The return of in-person learning flocks many back to campus after a 17-month hiatus. The return of bright eyes sharing excitement towards the new year, walking away from the endless nightmare of zoom calls and deadlines that only stared closer as the hours would pass.

Now is the time for new bearings and beginnings. Dancing within a new image which covid broke, showing who we are with no filter, no filler, and no remorse. For some, it was a time of renewal within the days, while others saw the beauty in the darkness rather than the light.

“My covid experience was good because I learned a lot about myself, but bad because I learned more about mental health. More than I would’ve known before and I think that’s good, it kind of learned what I was on the inside and what it means to judge people. Just really worked on myself.” Mason Heath said

“I think personally that it made me better. Made me think about new goals that I actually have for myself, to have more inspiration to grow.” Raquel Lopez shared.

Within covid, seeds of solitude were planted and now as we come back together, these beautiful flowers have bloomed. These petals, however colorful or dull, possess what was done with our time spent. Leaving us to question if we picked up new habits and whether they are favorable or not.

“I became more secluded to myself, not many good things picked up, to be honest. Now I just like to stay in.” Lopez said

“Sleep was awful. Sometimes I’d only get three hours of sleep, but that was the worst of it,” Heath said.

“I became static, it put a dampening on things to be at home.” Matthew Mier shared.

Yet what lessons were learned during covid, and how they will be used transitioning into the post covid world? How will a newfound stride move into a world which still stumbles upon one step?

“Yes, I learned a lot about myself and a lot about the world around me… I spent hours thinking and thinking. I think that solitude was a good thing because if there wasn’t then people wouldn’t have seen what they would see with solitude and understood whether to change it or keep it,” Heath replied, “… I think in an odd way I learned better people skills. I’m more eager to speak with people now because I really want to.”