By: Rebecca Capozzi | Treasurer
I think it is fair to say that we have all had a rough year. This year presented us with many challenges that we were not prepared to handle. We came into the fall 2020 semester with no expectations, because no one knew exactly how to tackle such a situation. We had a fairly smooth fall semester, causing us to unfortunately get a little too comfortable during the beginning of the spring semester. We all know how that played out. Luckily, we got back on track and have had a “normal” rest of the semester.
I would say that this year was difficult for me mostly because I came to the realization that I am not getting the traditional college experience. Before I started college, my mother would always say to me, “College will be the best four years of your life. Do not let anything take away from that.” I did not have a choice in my college experience being taken away from me. I had the best time during my first semester and a half of college, but it was then completely pulled out from under me. Going from a mostly normal freshman ear of college to college during a global pandemic has been a very difficult transition, as I am sure it has been for everyone else.
Everyone has had their own ways with dealing with the changes of this past year. I am going to share some of the things that got me through my sophomore year academically, and, of course, mentally. Some of these are serious, and some are a little silly. But by sharing these, I hope to inspire you all and give you ways to make yourself feel good.
- Drives on Ocean Drive: Basic, I know. But drives on OD are really good for the soul. I do not have my own car on campus, so my drives on OD are always with my friends. When we go on our drives, we blast music, talk about life, or just stare at the waves. All of these things can be extremely therapeutic. I feel as though drives on OD are a perfect way to reset, whether it is after a long week, a hard test, or just a rough day. There is nothing that a trip to OD cannot help.
- Walks on the Cliff Walk: This is similar to trips to Ocean Drive, but more accessible for those of us without cars on campus. Whenever it is nice outside and I do not have anything planned, I take the time to take a walk on the Cliff Walk, whether it is for 15 minutes or an hour. Sometimes I walk, or sometimes I just sit on a bench and look out at the water. My time on the Cliff Walk is some of the only time that I get to spend alone, so I really value this time to myself. You can have the best or worst day, and a walk on the Cliff Walk will still make you feel refreshed.
- Levitating by Dua Lipa and DaBaby: This song gives me serotonin. It is absolutely addicting. I honestly do not think there is something that this song cannot fix, at least temporarily. I am not completely sure why I love this song so much if I am going to be completely honest. Either way, I cannot even tell you how many times I have listened to this song, and I have somehow not gotten tired of it. So, whenever you are feeling down and need a boost, just blast this song once, or maybe even five times. I guarantee you that no one is judging.
- Miley’s chicken nuggets: Chicken nugget Fridays, or Thursdays during Lent, are part of what got my through the week. There is nothing like sitting down at the end of the week after your last Friday class and enjoying some chicken nuggets with your friends. They are always delicious. Like drives on Ocean Drive, Miley’s chicken nuggets are good for the soul. I am actually writing this while eating Miley’s chicken nuggets, so I am very happy.
- Using my free time wisely: Using your free time wisely is so important for both your academics and your mental health. This semester, I finally figured out how important time management is. Whenever I had free time during the week, especially in between classes, I always made sure to get some kind of homework done. Admittedly, I slacked off plenty of times. However, I found that when I got my homework done during my weekdays, it would leave me more free time at night and on the weekends. It was really the best feeling to get back from dinner and not have much homework to do. Also, using your free time wisely does not necessarily mean that you have to be doing homework whenever you have the opportunity to. This can also be taking the time to take a mental health break. If you feel that you need a break, take one. In the end, your mental health is the most important thing.
- Quality time with friends: Making time for your friends is just as important as making time for your homework. For many of us, our friends are what get us through our hard times. If spending time with your friends is what is going to help you get through the week, then spend time with your friends. I find that even taking the time to sit with my friends in Miley Lounge or the library to do homework makes me feel better. It is always important to have good company around you, so make sure that you are making time for that company.
- Quinn XCII’s Album, Change of Scenery II: There are several reasons as to why this album has helped me through these past few weeks of my sophomore year. First, it is so cool that this album was created in Newport. Newport is so special to me and I find it so incredible that other people, especially well-known artists, recognize how amazing this place is as well. Also, this album is amazing! It is the perfect album to listen to while driving on Ocean Drive or just doing some homework. If you listen to it while you are on Ocean Drive, you have to take a stop by Doris Terrace, of course. There is a song on the album named after this street because it is where the album was actually created. Another reason that I love this album is because of how relatable the song lyrics are. One song that stands out to me is Distracted Youth. The first verse in the song goes:
I can’t sleep ’cause I’m mentally
Locked up in an embassy of my thoughts
Slow down the intensity
I’m not built for these tendencies, so I thought
I am sure that there are many people who find these lyrics to be relatable; I know that I do. There is so much going through our minds right now, like COVID-19, school work, our future, and many more things. These thoughts consume our minds and make us feel locked inside of our own heads. It is important to realize that we are built for this and are capable of getting over these hurdles. These lyrics helped me to realize that I am not the only one going through these hardships. I hope that this helps you to realize this as well.
As finals approach, I think that it is a great idea to make a list of things that make you happy. It will keep you grounded to remember all of the little things that can make your day. It is also important to then make time for these things. In reality, when we look back on college experience, we are not going to remember that one grade we got on our final. Instead, we are going to remember the beautiful memories that we made in Newport with our friends. This is something to keep in mind for the rest of your college experience.
Cover Image: “Great Ocean Drive, Esperance” by trippinlarry is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
