The main thing I will take away from this period is a sense of self-awareness. The ability to look at myself without filters – whether external or internal – and acknowledge what is truly happening in the world, and in my own life. At a surface level, this can be attributed to the universality of the times we live in. The Coronavirus pandemic is a phenomenon that has changed the way we live across the world, and has reminded us of our ability to pull together in times of crisis.
‘There is so much more I want to learn beyond the bounds of academia.’
In truth, I had an underlying sense of unfulfillment with my life. I didn’t know where I wanted to be in a few years’ time. Shortly before the lockdown, I was sitting on a bus into my university town when I got to thinking that what I really wanted to be was useful to the world; I wanted to contribute to positive change by getting involved with the issues that I cared about, but had never seemed to have the time to get fully involved with during my degree. For whilst as a student I loved – and still love – my university course, the past five months have proved to me that there is so much more I want to learn beyond the bounds of academia.
‘The pandemic has proved that even in adverse times it is possible to learn, improve skills and grow as a human being.’
I was so busy as a student that I didn’t realise what was making me happy and what was leaving me unfulfilled. For instance, I never thought to contribute to publications seriously before, as I always believed the world of journalism was something that was beyond me, something I couldn’t be a part of. The pandemic has proved that even in adverse times it is possible to learn, improve skills and grow as a human being.
Part of my self-growth has come through being much more active on Instagram. While the social media platform has notable downsides, I am grateful to have found accounts such as @florencegiven, @ssustainably_, and @africabrooke, as their content has helped me to widen my perspectives about important issues. I would recommend everyone follow these activists and artists to learn something new, to challenge yourself, and to diversify your feed.
“I can be the version of myself I thought I couldn’t make progress on.”
Given’s book in particular, Women Don’t Owe You Pretty, has been a source of inspiration to me as the balmy summer months come to an end. She gives so many invaluable lessons to the reader that the title itself is almost a simplification. WDOYP taught me that I don’t have to settle – in relationships, friendships and even in my unhealthier habits. In short, I can be the version of myself I thought I couldn’t make progress on. Given’s illustrations and self-presentation reflect the values I hope to cultivate in myself: self-confidence, awareness and commitment to my boundaries, and fearlessness, from speaking out on the issues I care about to my fashion choices.
Overall, I’ve come away with a stronger sense of self since the pandemic began, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
Alice Manning
Featured image courtesy of Lena Kudryavtseva via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.