An illustration shows Viewpoints Staffer Eleanor Robinson riding a rollercoaster representing her freshman year during the pandemic. Robinson talked about her freshman year experience during virtual learning. Illustration by Eleanor Robinson
Viewpoints Staffer Eleanor Robinson speaks about her experience in freshman year during COVID-19 isolation, and how she grew from it.
Up and over, down and under. My life was a complete rollercoaster during the early months of the pandemic, especially during my freshman year.
The pandemic brought many sudden changes into my life. I was confined to my home for my entire freshman year, with little to no social interaction. I had to adjust quickly, all while keeping up with my school work and navigating a new school.
My motivation was slowly decreasing as I went further into the year. My room was a mess (or as my dad refers to it: a rat’s nest) and I didn’t feel like myself at all. As my missing work was piling sky high, my self-esteem plummeted.
As my missing work was piling sky high, my self-esteem plummeted.
Around the end of the year, I found myself sucked into watching endless amounts of videos on Youtube. The turning point came when videos about self-care and overcoming depression started to show in my recommended content.
The constructive content drew me in, and I began to watch more, feeling inspired to start caring about my well-being again for the first time since the pandemic started. The videos talked about ways to declutter my space, meditation, how to heal from trauma, and many more. Watching these videos motivated me to live a better life. At the end of the year, I decided to try my best at renewing myself, giving this year a chance.
Going into 2021, I realize I’ve survived a year full of hate, drama and illness. I’m still here and standing tall. I let my hair grow out, I tackled my missing work, and I even got the motivation to clean my room for once. My life was starting to turn around, and I was finally starting to feel happier.
Going into 2021, I realize I’ve survived a year full of hate, drama and illness. I’m still here and standing tall.
I hope that my sophomore year is better than my freshman year. I don’t want to experience those same struggles for a second time, so I’m working towards improvement. I am now putting more effort into my schoolwork, and I’m surrounded by loving friends and family who will support me no matter what I’m going through.
I’ve learned that it takes a lot to change and take a step in a brand-new direction. I’ve learned the importance of self-love and virtual learning taught me that lesson, which leads me to where I am today.
