Learning How to be Okay with 2020 Not Going as Planned

The year of 2020 was EXTREMELY different to say the very least. I have hit my lowest of lows, but surprisingly also hit some pretty high highs. I think that on one hand the pandemic has been really hard on me because it has taken away some of the life experiences I have dreamed about my entire life. For example, I finally got the chance to study abroad for the semester in Florence, Italy which was something I had looked forward to my entire life. When I was starting to get the into the swing of things, I planned out my spring break to Croatia, my dream trip to ride camels in Morocco and visit my friends in Barcelona, Spain, but all of this was scratched when my study abroad experience was cut short unexpectedly. The pandemic truly did put a reach in my plans when I had to come home abruptly, which was very upsetting considering I had so much to look forward to during my study abroad. When I got home I was sobbing crying because I got robbed of that experience. However, on the bright-side, at least I got to go at all. The other grades at UNC-Chapel Hill didn’t even get a chance to study abroad because of the pandemic. Therefore, as time passed, my outlook changed on the situation and I am thankful that I got to go experience traveling abroad with the most incredible group of people. When I look back at pictures and videos of my experience I have the opportunity to reminisce that I got to study abroad, which made me grow exponentially as a person.

Another downside of the pandemic was that my senior year was not at all what i thought it was going to be like, which made me sad at times. However, on the flip side I think we have spent more time together as a grade and have had some calmer moments that have brought us together and truly do hold a special place in my heart. Not to mention, we could all bond over and rant about the pandemic.I have spent more time reflecting in 2020 than any other year before. I think it is about how the year started and ended and how different it is and sometimes I compare it to previous years at UNC-CH, but I found that to only overthink everything. Therefore,I have really tried to live in the moment and enjoy every last bit of my year at my favorite place on earth, UNC Chapel Hill. I think that the pandemic has made me appreciate the little things in life and not overthink as many things when events don't happen exactly as they should due to the pandemic. Therefore, it has made me appreciate experiences even more than I usually would because I just feel lucky that I get to experience them in the first time. My senior year has been different to say the least, but it sure has been sweet!