Fall 2022- The New Normal?

Owais Ahmed

On September 1st, 2022, many of us woke up with a feeling of dread. Gone were the days of zoom classes and it was once again time to navigate the maze that is the University of Alberta’s north campus. It was also the first time many people, myself included, were seeing classes and hallways filled with students in a long time. The beginning of fall 2022, we return to what life was like pre-Covid so in a sense it is back to the normal, but the pandemic has made this new normal feel weird.

The Covid-19 Pandemic was not easy on any of us. We all saw our near and dear ones get sick, many lost their livelihoods and we all were locked down in our houses for the first time in our lives. All classes were moved online and all our interactions became virtual rather than physical.

This academic year we return to being completely physical, however the consequences of the pandemic continue to affect us.

Most of us are struggling to make new friends as everyone’s social skills have been affected during the pandemic. We see daily posts on social media for people asking tips on how to make friends and how they often feel lonely and depressed due to lack of social interaction. As a community we have to step up to interact with those around us. A simple “Have a good day. ” Can have a profound impact on somebody who is feeling down. Students who are struggling to socialize should attend faculty events and join clubs that interest them as it is easy there to meet like minded people.

September 1st was the first time many students sat in an in person class since March 2020. What in person classes offer though is the ability to collaborate with our peers and form deeper bonds with those around us. In person classes also motivate us to study with dedication. Last but not the least, finally being back in person also gives us the opportunity to attend events that are simply not possible while being online like the September 23rd break the record dodgeball event or the engineering carnival. In person offers unique chances to experience the best the University and the faculty have to offer.

It is important to remember that no matter what any person is never alone in this. As a community we all are in it together for the long haul. Whenever anyone feels depressed or burnt out due to the workload or any other reason, the best solution is to simply talk and hangout with those close to you. Group study sessions are also a great way to study while having fun with your friends and avoiding burnout.

Fall 2022 is the new normal and is a season of great change. We face new challenges but also realize the potential that we had all along. It offers us the opportunity to be the best versions of ourselves, along with striving to excel in academics along with other extracurricular activities. It offers all of us the opportunities to grow as a person and as a community of engineers. 20