Nadia Al-Hinai
“Life isn’t meant to be lived perfectly…but merely to be LIVED. Boldly, wildly, beautifully, uncertainly, imperfectly, magically LIVED.” ― Mandy Hale, The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass.
Amid the uncertainty of this novel coronavirus global pandemic, everyone in the world is facing tremendous pressures from either school, work, or life in general. Nadia Al-Hinai decided to share a piece of writing she wrote that she believes many students today can relate too.
Being Alright with Uncertainty
Receiving the email which entailed to me the moving of classes online left me with the feeling of uncertainty of what is coming next. However, just like some of my other colleagues, I was happy and relieved for a moment to know that I would not have to attend University. But I did not know for how long. And that sense of uncertainty led me to overthink all different types of scenarios of how I will continue my studies. As a first-year student at University, I was heartbroken from this sudden occurrence. Especially since I was so content with the way things were at University and this sudden change played a negative effect on my mentality as it meant that I needed to change and adjust to fit the new situation that we would be facing. However, at the time, I did not know what new situation I would be exposed to.
Continuing my classes online was a somewhat smooth transition, however, there were many instances where I wished that I was learning in a classroom with my friends and professors rather than just off a screen. With the advanced technology that we have today, we can connect with others virtually and clearly. However, the online classes and quarantine experience, in general, made me realize the certain essence that is only present in real-life interactions in which we cannot get online. It is an intangible feature that puts us to ease in knowing that we are there together. The simple instances like going to grab coffee in between classes with friends and studying and working on projects with others is a special bond that I obviously cannot get over the internet.
Like many others, I missed those experiences deeply during this quarantine and just continually wondered to myself when will we get our lives back? I did not assume that quarantine would continue through May. The most difficult thing to do right now is to think ahead of what is now uncertain. Thinking about what classes to take next semester and whether or not they will be held online again has crossed our minds as students. Unfortunate feelings of wondering whether it is worth getting excited to take a certain class in the fall can make me feel unmotivated and generally less excited for the future.
I am a person that likes schedules and likes to have everything planned, therefore, this uncertainty that came with this pandemic of what is next for us, puts me and many others in an uncomfortable state. This is because we are so used to a specific routine in our lives and this sudden change made us have to adjust quickly with the situation which was a mentally confusing time for most of us.
However, during this confusing and uncertain time, I was able to reach a level of peace. Not necessarily with the uncertainty that the future holds but with the abundance of time that this quarantine experience has given us. Most of us and especially young people like students are so indulged in their academics, activities, and overall hustle that some time apart from all of that can be refreshing and well-needed. I feel peace in knowing that what I’m doing right now by staying home is the right thing to do. I find peace knowing that I’m able to contact my family and friends and be able to attend online classes because I have exceptional technologies to do so. I find peace in knowing that I will always find food at the table for me and my family. I find peace when I remind myself of how blessed and fortunate, I am to be in this state in my life. Also, experiencing quarantine during Ramadan has made me more grateful for my blessings and most importantly, reminded me that everything happens for a reason and that after hardship comes ease.
You can find Nadia on Twitter.