COVID-19 Graduation Reflection

It is now September 2020 and it seems like the COVID-19 pandemic started just yesterday. It has all passed by in a flash. The pandemic has given me many blessings but also many things to reflect upon.  

When I graduated college in May of 2020, I had no idea what to expect. I had no idea what I would do post-grad; I was afraid of the unknown. I am someone who plans every little thing, and this was the worst-case scenario for me. Even though I was scared, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught me many lessons. 

1) Taking a break from school, social media and life is OKAY

2) Our community bond is EVERYTHING

3) Be compassionate to other people; you may not know what they're going through

Once I graduated, I realized I was being super selfish. Why was MY class the one to not walk the stage at graduation? Why did I have to miss out on all of the fun graduation activities? Why did this pandemic have to come NOW once everything was beginning to fall into place? I just wanted a few more days with my friends by my side. 

However, I soon realized that not planning the future may have been a blessing for me. After spending two months at home, I was finally able to move into my new apartment in Baltimore. I was getting ready to be a grad student full time. 

In Baltimore, I was going on more walks and going to campus often. I got a job as a preschool teacher at one of my local churches. I was able to find God again in such a dark time in my life. I also met someone who has made me incredibly happy. We bonded a lot during this pandemic and our relationship is now going strong. It was truly such a blessing to have him in my life during such a confusing and scary time in our lives. He has become someone who I have now been able to call my person. 

Overall, even though COVID-19 may have been unexpected for a lot of us, it has truly given me time to reflect on the blessings in my life. It has helped me build my relationships with new people and with God, to make them even stronger. 

HUGE shoutout to Borden Media for the amazing photos!

https://bordenmedia.wixsite.com/bordenmedia