Lucas

“I think I’m starting to come to terms with college being over.  It comes in waves.  Some days are better than others. Some days I really, really miss it.  Other days are filled with the acceptance that my college days are behind me, and that it’s time to look ahead.  And the fact that I’m starting to have those days at all I think is a good sign.

I remember the first time I had heard about COVID-19, it was mid-January and I was listening to a podcast on the financial repercussions that the virus could bring to the world.  As the virus spread, and classes went online, and stores closed, and people lost their jobs, it felt like the world was ending.  And while it’s not ending, the speed at which certain things can come to an end has never been more evident to me.  

I had a very clear image of what Spring Quarter of my Senior year was supposed to look like.  I can literally picture the moments in my head.  Laying out on Janss Steps, the lawn at UCLA, chatting with friends at Kerckhoff, the coffee shop on campus, road trips up and down California, and ending it all by being a counselor for Camp Kesem this summer - it’s all so picturesque.  Two months ago I imagined extensive closure coming from those last 10 weeks as my college career came to an end.  As reality unfolded, I left campus with fewer goodbyes than I would have hoped for.  It’s all come to an end.

There’s still a lot of uncertainty regarding the future.  I don’t know where I’ll be in three months, and this is a scary job market to graduate into.  Unemployment rate is the highest it’s ever been, which isn’t a pleasant thought for the Class of 2020.  

With all of that being said, I’m lucky enough and extremely grateful to have a roof over my head, food on my plate, and a loving family back home.  I’ve found myself FaceTiming friends quite often, and having plenty of time to think.  “How are you?” texts have taken on a whole different meaning, and I’ve found people responding with honesty and vulnerability, at least more so than they would have before the pandemic.  I think it’s allowed people to slow down and be emotional, which can often get lost when people are always striving for progress.”