A Letter from the Managing Editor

Dear reader,

This pandemic has been a trying time for many. As students, we have had to cope with the new normal that comes with social distancing and online learning. But with the loss of in-person classes and campus-wide events, I have felt the true importance of community. It’s one of those things that you don’t realize you need until it is gone.

Despite all these changes, it has been a pleasure to watch how our organization adjusted to this new normal and were able to rich relationships over video calls and online messages. Many of our members in Total Wellness have yet to physically meet one another and yet our community is very much real—so much so that it inspired the theme of this issue.

With all of the challenges it has brought, the pandemic has taught us about the importance of community and its impact on health. This publication will delve into how our relationships and interactions can influence our well-being and hopefully give you a refreshing take on how COVID-19 has impacted our lives. We cover everything from how we build social circles virtually (page 31) to how music keeps us connected (page 5). I’m excited for you to delve into this issue and learn more about the different aspects of what shapes and impacts our relationships and health.

As I step down from my position of two years, I am so grateful that I was able to take part in this great organization and I look forward to how Total Wellness will continue to grow in the future. If you want to read more, make sure to visit our website (www.totalwellnessmagazine.org) and scroll through our engaging infographics on Facebook and Instagram (@uclatotalwellness).

Cheers to our health and wellness,

Amy Choi Managing Editor