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Health and Wellness

21 Lessons COVID Taught Me Before I Turned 22

Yep, my birthday is the one year anniversary of COVID being declared a global pandemic.

Jackie White

Feb 24, 2021

Texas A&M University

21 Lessons COVID Taught Me Before I Turned 22

Jackie White

There is light in the darkness.

1. To hell with the hustle

Slowing down was forced on all of us…but it has taught me to appreciate a rush-free lifestyle.

2. Life is unpredictable

It always was, but COVID further solidified my trust in an unchanging God.

3. My roommates are the best

Nothing like increased roomie time!!

4. Don't take family time for granted

If it weren't for quarantine, I would have missed the quality familial time that I needed in my last year in Texas.

5. Life changes...and that's okay.

I have learned to embrace the mountains and valleys of my experience

6. Nothing can replace in-person socialization

But zoom socialization allowed us to stay connected!

7. Communal effort makes the world go 'round

When COVID first began, we saw how "essential" we all are to our society. Here's to the nurses, the scientists, and even the sanitation workers!

8. A packed social schedule does not = contentment

Sometimes all we need is those who are closest to us…literally

9. I can be alone

As an Enneagram 7, I never thought this was possible. However, I have learned to embrace the beauty of solitude — now I crave it!

10. Frugality is actually important

Turns out, we don't need much to live a fulfilled life!

11. The outdoors are essential

As our lives have moved online, we have to be even more intentional about being screen-free. It wasn't until COVID that I began to appreciate the beauty of a sunny day and a backyard!

12. Stay humble

I don't know everything. I don't even know what tomorrow will bring. But I serve a God that does...and that is enough.

13. Humanity is fickle

The human race has come so far — we have self-driving cars, life-saving medicine, and have even landed on the moon. However, we are not invincible. It's scary, but it allows us to appreciate the gift of life.

14. Life is but a vapor

In a similar sense, my perspective of my own life has been pruned. Life is short. How do you want to spend your days?

15. There is always light in the darkness

Sometimes it takes a global pandemic for us to cultivate a heart of optimism.

16. Technology isn't all bad

Jackie White

I am the number one critic of the detriment of increased screen time. However, forums from zoom to TikTok have allowed us to stay plugged into the community.

17. There is hope for a cleaner Earth

Back in April, we witnessed how clear water became when humans left the earth alone. There is hope! Let's do something about it.

18. Humans are innovative

Drive through birthday party? Brilliant. Vaccine created in one year? Insane.

19. Productivity can be an idol

At least for me. However, we are under no obligation to use our increased free time to become the next NYTimes Best Selling Author. Relaxation is productive!

20. God is steadfast, the world is not

In an ever changing world, I have learned to cling even more to my unchanging God. It is well with my soul.

21. There are mountains just behind valleys

This year has been painful and it continues to be filled with heartbreak. However, this isn't the end. Not all hope is lost. Rejoice — the end of this pandemic is near!! But the lessons we learned will remain.

Every Good Friday, the pastor at my church says this: "it is Friday, but Sunday is coming." Some seasons of our life are like "Friday" -- darkness falls over the world and the end seems far. However, Sunday is always in our future! Rejoice, for the Lord makes beautiful things out of the dust.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

21 Lessons COVID Taught Me Before I Turned 22

Yep, my birthday is the one year anniversary of COVID being declared a global pandemic.

1. To hell with the hustle

2. Life is unpredictable

3. My roommates are the best

4. Don't take family time for granted

5. Life changes...and that's okay.

6. Nothing can replace in-person socialization

7. Communal effort makes the world go 'round

8. A packed social schedule does not = contentment

9. I can be alone

10. Frugality is actually important

11. The outdoors are essential

12. Stay humble

13. Humanity is fickle

14. Life is but a vapor

15. There is always light in the darkness

16. Technology isn't all bad

17. There is hope for a cleaner Earth

18. Humans are innovative

19. Productivity can be an idol

20. God is steadfast, the world is not

21. There are mountains just behind valleys

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Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

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11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

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15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

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You have no problem with peeing in the water.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

1. My school is incredibly unique.

2. I am not just a number at my school.

3. I feel like I am contributing something to the community.

5. My professors know me and I feel that I can easily communicate with them.

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