This first photo is very special to me, and it is very representative of my life this past year. It was taken on my graduation day this past June and it shows me sitting with my family. While taking classes from home was not at all how I planned on starting college, it allowed me to spend much more time with my family.
This next photo shows the setting of my entire first semester of college - my room. More specifically, it shows my desk with my laptop from which I took all my classes and also my notebook for writing notes and reminders. I wish I could have experienced lecture halls and dorm rooms, but this is the best I could do for now.
This is probably the photo most representative of 2020 that I have, as it shows my mother and I standing in a socially-distanced line on Election Day, wearing our masks, as we waited to cast our ballots.
One of the most important ways I was able to stay sane during the chaotic year of 2020 was by going to the gym. Working out is very therapeutic to me, and I consider it essential for both my physical and mental health. This photo was taken on November 18th and it shows me with my mask on standing at a squat rack.
This next photo is a point-of-view shot that I took at my friend's apartment in Philadelphia on September 20th. I find it very important to make time to visit friends, especially during such trying times when we are basically encouraged to spend time alone. My friend's cat named Tokyo couldn't get enough of me as he sat on my lap!
A big part of my year was my landscaping job that I worked at Monday through Friday all summer. This photo, taken on July 13th, shows my co-worker Scott sitting in the back of one of our trucks as we drive in the rain. I originally took it because I thought it was funny (we are good friends), but I decided to include it in this photo essay because the way he sits with his head down as the rain pours on him is very symbolic of the depressing year that 2020 has been.
I decided to include this photo again because I see it as a perfect way to wrap up my essay. Perhaps the best part about being home from college is that I get to spend more time with my family and also my dog, Lucy! I took this photo on October 28th as Lucy slept peacefully, and it very much represents 2020 because no matter what craziness or adversity I experienced, it was wonderful to be able to chill with my dog at the end of the day. Lucy really helped me cope with everything and she continues to bring me peace and love every day.
Reflection
It is no doubt that 2020 was a year none of us expected. Personally, I was extremely excited for 2020, as it would be the year I graduate high school and begin college. I looked forward to a graduation ceremony I could share with all my friends, as well as a traditional dorm-life experience with classes in lecture halls. It is really unfortunate that I had none of that. A drive-through graduation followed by taking college classes online from home was the last way I would have expected 2020 to turn out for me. Even though 2020 was filled with disappointment, this past year taught me strength. It taught me how to make the best out of what you have and keep a positive attitude through whatever comes your way. The most important things that helped me get through the year are highlighted in my photo essay - my family, friends, exercise, and work. I was able to view this year as a productive one in which I would give 110% effort with school, reach physical goals at the gym, make money by working, and most importantly, spend time with family.
I have to say, after being almost finished with one semester, I really do not feel like a college student. I wasn't able to learn the College Park campus, make new friends, or meet professors in person. I've never stayed in a dorm room, and I've never eaten dining hall food (even though apparently I am not missing out). I can't wait until I can go to Maryland sporting events and parties, attend actual in-person classes, and actually live on my own in order to feel like a college student. Spending every day at home with my family is great, but it honestly just feels like an extension of high school. I long for the traditional college experience that I looked so forward to.
On a more positive note, it feels great to be a part of College Park Scholars. Even though I have not met anyone in person, I really do feel a sense of community especially because many other students are not living on campus it makes me feel like I am not alone. Obviously I wish I could have heard from the guest speakers in person, but it is still very insightful to hear from alumni and journalists through our Media, Self, and Society zoom classes.
Other than the methods I talked about in my photo essay, I have been able to cope with the difficulty of this year by listening to music. I am a huge fan of rap music and I especially love the new wave of melodic rap styles that are becoming extremely popular. My top three most listened artists of the year were Lil Uzi Vert, Future, and Juice WRLD, all of which greatly helped me get through the tough times that this year has brought on. Another way I was able to cope with this terrible year was by hanging out with friends. A few of my friends from my hometown followed in my footsteps of staying home from college, which was a good thing because we were able to keep each other company while most of our friends were away at school. I can safely say that while 2020 was mostly a disastrous year, things like my family, friends, pets, music, and exercise were able to make it not entirely bad.