This chat was a nice break during the time when final projects and papers and madness have been piling up. With the lead of Annuli, we had conversations about the past semester and future plans. We get to share the difficulties we encountered and gave each other tips on how to cope with them. It is just very relieving and reassuring that other people are struggling extra during this special time as well, it reminded me that I’m not the only one, and it is ok to be vulnerable. As final is not far ahead, the stress and pressure are piling up even higher. It is nice to just talk (or in my case, rant) about issues. It is a nice destresser, and the shared experience made me feel closer connected to my fellow community members.

This was a great way to end Rose Scholars with a recap of the semester. I was able to share with my peers my anxieties for finals and next semester. It felt so odd logging onto Rose Scholars from my home which is thousands of miles away from my room in Rose House. Working from home is a challenge, but it felt good to hear that everyone else seemed to be struggling too. One thing I wish I did was to relax more over Thanksgiving. Everyone else seemed to really take a breather over Thanksgiving break but I didn’t so now I think finishing the semester is extra hard because of burnout. All in all, I am glad I came back this semester and was apart of Rose Scholars. I am hopeful for another healthy, safe, and fun one.

After participating in the table talk about the first semester back at Cornell, I was glad to share my insight on this new and adapted semester. Although there were a lot of new protocols, my first semester at Cornell was very enjoyable. I was able to have workspace that supported my classes, most places to eat were open and I was able to enjoy the beautiful Ithaca weather.  At the table talk we discussed the transition from our adjusted life at Cornell to going back home during Thanksgiving break. Unlike other semesters, there was a lot of fluctuation and uncertainty about how the semester would end in terms of work load and mental stress. After reflecting with Anuli on helpful ideas for a better semester, I felt more comfortable returning back to Cornell in the spring because I had already experienced this new atmosphere.

This semester has definitely been rough with online classes and I know that personally am struggling with motivation. I was not looking forward to online classes back home after semi finals, and this table talk made me feel like I wasn’t the only one. With the way my classes are set up and because of the pandemic, I do not have much interaction with people outside my major and college, so it was also interesting to hear about how other classes are handling the hybrid/online situation. The way our classes are being held right now is not ideal, but I am grateful that I can personally learn and interact with others because it could be worse.

Earlier today, I joined other Rose residents for a relaxed and open discussion about how we are feeling with all the current changes going on. It was honestly very nice to be able to talk through some of my worries to welcoming ears and hear from others as well. We discussed a variety of things from difficulties with online classes, to our transitions home for Fall part II, to preparation for finals. Overall, it was great to participate and realize that even though I am home now, I am not totally alone as many other Cornell students who are in similar boats and share many of the same worries as myself. It was also nice as we were able to give advice to each other and suggestions regarding the different problems we are facing. I really enjoyed meeting everyone at the event and had a nice time generally talking!