By Houssam Mehfara | Staff Writer
As the COVID-19 pandemic is less and less relevant, no longer affecting communities across the globe with the amplitude it had in the last two years and with vaccines available and restrictions lifted in most areas of the world, I wonder if students miss the time spent in quarantine.
According to a recent survey conducted by a group of researchers at StudyFinds, one in three young people claim to be happier during COVID lockdowns, a period of time being reported as anxious, isolating, and boring.
Despite the challenges of quarantine, some students did report some positive aspects of their time in isolation. For instance, some students appreciated the opportunity to take a break from their hectic schedules and focus on self-care, such as reading or meditating.
One student said, “It was much more peaceful to stay in my room the whole day, I can wake up an hour later, avoid the commute, and study from home.” Another student said, “I felt really anxious and worried about my health at first, but after the restrictions were lifted and we could go out again, I felt a much bigger pressure to do things, see people, go to events, when in reality I was already overwhelmed, the quarantine was a break that must be done every few years.”
In addition, everyone found creative ways to stay connected with friends and family during their quarantine. They quickly adapted to the situation and used video chats and social media to keep in touch and support each other.
Overall, however, most students did not miss their time in quarantine. They were eager to return to their normal routines and social lives as soon as possible.
As the pandemic has taught us about not taking our “normal lives” for granted, Covid-19 prepared us for similar scenarios and was definitely a marking trail in our lives.
Quarantine and isolation can be challenging, students can find ways to cope and stay connected during these difficult times. By realizing the impact it had on us, either positive or negative, it is undeniable that students got through this pandemic and emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before, to prepare for another one.