School even before a pandemic was a daunting affair. However, I have found by returning to the class room there have been both pros and cons.

Even as an introvert I do have to say actually being able to see and talk to people in person is a relief. Even if I now actually have to remember people’s names and can’t just hover over their little box anymore. Not to mention the classmates I am attempting to bond with all have typically between 5 – 20 years of time and experience ahead of me. There is also a daunting aspect to it and little things feel more stressful. Do I have everything, did I remember to print that out, will I make it to the bus on time. Essentially things we have all had to deal with before but now there seems to be an added stress or at least a heightened stress.

That being said structure is a luxury I hadn’t known I was missing. Living on my own I found a carried some of the listless habits I gained from being at home during the final portion of my undergrad. That paired with mental stress and fatigue I basically did tasks that had to be done and not much else. Suddenly being around others and having to actually plan my day I find myself once again prioritizing my time. Creating pockets of opportunity not just for work but also reading, writing and trying new things (like very poorly learning a new language).

School is a great foundation for setting yourself up, not just for your career but for forming who you are and giving you the mindset to try new avenues until you find what’s you. Be inspired to fail knowing that foundation is there to catch you.