COM Outlook Summer/Fall 2020

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 37 First-Person Perspectives I am anxious. The grim statistics, global economic shutdown, and millions of people losing their jobs and livelihoods is alarming—and frankly, quite scary. I am anxious when I hear the heartbreaking stories of friends and families los- ing loved ones. This virus has shown us how unstable the world can become with just one pathogen, and at times, has shown us the underlying structural and health issues every country faces with respect to protecting its people. I am anxious when it comes to the future. Many questions bounce around my head nearly every day and, without a clear answer, I am anxious as we navi- gate such unprecedented territory. However, I am also grateful. Times like these show us what is truly important in life, and in my opinion, it is all about our relation- ships with family, our friends, community, and ourselves. Some- times, I’ve focused so heavily on the next professional goal that I forgot to take a moment to appreciate all that I have. While we physically cannot be with our communities just yet, I am grateful for the technology we have access to that allows us to share this experience together. I am grateful for the health care workers, grocery- store clerks, and many others on the front lines who are risking their health to ensure the continuity of daily life for the rest of us. I am grateful for some extra time to not only study and prepare for my future, but to also catch up on some sleep, read a book, try out a new recipe, or enjoy some calming medi- tation. At the end of it all, I am grate- ful for the genuine goodwill I be- lieve humans possess no matter how grim the news or world may seem. I have come to understand that it is okay to feel such a range of emo- tions, and this has provided me with a sense of relief. Having some form of a daily regimen has provided me structure—keeping in mind slight deviations are understandable. Utilizing meditation apps, online workout routines, and yoga videos have kept my mind sharp and my body loose and relaxed. Participating in video calls has kept me close with friends and family. Enjoying some television, catching up on movies I missed out on, and reading some old books that have been collecting dust due to my busy schedule these past few years have been a breath of fresh air. I hope this perspective piece serves as a source of encouragement for anyone else who is feeling such a range of mixed emotions. Admit- ting to feeling anxious, while simul- taneously discovering what I am grateful for, has been a crucial component in my personal fight against this pandemic. Sundeep Gidugu is a third-year KPCOM student. BY SUNDEEP GIDUGU Gratefulness Amidst the Angst FEELER Sundeep Gidugu I have come to understand that it is okay to feel such a range of emotions, and this has provided me with a sense of relief.