Five years ago, in March 2020, students’ lives across America changed in an instant when the COVID-19 shutdown began. As the pandemic took hold, many found themselves thrust into a world of isolation, uncertainty, and change. However, for some students, this unexpected pause offered moments of growth and self-discovery that have shaped who they are today.
For one student, the pandemic provided an opportunity for personal growth. “COVID-19 for me was a really interesting time of growth and self-discovery,” they shared. “Even though it was a rough time, being in quarantine, I had to learn how to spend time with myself, and I’m so glad I have that skill now. Looking back, at the time, the nationwide shutdown was so frustrating and felt so dystopian, but now I almost appreciate that I had that time to grow.”
Another student echoed similar sentiments, noting that the isolation forced them to reflect deeply on themselves. “To my surprise, the isolation of COVID ended up being one of the best things my sophomore year self could have experienced. I was forced to take the time to relax, take a step back, and reflect on who I was and who I wanted to become,” they explained. “I dedicated my time to healthy eating, exercise habits, and created time for schoolwork without the negative influence of my peers. School can be a tough time when it comes to socialization and relationship building… being a new student, I struggled with both. So, developing a ‘better me’ within the walls of my comforting home seemed like a great idea.”
While many students were adjusting to life at home, the broader community at Concordia University Wisconsin was also taking steps to navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic. In response to COVID-19, CUW put in place numerous health and safety precautions to protect students, staff, and visitors when the decision was made to return to in-person classes.
For those visiting the campus, the CUW website provided a list of the necessary safety measures that were implemented to ensure everyone’s well-being. Visitors were encouraged to check the precautions before attending campus events or meetings.
In addition to practical safety measures, CUW launched a campaign to keep everyone informed and motivated to stay safe. “At Concordia, ‘COVID Conscious’ is more than just a campaign,” the website stated. “It is a bold, voluntary system of shared attitudes and individual actions that ensure everyone—students, parents, employees, and guests—knows that Concordia is an informed, proactive, and caring community during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As part of the COVID Conscious initiative, Concordia set out five clear steps to maintain a safe campus environment during the pandemic which included guidelines for safe interactions, cleanliness, and personal responsibility.
The university also created friendly informational materials with COVID-safe reminders and kind messages of encouragement to help keep the community connected, even as social distancing became the norm.
Looking back, students and faculty alike are reflecting on how these changes and challenges ultimately led to growth. What initially seemed like a disorienting and isolating time proved to be an opportunity for many to reflect, reevaluate, and build new habits. Five years after the pandemic began, students continue to carry forward the lessons they learned during a time of uncertainty.
As life returned to normal, the effects of the pandemic are still felt. However, the resilience and adaptability shown by students, staff, and faculty at Concordia University Wisconsin remind us that even in the face of adversity, growth is possible.
—Alexandra Princeton is the social media manager and marketing designer for The Beacon. She is a sophomore Mass Communication major with a minor in Marketing.