Exactly one year ago today, Penn State stunned its community by moving all classes online due to the coronavirus pandemic. And although the move was temporary at the time, the writing was on the wall. Before we knew it, we were introduced to a world we could hardly recognize.

Over the past 365 days, we have all fought our own battles and had some of out greatest successes. As we reflect on the changes endured throughout these unprecedented times (yes, we have heard that one too many times), we wanted to walk through how exactly this year impacted us.

From the many ups to the many downs, our staff sat down to reflect and discuss what it’s learned over the past year.

Mackenzie Cullen

One of the most important things I’ve learned over the last year is how precious time truly is. This same time last year, I naively thought (like most people) that the pandemic would last a few weeks, and life would be back to normal (read: we were all wrong).

It wasn’t until I realized how serious the coronavirus pandemic was a few weeks later that I began to worry about what would happen to my friends and family and when would be the next time I would see them. Unfortunately, I’ve also had to learn the hard way in the last year about how much time with the people you care about matters after losing an old friend and classmate on Christmas Eve. If you haven’t done it already, take stock of the people in your life who matter to you the most, and tell them how much you appreciate them.

Aubrey Miller

The last year has taught me a lot. I learned the value of having friends and a support system, no matter the distance. Through anxious and fearful times, my friends have been there from hundreds of miles away. Most importantly, I learned to never complain about going to class again. I never thought I would miss my economics class with 800 students crammed into a lecture hall or having to walk through the snow to get to class. You won’t catch me taking that for granted again!

Colleen Nersten

What a year! This time last year, I packed one backpack full of clothes to go home with for spring break because I didn’t want to overpack as I did for winter break. So, yes, I wore the same three outfits over and over until mid-summer when I could collect my belongings from my dorm.

My friend and fellow staffer Aubrey Miller was getting increasingly worried that her summer study abroad trip would be canceled due to whatever the heck “coronavirus” was, but I assured her that there was nothing to worry about. Sorry, Aubrey. Additionally, before masks were a thing and social distancing was important, most Penn State students were pondering the idea of whether or not it’s bad to share their Juuls with strangers… and that’s it.

My overall takeaway this year is that recorded lectures are extremely efficient, I studied much more when my exams were closed-note, humans are social creatures, and a lot of my classmates and friends are probably grieving losses I know nothing about.

Dana June Nunemacher

In light of the longest year ever, I want to announce: We are all badasses.

Matt DiSanto

I learned a lot about myself over the past year. A sudden move to virtual learning certainly wasn’t easy, especially when your belongings are locked away three hours from home and you know you probably won’t see any friends for a few months.

Once we returned to campus, Penn State just didn’t feel the same. From my perspective, college life simply sucks without spontaneity. Current (and necessary) restrictions prevent the best parts of college from happening organically. No one on your floor is knocking on your door asking to get dinner anymore. Sudden trips to the HUB for lunch or study dates are a thing of the past. Stumbling upon something fun on campus on a whim? Forget about it. But it is what it is.

I’ve changed a lot, too. Notably, I haven’t cut my hair since shaving my head entirely for THON 2020 (It’s bad, but it’s fine. Just don’t tell my mom). I’ve also gotten much better at being on my own. I’ve always been an independent person, but the pandemic’s forced all of us to get used to spending some days alone, shut off from the outside world. Now, I don’t bat an eye when a day goes by when I didn’t actually talk to anyone in person, especially since I live alone. It’s peaceful almost. And it makes the face-to-face interactions I do have all the more meaningful.

Moving forward, I’m hopeful for the future. An unorthodox year has made me appreciate what Penn State used to be all the more. One day, we’ll get back to it.

Larkin Richards

I had no idea a year could change a person so much. Trust me, I have discovered the obvious. I am not made for online classes and virtual communication, but these were necessary. So, that motivated me to stay ahead and not disappoint myself. Because I genuinely did not want to let anyone down, that led me towards a path of neglecting my own necessities.

This year was a long one. On this day, we were forced to take a break. Although it was for very different circumstances, I was given time to face myself. To face all the things I pushed aside because I was swamped with homework, continuously planned for the future, and dedicated myself to making sure others were doing just fine.

This entire year, I had time to face anxiety and focus on bettering my mental health. Something key that I am taking away from it is to be selfish when it comes to taking care of yourself. Larkin from 2021 is telling Larkin from 2020: “You are allowed to have bad days. You are allowed to take time to figure out what you need. You are allowed to just sit with yourself.” Mental health is just as important as physical health. It is fantastic to be there for others and become that voice of reason, but do not forget about who matters most. You do. When you are prioritizing your needs, you can put your best self towards helping others. 

This year was faced with losses, successes, tears, smiles, and a whole lot of air hugs for everyone. To anyone reflecting on today, take time to focus on yourself. Make sure you handle each day with grace. Focus on what makes you…you.

Trae Morgan-White

A year ago, I was in the worst mental state ever when the pandemic began. I experienced severe depression, losing friends, leaving student organizations, and failing classes all in one month. When I returned home in March 2020, I lost the strength to open up a computer, log into Zoom, or check into Canvas the rest of the semester. Instead, I’d binge-watch Netflix films and eat my sorrows away. Eventually, I realized that I wouldn’t graduate on time, and I returned home knowing that things wouldn’t go as planned.

Looking back, I could easily tell myself in 2020 what my family and friends told me that same year, “You’re going to be okay.” Of course, back then, I refused to believe it. A year later, I’m ironically in the best place ever. I’m healing, keeping focus in classes, and on the road to a bachelor’s degree.

I know this sounds like one of those pharmaceutical commercials with the side effects on the bottom, but 2020 was indeed a wild year. Can you blame me?