It is hard to remember what life was like, just twelve months ago. In a year marked by a summer of protest and the grief of millions, I felt the yearning for connection grow by the day - until it stopped. Longing gave way to apathy. The feeling of missing my friends has never deserted me, but the presence of a never-ending global disaster is pervasive and disheartening. As the new term is well under way, I have found it easy to be swept up with academic work and vigilantly checking the news. The rest of my time is spent on my favourite website: the Government's daily coronavirus update, where I somewhat obsessively check the vaccine rollout in hopes of finding a silver lining in the doom.
We humans are social creatures. Extroverts and introverts alike thrive when we have the comfort of community around us, even if they are not a physical presence. Luckily, many of us are in the position of privilege to own technology that can help us feel less isolated during this trying time. Group calls and regular check-ins with loved ones are a great way to keep grounded and remind ourselves that the world is still full of wonderful things - and people and places waiting for us on the other side.
In addition to staying in contact with my friends, I have been making new ones through attending community events via video calls and webinars. I enjoyed watching a play produced by our very own Eleanor Hicks, as part of the University of Manchester's Drama Society's Autumn Film Festival. On the weekends, during time usually reserved for exciting trips with friends, I have attended a talk hosted by the Charleston Trust and an amazing zine making workshop hosted by QUILT. These events reminded me how important it is to be surrounded by art, especially when physical venues are closed. They also provided important markers of time as we wade through the foggy mists of lockdown.
As we continue to live through thoroughly unusual times, making space for friends and events is more important than ever.
Hope amongst the trees, Robin Ireland
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