Dear Students, Hang In There...

A melody stopped in the middle of a song, an unfinished canvas,

A poem that swallowed its words in a hurry, a semester brought to a halt.

Dear  Student,

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought forth a situation like no other-from one end of the world to the other–the unthinkable happened as powerful nations, cities and communities hurtled into the unknown. Our normal life came to a halt -in some places it was slow and in others, an abrupt harsh move towards a shutdown. Suddenly, we were devoid of a ‘present’ and uncertain of a ‘future’.

As you adjust to a new normal of social distancing, isolation, cramped quarters, rules and regulations-it is legitimate to feel angry, confused, lonely, bored and uncertain. These emotions will possibly engulf you–push you towards a tantrum or maybe even the spiralling depths of stress. I wish, I could tell you-there is an easy way out but, like you, I have no definite answers. What I can tell you is that history has ample proof of the human resilience to face, combat and emerge stronger on the face of any disaster. This too shall pass and it surely will.

In many ways, you and your generation is the most equipped to deal with the new altered reality which calls for an enhanced virtual presence. We believe that the post millennial (and millennial to some extent) is digitally agile and best equipped to merge the real and the virtual world with ease. You are in that wonderful age group that is curious, inquisitive, unafraid to share your views, redefine boundaries and quick to adapt to change. Research has pointed out that you are driven  by purpose more than any other generation and offer great diversity in thought and action; you also are free of many of the baggage in relation to community, colour, religion that your elders may carry. With the opportunity to engage with a multitude of young adults in our role as educators and counsellors, we completely validate the findings and truly believe that the present generation of young adults will truly be change makers of the future.

As we adapt to new ways of living–social distancing, work from home, online deliveries, exercise programs which necessitate navigating technology-you actually are in a position to assume the role of a leader in your homes and communities.

With your classes resuming online-it’s important to shake off the angst and listlessness and rewire your mind.  

1. Set up a routine-adding structure to your day gives you a sense of purpose. Your online classes will start soon-maybe, you are in a different time zone-slot the remaining hours around this. 
2. Factor in a schedule for exercise- workout, yoga, cycling, running, walking-wherever permitted.
3. Talk-to your parents, family, friends, therapists, counsellors-You are not alone.
4. Practice social distancing but connect with your friends on virtual space-engage in discussions, games, musical performances-even hook up to see your favourite TV shows together on the virtual platform.
5. Learn a new ‘old’ skill-cooking, sewing, knitting, gardening-they are great stress busters and also give you an opportunity to create something for friends and family. 
6. Your parents are also unlearning and learning-you could actually help them transition into the ‘work from home’ phase by enabling them to use technology successfully.
7. Read-one of the best ways to experience many lifetimes–it’s quite fascinating and motivating to read accounts of authors, poets and ordinary people who have shared their accounts of major disruptions in the past. They will inspire you with hope and a belief in the future. 

The scale of Covid19 is possibly one of the largest disruptors you will see in your lifetime. With major ongoing changes in the way the world functions, new opportunities open up to do something meaningful. For eg, Zomato and Grofer have collaborated in India to distribute groceries and food to the poor, who are dependant on daily wages for their basic necessities. Its time to think radically, and contribute however you can-small or big, every contribution counts.

At the least, you have an opportunity to record history-blog, video log, podcast.

You in your own way are making history.