In light of the current events and distractions from this week, such as the vice-presidential debate between Senator Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence, the release of a video showing an officer kneeling in the back of a pregnant woman in Kansas, and Governor DeSantis opening up bars and nightclubs to full capacity, it’s important to remember the bright side of each day.
As FAMU students prepare for their midterms, holidays, and graduation, in the midst of a pandemic and an election year, students are finding sanity in focusing on classes and staying safe.
Arriell Drayton, a broadcast journalism major, frequently uses her planner to maintain an organized week.
“I have been investing in a planner, planning my week out before it starts, and ensuring that I do everything to complete important tasks,” Drayton said. “This makes me feel as if I’m being productive and allows me to have a good week.”
Drayton feels that the organization brings a sense of joy and clarity in her week, despite all that is going on in the world now.
“Having a planner has its perks because it’s an essential tool to ensure that you remember & accomplish what you put in them,” Drayton said. “Other than that, my week has been really productive and knowledgeable because I learned a lot not only in daily life but in my classes.”
While Drayton has her week organized, other students are also following suit in getting their organization skills together and fixate on passing their classes this semester, as virtual learning may be more difficult for some students.
To cope with stress, Tenish Ferron, a broadcast journalism student, reminds us that there is nothing wrong with stopping and taking a break.
“If I’m overwhelmed, I stop everything and I’ll plan the most important first,” Ferron said. “I plan ahead, so I’m able to do bits and pieces, instead of the whole thing all at once.”
This can be a good tip for students that are feeling stressed out to deadlines, isolated due to social distancing, and the anxiety of doing well in classes. It’s always beneficial to just take a break and breathe for a minute whenever you are feeling overwhelmed.
While she feels that her week could have been better, Zaniya Pierre, a sophomore broadcast journalism major, feels like she’s having a hard time in one class but is still pushing through like a true rattler.
“Compared to the other classes, this is the one giving me a hard time,” Pierre said while speaking about her JOU1040 class. “I guess finally starting the assignment is making the week good because ultimately it would be complete, and I wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore.”
Pierre continued to say how appreciative she was for the friends and family support that she has, as she reflects on her alone time due to the COVID pandemic.
“Because of COVID-19, I’ve had a lot of time to think about my future as well as trying to figure out what I want to do with my life,” Pierre said. “Luckily I have family and friends that give me hope.”
It’s common for students to feel like Pierre and not have the easiest days every single week. It’s okay to express different emotions every day, as long as you’re looking forward to something optimistic.