During history class in high school, I often wondered what it would be like to live through a global historic moment. This past year of living through the COVID-19 pandemic has answered that question. 

Although this is a pandemic, our individual experiences will greatly differ. By sharing our emotions, actions and reflections from this time, we document the first draft of history. Here is my story. 

In the face of 99 million coronavirus cases and 2 million deaths globally, the best I can do as a student and young person, surprisingly, is to follow public health guidelines. I never imagined that the greatest act of responsibility and compassion my generation, and so many around the world, would be called to undertake would be to stay at home.

Like many others, my life has been turned upside down and inside out. The days can feel like a never ending cycle and, while I completely understand why life is like this right now, my mental health, like that of many Canadians, has taken a toll. 

My home, on top of already being a residence for my family, has now also become a classroom, office, lab and recreation room. Like for many of us, finding moments of peace has been somewhat challenging for me.

I’ve discovered that a healthy dose of fresh air, sometimes a quick peek through the door or long walks in my neighbourhoods, can be incredibly refreshing. In the fall, my time outdoors allowed me to appreciate the changing colours of leaves and now, during the winter months, the icy sidewalks and biting wind require my full concentration, taking my mind off any preoccupation. 

In a year where so many of us haven’t been to the places that we call home or done the things we love dearly, I’ve learnt that home can take many forms. Prior to last year, cooking Indian food was a complex science to me, filled with spices and processes I didn’t have the patience to learn —  I just loved the results. 

This past year, I’ve gone from feeling puzzled looking at the spice cupboard to knowing just how much haldi I want in a dish. Cooking has not only further connected me to my culture — with so much of our lives lived online, the act of physically producing something has also been incredibly satisfying. 

Lastly, with so much information coming our way, it is easy to be constantly consuming the news, yet feel as if you haven’t gained significant insight. One habit I’ve changed this past year is this passive consumption of news. Now, if I’m going to listen, read or watch the news, I’m going to be fully engaged in the task. Meaningfully engaging with information will allow you to interact critically with the news around you, but not feel as if you are drowning in them.  

And yet, there are days when staying at home doesn’t feel like enough. 

My heart aches for those that have lost family, friends, colleagues and community members due to the virus. I’m disappointed by those that choose, despite knowing better, to ignore  public health guidelines. I’m disappointed, but not surprised, at the inequities that have always existed, but are now under a greater spotlight. I’m concerned for the health and safety of my parents and all those who are essential workers. 

This past year has truly been a roller coaster of emotions. Rather than only focus on the positive or negative side of things, I choose to see in-between. I think we must acknowledge the historical moment we are living through and know that whatever your story of this past year looks like, it is enough. 

This op-ed was written by a University of Saskatchewan undergraduate student and reflects the views and opinions of the writer. If you would like to write a reply, please email opinions@thesheaf.com. Vaidehee Lanke is a third-year undergraduate student studying bioinformatics and is the Opinions Editor at The Sheaf Publishing Society. 

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Vaidehee Lanke | Opinions Editor

Graphic: Ishita Mann