3 minute read
Consistent connections
Students and alumna who are separated from loved ones remain connected through technology and consistent habits
Students and an alumna who were planning to travel and see family over the holidays, instead found themselves separated from loved ones due to COVID-19 regulations. They said however, they were grateful for technology that helped them stay connected from afar.
Madi Gemmell, an alumna from Arizona who studied psychology, explained her and her fiancé at the time’s plans were canceled because of COVID-19 strict travel restrictions. “It was hard having the restrictions, which caused our flights to be canceled to see each other this year, but I am thankful for the technology that still allowed our relationship to flourish in the meantime.”
Before their marriage, Gemmell was separated from her husband, Tyrell Gemmell, for 10 months due to the pandemic. The two would pray and read their scriptures together each night and see each other before he went to work via FaceTime, she explained.
Gemmell explained, “Our plan was actually to go to New Zealand to spend Christmas with my fiancé’s family; however, due to COVID and the required two-week quarantine in New Zealand, we can’t get our visa and get there soon enough.”
She said, instead, “I am back with my family here in Arizona, and we will be seeing them for the holidays.”
Becca Burge, a sophomore from Oregon studying biomedical science, said, “I am planning on going home for Christmas. Not for Thanksgiving, unfortunately, again this year. My grandma was going to fly to me this year for Thanksgiving but decided not to given COVID and all the restrictions Hawaii still has.”
Burge said she is close with her family and speaks with them daily by phone to maintain a connection. She shared she wants to do something special for the holidays by “sending
BY EMILY CASSLER
Madi and Tyrell Gemell stayed connected over FaceTime. Photos provided by Madi Gemell
postcards just so people have something fun to get in the mail, and I’ll be making handmade gifts from Hawaii for my family, so they feel connected to me during the holidays.”
When distance seems to weigh heavy on someone’s relationship and they might start to feel discouraged, Gemmell advised consistency communication is key. “I know every relationship is so different and complex. What I learned the most was even when it feels like your relationship is stagnant because of the lack of physical connection, it still has the capability to move if you allow it to.
“For us, that was consistency. We built up consistent habits, such as being sure to talk each morning and night, involving scripture study and praying, and this helped us move into the next phase of our lives. By doing this, we were able to learn sacrifice and hard work to make time for the other person.”
Not only can consistency help maintain a connection, but also Gemmell explained how these habits can help relationships grow. “We were also able to grow spiritually. Along with that, there will be times when it feels hopeless and like all efforts aren’t working.
“To that, I say to remember the promise in the Book of Mormon that there is opposition in all things. Remember the most difficult situation in your life could perhaps be your greatest blessing on the way. Stay hopeful.”
Emma Eddington, a sophomore from Oregon studying psychology, said she considers herself lucky because she will be able to travel between her hometown and Laie during the holidays as long as she takes a COVID-19 test.
“I’m excited to be able to connect with my family and friends anytime I want to once COVID ends. Right now, it’s hard to justify traveling unless it’s a special occasion since pretravel testing can be expensive.
“I’d love to be able to fly home whenever I want, but COVID complicates that. I look forward to the time after COVID ends when there are no traveling implications or requirements.”
