i s n’t linear

The peak Covid days have faded to a distant memory for most of us now. Yet, I can’t help but reminisce on the contrast between past and present. Two years ago, I was sitting alone in my bedroom, wondering if my classmates would ever become familiar faces, or if this was it. One year ago, I was sitting in the library with a face mask on, furiously typing away at an essay and trying to keep my distance from other people. This year, I’m sitting with my classmates, sharing ideas and alleviating stress.

The pandemic was an unnatural time, and the effects of it have ricocheted throughout the year like sun rays through a glass prism - creating rainbows and casting shadow. While normality has been a joy this past year, the memory of a different time always lurked in a hidden corner. Lecture halls were unknown territory for many of us. Social events were populated by classmates meeting in-person for the first time, and once connoisseurs of the ceilidh having to re-learn the steps. Societies were full of people excited to try something new after years of boredom - developing new skills, facing new challenges and getting to know new people.