Years from now when we look back at 2020, we may be tempted to focus on the negative changes that COVID-19 brought to our lives. It certainly affected many of us as dental students with the school shutting down and having to adjust to the changes in curriculums and clinics. Although the pandemic is ongoing and we continue to be stuck at home, the year 2020 is almost coming to an end and I believe it is a good a time, as any, to look back and think of some positives that came out this year. In moments like this, we should think of things we are grateful for. We should try our best to stay hopeful and believe that we will get through this together very soon. So, here are some of the things I am thankful for in 2020.
Since the pandemic began, Zoom has been our main source of communication for classes and meetings at NYUCD. Even though this new method is not ideal, one positive thing that came out of this has been being at home in sweatpants for these meetings and classes. Meeting friends and family has also changed since meeting them only required an outfit change to a nice shirt for the video conversations and keeping my comfortable pants on. In addition, since the new norm of meeting online, I found myself reaching out to my old friends more and catching up with them online. I feel that with all this extra time and not being able to leave the house, it has been easier than ever to have meaningful conversations with people from the past.
Additionally, alone time has increased substantially during this time. This may have been difficult for some, but I saw this as an opportunity to take a break from the busy lifestyle before COVID-19. Many of us have spent this time going back to old hobbies, reading some books, catching up on shows, or simply doing nothing. Whether you were productive or chose to stay in sweatpants most of the time, we should learn to appreciate this time, as we probably got to know ourselves better and were able to take a pause from the busy world.
There have been a lot of changes in our lives and I believe the importance of mental and physical health has shown to be clearer to many, including myself. It is not always easy to stay positive, but it is helpful to surround yourself with supportive people and remember that there is always the inclusive network of people at NYUCD who are available to listen and help during these times.
Before the pandemic, dental school was tough and it has been a challenge to adjust to this new norm; I miss being in school without a mask on, going to bench lab to practice drilling and filling, catching up with my friends, and shadowing D3’s and D4’s in the busy clinic. With that all being said, I hope that this past year reminds us to think about the moments we are grateful for and that with a bit of positive energy we will all see each other in class and clinic in 2021.
*Also, if you are looking for more positive moments of 2020, check out this article by a journalist named Amy Haneline from USA Today: https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/2020/08/03/50-positive-things-that-happened-in-2020-so-far/112792264/
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