Impending doom. How does one cope with the absurdity of life? College students are not only dealing with school but are also having to consider the state of the world. The idea is that after obtaining a degree, we finally get ‘real jobs’ and start a life for ourselves. We are sold this idea that a degree will secure a bright future. This idea however, is not taking into consideration things like a global pandemic, climate change or a faulty economy.
In an interview with the STAR, Alyssa Samuli, a Hutchins liberal studies major shared her thoughts on the future, “It’s been really stressful to be so close to graduating and thinking about the future when the state of the world is dwindling right in front of me.” Samuli is a fourth year student at SSU. “While I want to be excited for life beyond college, I am often plagued by the uncertainty of what’s to come.”
The majority of incoming college students are part of Generation Z, which has oftentimes been noted as the coddled generation. Deemed as sensitive, it’s actually because of their transparency when it comes to mental health. Instead, the reason ‘zoomers’ have created less of a stigma around seeking treatments for mental health could be due to the popularity of social media.
With this access to technology at everyone’s fingertips, it is not only easier to access information but to also express one’s emotions more openly. This creates a space for people to share and connect with others who are going through a similar situation.
Amanda Lewis, a fourth year at Sonoma State voiced her concerns with the STAR, “Due to all the conflict that is happening across the world, I have definitely experienced more anxiety about what life will look like after college. I believe that a lot of college students, myself included, feel nervous about the consequences of certain events that have recently occurred, and how this might play into obstacles we will face in the near future. It feels like there is so much unease and anger, and I really hope that there can be solutions that prioritize the mental and physical well-being of groups that are affected by all of this tension.”
The spread of COVID-19 was a life changing event. No one could have predicted that we would be living through a global pandemic in our lifetime. It’s important to acknowledge that we have shown incredible resilience. One of the most important things to do in these uncertain times is to preserve one’s mental well-being. Whether that be through seeking professional help or taking periods of time to step away from current events. There are simply some things that are beyond our control.
Emilia Torres, fourth year communications major said “It’s difficult being reminded of the many issues going on in the world on a daily basis. While they are obviously all important, it feels like a daunting challenge to be up against because the issues are so huge.”
We must continue to live every day as we see fit. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by ‘impending doom’ but take solace in the fact that we are living through these events as a collective. The state of the world is not resting on your shoulders alone.