Giving back takes many forms. Sometimes it’s as simple as being a kind person, showing kindness and gentleness to all around you. A smile and a word of encouragement to all you come in contact with is a way to give back in a positive manner. Being cheerful, saying thank you, smiling, and being positive is something that costs nothing but makes life happier for others. Giving back means you do something to help others with no expectation of return. For instance, helping someone putting their groceries in the car. Picking up trash, taking an empty shopping cart back, little things which are really nothing in and of themselves, but in aggregate make life better for everyone around you. I believe that if each of us makes an effort to improve the life of one person around you each day, we are on the way to creating a positive contribution to the community. There are many seniors that are home alone and would appreciate a call or just to check on them. Churches usually have a calling list you could just speak with them about volunteering to make such calls. You can also volunteer to deliver foods to those who are homebound etc. In terms of monetary donations, you could give to a church that is contributing something meaningful to the community. If you find a need, search for a local nonprofit that is trying to solve that need. A while ago, I also took the time to donate food to a homeless shelter. The vision to solve a problem should be a community effort. Volunteering with an organization is a good way to help and give back to your community. My suggestion would be that you focus on the concerns you have. Meet with directors and leaders in local government. Research on the Internet. Build yourself a constituency of the people you want to help and the people who agree with you that there needs to be a solution to fill the gap of whatever it is that you believe is a great need. If an organization is somewhat filling that need, find out how you can help them fill the gap you identified. If you have financial resources to offer, perhaps that’s a good way to give back to your community. It’s wonderful to see communities supporting everyone not only in terms of safety but also in productivity during this pandemic. Helping each other helps spread blessings, happiness, encouragement, and good vibes around so that more people help and the cycle continues.

Since reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to recognize that these are not accustomed times, and your productivity is likely not at its peak right now. For me, setting daily goals can help you to make your day as productive as possible, but be realistic with the goals you set. Big plans may seem impossible right now but focus on small goals for each day that you can cross off your list. Get through the assigned articles for your upcoming class, finish the first draft of a paper. Make progress on improving your skills. Most importantly, try not to procrastinate. During distance learning, I had time to join more organizations since I wasn't busy with sports. I'm also taking advantage of all the free time I have right now to apply for scholarships. Although, there are some negatives to distance learning. For example, most students, unfortunately, missed out on having graduation, prom, sports, and other traditional events. Try to be active each day with a daily walk or an online yoga class. Take time to eat balanced meals and try not to work through lunch. Make sure to step away from your laptop and take a lunch break. Maintain a normal sleep schedule, and aim to get at least eight hours of sleep a night. Allow yourself time to enjoy TV and social media, but try to reduce how much time you spend listening to pandemic news. Limit yourself to reading pandemic-related news for only a short amount of time in the morning, and then leave it alone. Stay informed from reputable sources, but avoid getting wrapped up in constant news coverage that could heighten anxiety.