distracted
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- Aug 2, 2008
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Quote RSBM.
We, society, need to help college-aged kids take a step back and think of ways to cope with this. The pressures (academic, financial, social) of college can be crushing but don't have to be. And Covid-19 is temporary.
We need to let them know there are other paths. That it is okay to wait or attend part-time, start at community college, learn a trade, even take an extra loan and work less while in school. And figure out ways to cope with the isolation. Take antidepressants if needed.
IMO it's only a nightmare if you hate living it and feel like you don't have choices.
We can help them with both choices and coping strategies.
I'm a huge advocate of alternative choices. College is not for everyone.
That said, for a young adult with high expectations of herself/himself - high enough to take a year to realize those expectations - the effects of an unexpected, crushing pandemic can be too much to bear. Many mature adults have found it impossible to bear as well.
So I'm not sure one can adequately prepare for that. The pandemic has literally reduced us to a society with fewer choices, at least for the near future. For some, that future can seem insurmountable.
What little I've learned about Syd's life has reminded me to not only be kind to one another but also, perhaps more importantly, be kind to oneself.
I'm praying she's found soon.