The QUEST for self-discovery during COVID WRITTEN by Anna Williams DESIGNED by Jordan Mays
College is meant to be a period of liberation, independence, personal growth, and the exploration of one’s individuality. For many, it’s the first time experiencing the freedom of living away from home, which allows space for the journey of self-discovery and finding one’s purpose. However, the pandemic has halted this imperative period of development for many college students. Not only has COVID prevented students from learning in person, but it has also hindered our ability to socialize, discover our passions, and expand our comfort zones. Instead of being socially distant, we have begun to feel socially isolated. This feeling of isolation has consequently resulted in rising depression rates around the world, particularly for people in their 20’s. In a research survey conducted by the CDC, people ages 18-24 felt the effects of COVID most intensely (Czeisler). There is a widespread mindset that the pandemic has kept us from enjoying our twenties: a time when we’re traditionally thought of to be our most liberated selves. Instead, we are left struggling to imagine a successful future without COVID. According to a psychological researcher on the project, nearly 63% of participants showed an increase in depression, anxiety, or substance abuse to cope with their emotions (Czeisler). 18 | Flair Magazine
Looking at these numbers, it’s no wonder why college students feel a lack of motivation, purpose, and sense of self. These emotions are all too familiar for our generation right now, so it’s important to know that you aren’t alone in your isolation. To better understand this issue amongst college students, I spoke with UNCW sophomore Molly Kennelly on how she feels the pandemic has impacted different areas of her life. What is your major? Studio art How do you feel your motivation towards school has shifted since the start of the pandemic? At the beginning, I didn’t realize how much the online classes would affect my productivity, but I’ve found that not having a set schedule makes it harder to make myself do work. I do know some students though that enjoy online classes because it allows flexibility to do other things like having a job. I also have less motivation to get involved with the school doing extracurriculars and joining clubs because most of them are on zoom which makes it harder to get involved and meet people. I feel like I never got the opportunity to get involved with the school and that I’m missing out on a lot. I think a lot of students feel like it’s harder to visualize the career that you want and your life in the future because of how our generation has experienced such a big and unexpected loss.
