It amazes me how four years came and went in the blink of an eye. I’ve learned and experienced many things, like coping with a pandemic.
I enjoy my alone time, but COVID-19 tested my ability to be alone. I needed something to keep me sane while doing school, my work study and being a reporter and photographer for The Argonaut.
When I think back on how I’ve coped with isolation, a few hobbies cross my mind.
I enjoy walking around Moscow, practicing photography with my Kodak camera or phone. I start to feel restless if I stay in my dorm room too long.
I love being near water. It reminds me of the river close to my home. The sound is soothing to my ears, like hearing rain falling on a roof.
I enjoy reading books, getting lost in the world within the pages. I’ve loved them for as long as I can remember.
How many people do you know that play Solitaire with an actual deck of cards instead of online?
I enjoy the feeling of them sliding easily through my fingers as I lay them out into several piles. I do miss playing cards with other people, but I can play with my parents when I go home.
Do you struggle keeping your plants alive, or do you have a green thumb?
In the past, I struggled to keep my plants alive. Now, I can proudly say I’ve converted to a green thumb person.
I’ve kept the Department of Journalism and Mass Media office plants alive since last September. My own plants are still alive after a couple of semesters, thanks to my roommate’s help watering them.
Lastly, music keeps me sane during isolation. I find comfort in songs and artists that understand me. It’s my constant companion that helps me thrive daily.
I enjoy the hobbies I have now, but I also look forward to discovering new places, meeting new people and exploring new ideas when I graduate in May.
Kim Stager can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @journalismgoals