Welcome & Introductions

It's safe to say we are all learning something new about ourselves during this pandemic. For some it could be that quarantine is no big deal and doesn't bother you much. For others you could be missing that much needed social or intellectual engagement. My biggest challenge while my city was under lock down orders was staying motivated with select task.

For me, the gym is my outlet. It's how I de-stress and get mentally and physically fit to take on life. While I maintained at home workouts far better than I thought I would, I learned that I thrive off social encouragement. My gym is big on celebrating all successes and being ok with failure. The reason is it's a community and we all push each other. A zoom session can only do so much. When the day came that we could go back into the gym with modified precautions, I realized that was just what I needed to best manage the stress of life. 

What have you learned and how are you using that to keep you moving forward? Are you struggling with the idea of virtual learning? Are you trying to branch out in your career and finding it hard to standout when interviews are no longer face to face. What successes have you had and what have you learned from this time in our lives?

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Katie Avendano
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Hi Katie!

Thanks for this thoughtful question. It is something I have pondered upon since March when my area started to go into quarantine. 

I am glad that you are able to go back to the gym and get that social encouragement you need! It is a great motivator and also a wonderful way to engage with others. I have found almost the opposite for myself. During quarantine, I have liked exercising by myself and at my own pace. It could be partially due to the fact that I only just started routinely exercising since I have been home. I think in a way, this made me more prepared when I do go back to the gym. Exercising has become a stress relief for me as well. Everything has been so overwhelming, it is a great way to ground myself. 

It is helpful to know that I am not in this alone. People around the globe are also staying indoors for the most part. It makes this entire situation feel less hopeless. I have decided to take up new hobbies to keep my sanity in check like baking, hiking, and exercising. I also plan on learning how to use watercolor paint on my drawings. Taking up these activities has made me realize that I can destress myself from home without going on my phone or using technology. 
Virtual learning does not bother me as much as not being around other college students. I thrive in UConn's library surrounded by students studying and working on homework, it is motivating. My online classes just started, so I am still adjusting and trying to stay focused.
In terms of branching out my career, I have tried to be active within this forum, which has been incredibly beneficial in creating meaningful connections. I must admit that video interviews are still awkward to me. I recently talked myself out of doing a one-way video interview for a full-time position. This was not my best moment, but in the future, I will not make excuses. 

I think an important thing to learn is that this process will not be perfect. We will make mistakes, there will be hiccups, but we will make it through this.

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Kathleen Kelly
The Direct Ascent Group
University of Connecticut
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-a-kelly/
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