a text message. I have gotten better at listening to what people have to say, despite the physical limitations." He uses that skill in his role as president of the large Decks and Dice club on campus. "I work with students to figure out safe meetings in smaller groups with masks and social distancing, or on Zoom. Safety is of prime significance to me."

Paul Gaston '23, a music composition major, has gained virtual communication skills and helps keep fellow students healthy.

Jacob Townsand '24, of Beaver Dams, N.Y., who's pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy, says this unusual time "allowed me to work on improving myself. This time allowed me to discover who I wanted to be." He realizes: "I want to be someone who is always improving. I want to always improve in the things I do and upon myself."

Similarly, Kyle Richardson '23, a biology and adolescence inclusive education major, says, "I feel I have had time to grow and learn more about myself. I have had time to discover new hobbies. I will likely work to spread my talents and hobbies to new people."

Jeffrey Smith '22 of Ellicott City, Maryland, a men's hockey team manager who's a biomedical sciences major with pre-dental and honors minors, also has found inspiration during the pandemic. "It's made me work harder to reach my goals. It's given me more motivation." He reinforced effective study habits that helped him do well in several difficult classes — while managing stress amid uncertainty by balancing studying with time for relaxation.

Students' new awareness, perspective, skills, and commitment to growth and kindness are strengths that are sure to help them navigate the ongoing pandemic.