Dear society,

In times of uncertainty and anxiety,

It is not helpful to invalidate your feelings.

It is important to know that it is normal to feel.

It is important to mourn what was lost,

To mourn the laughs we won't get to experience.

To mourn the memories we won't get to make.

To mourn the semester we won't get to have.

To mourn the events we won't get to go to.

It is important to acknowledge the feelings that come with sudden change,

To sit with the despair for the loss we experience.

To sit with the anxiety that comes with uncertainty.

To sit with the overwhelmingness that comes with unprecedented times.

To sit with the loneliness that comes with isolation.

But

We must not let these feelings wash over us because,

It is in these uncertain times that we are reminded of the good in the world

We must express gratitude for the things we have been given,

For the friendships we have that make leaving so hard

For the second homes we've created in our schools and universities

For the technology that connects us when we are far apart

For the community that's being formed to fight for the health of our world

In times like these,

We must be patient.

We must be kind.

We must be loving.

We must be understanding.

But most importantly,

We must remember that although we are on different continents, countries, or territories

We are all in this together,

Fighting against the same enemy.

Fighting for the same cause.

So

Let's act like it.