Ever since I first began attending at three years old, I have enjoyed school. I love learning new things, seeing my friends and classmates, participating in clubs and activities, and having a structured schedule. School provides me with all of these things, which I am grateful for, but towards the end of high school, school became synonymous with stress. So, although I still enjoyed going, I would often exclaim, “I just need a break!”
Well, now my “break” is here, and I really wish it was gone. Sure, I have enjoyed some of my newfound free time by painting, completing puzzles with my grandma, catching up on all of the TV shows that I missed, and playing Rummikub with my family. Still, I miss so many aspects of school, and in particular, college, that I can’t replicate at home. I miss late nights in my dorm room with my roommate, bonding over our lack of sleep while laughing at some absurd video we just saw on Instagram. I miss passing people unexpectedly in the dining hall and being greeted with a big smile and a wave. I miss walking to class every day, even when I had to hike all the way up to McDowell, and, dare I even say it, I miss going to my Organic Chemistry Lab.
I’m thankful that technology has allowed me to stay connected with some of my friends and floormates, and allowed my classes to continue in a semi-normal manner. I know that things won’t be exactly as they were only a month ago, but it’s comforting to have some semblance of normalcy. With classes back up and running after our impromptu spring-break, I am beginning to feel things settle back into place and progress towards what will now be the norm for several months (at least).
So, how am I doing? In short, similar to many of my classmates, I’m okay. I am trying to do the best I can given the current circumstances. I could be better, but I could also be much worse, so I am trying to focus on the positives. I’m grateful that my family is safe, and that as a result of this pandemic, we are getting to spend more time together. However, in the back of my mind, I can’t help but think about all that my classmates and I missed by not being at Delaware this semester. I’m allowing myself to feel sad about this, for it is a valid feeling to have, even with the constant stress that looms in the air about so many more significant problems, like the effects of COVID-19 on the economy and the death toll of the virus. However, these things are mainly beyond my control, so I am doing my part by staying indoors and trying to keep my head up as we become adjusted and progress towards the new normal.
-Renea Briner
English 110 Honors Spring 2020 
Renea,
I loved your intro comparing your life to a puzzle right now, especially because that is exactly how I’m currently feeling. I’m glad you’re finally feeling like everything is coming back together and you’re finding some more structure in your daily routine!
It’s really crazy and sad to think about the fact that there are so many different aspects of college that we were unable to fully experience and I’m definitely missing the atmosphere and social setting of college as well!
I really liked how you reflected on your situation, expressed gratitude, and how honest you were about your current feelings. I also loved that you ended on a note of positivity as that’s the attitude that I think we all need to have right now! I hope that adjusting to online classes hasn’t been too overwhelming for you and that you and your family stay safe!
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Comparing life in the past couple weeks to a puzzle is pretty spot on in my opinion. There was so much chaos and confusion in the first few days with emails telling us to go home and then more emails telling us to come back and get our stuff and then even more emails saying never mind, just stay home. With classes starting, things are settling down, though. Being sad about all of this is definitely valid, but like you said, it’s out of our control. Seeing hard times fall on everyone around me and not being able to do anything about it except stay inside has been frustrating for me. It’s good that you have been able to maintain a positive attitude through these troubling times. I hope that you continue to stay well.
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I relate to your posts on many aspects and as someone who completed an ungodly amount of puzzles during our spring break the picture drew me in. I think you spoke for many college students when you said that although you have desired a break since the end of high school, we did not enjoy the one that we got. I also feel as though things did not start coming together for me until classes started because having no schedule was extremely detrimental to my mental health and my sleep schedule. I appreciate the fact that you unapologetically expressed that you miss college, and that you acknowledged that although there are bigger issues like the effects of the coronavirus, your feelings remain valid. I am glad to see that are beginning to experience some sense of normalcy in this hectic time, and I hope that you continue to keep a positive outlook on the global situation as things continue to fall into place. I hope you are staying safe and healthy!
Sarina Simpson
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From your very first sentence, I found your post both relatable and captivating. I think using the puzzle metaphor is a great way to describe both the world and our emotions as we try to create a different picture from what has been broken apart. Not feeling connected to even the smallest social interactions like passing people in the dining hall has also taken a toll on me. I like how in your third paragraph you repeat sentences with “I miss” because it helps to emphasize how many things have been shaken due to our current circumstances. I also really liked how you ended your post with gratitude and humbling anecdotes. I, too, have been struggling with validating my emotions when there are so many people in worse circumstances right now. It is truly surreal to be living through such a historical time, but the prospects of the amazing things that will happen once this is over is something to be hopeful for. I hope you stay well and continue putting together puzzles, I can’t wait to see you!
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^ Cally Carmello
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