Our mode of education has changed dramatically. With this sudden shift from classroom set-up to online set-up, many are hesitant to continue with their studies and prefer to just wait for everything to go back to normal. Sadly, this pandemic has been with us longer than we thought. No one can say for certain when we can go back to normal, but we can always choose to adapt with the current situation. Only when we adapt to change can we live fully and move forward. Rather than avoiding change, we can take it as a chance to learn, to connect, and to be better.
Change pushes us to find new ways of doing things, to create alternative ways, and to do things we’ve never done before. For instance, with everything done online now, it pushed us to learn about computer applications we never thought were possible. Like doing online shopping. We never knew it was so convenient and enjoyable until we tried it, right? We can make the most of what we have today, learn a new skill, learn a new hobby, learn more about the law, or learn more about the people we love. It’s through these difficult times that we learn the most important lessons in life and where we can truly know ourselves. These times can help us have a deeper understanding of what we really want to do with our life and rediscover our purpose. It’s time to ignite the fire within us and let our flame shine brighter than it has ever before.
Adapting doesn’t necessarily mean doing one big change; it can also be doing a number of small adjustments. Adapting to online classes has been a challenge for me. Changing my study habits was a continuous trial and error. I tried to change my schedule and find what worked best for me. I tried to finish one task at a time. I allot only a specific time to check for updates, since I know that when I do, I’ll just find myself browsing the web. Adapting is not a one-time thing; it’s a continuous choice to get up and show up. The road to becoming a lawyer is a long one. Sometimes you’ll feel stuck in a tunnel where the end is not in sight. To that, I wanted to share a quote from Cristine Caine, which reads: “Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.” Your current situation now is preparing you to be someone stronger and better. Take one step at a time and enjoy where you are right now. In the future, you’ll thank yourself for choosing to take that step.
Connect. The inability to socialize and isolation has increased the students’ feeling of depression and anxiety. Take time to connect with a friend or a family member. You’ll realize that it will not only help them, but also yourself. If you’re feeling alone behind the screen, let me remind you: you’re not–Your family, your friends, and your SBCA community are always rooting for you. Your classmates are experiencing the same hardships and fighting the same battle as you. Help each other. Use this time to connect with ourselves, our loved ones, and with the Lord.
Be better. Continue dreaming, learning, and creating. Don’t let this pandemic get to you. The world will always be changing, whether there is a pandemic or none. We just have to make the most out of every situation and learn from it. Let’s use our experience during these times to become a better person, and to become a better lawyer. Always ask ourselves, what can we do differently?