Student Blog – Isolation

Student Blog- Isolation

My name is Holly Angus and I’m a second-year student at Carlisle College studying Creative media.

I love trying new things, every opportunity given to me I grab with both hands and say yes. Not only to gain experience, skills and to keep myself busy and productive but also because I enjoy learning and achieving. So, when I first heard about the lockdown on the UK, I was worried about how I would keep myself busy and how to still find opportunities through all of this. The first thing I did was make a list, full of all the things I wanted to try and things I haven’t done because I haven’t had time in the past. For instance, cooking and baking, which I have been doing a lot of since going into lockdown and found that I really enjoy it!

Creating a list has really helped me stay motivated, as it is something to work towards and a great opportunity to learn new skills while hopefully having fun on the way. During this time, I understand it can be very difficult to stay motivated and positive. So, I hope that some of things I am about to mention can hopefully give you ideas or inspiration. Some of things I have been up too included, reading, painting, exercise, sport, learning a new language, (I’m learning Spanish) arts and crafts, yoga, I’ve learnt to sew (badly), board games and cooking and baking. I am also creating a vlog for my YouTube channel on everything I have been up too. I think making sure we don’t spend too much time in front of a screen is really important, try and get outside as much as you can and spend time with family doing fun activities that don’t involve sitting Infront of a screen, being active is important through this time to keep healthy.

Opportunity wise, there is still so much out there, if you are looking for a part time job there has been a high demand in staff needed in supermarkets, the NHS are also looking for volunteers over 18 to help during this pandemic. Starting a new online business or creating a blog page, a YouTube channel or work on something you have always wanted to try, like recording a podcast, art, sport, writing stories etc, even starting your studies for next year, if you are going to university, you could start to research into the topics. so many other opportunities, even if you have to look a bit harder, I’ve realised there is always new opportunities to be discovered.

Staying in contact with friends and family outside of your household is also something I’ve found very important and reassuring. I have been having zoom calls and face-timing my friends a lot, and we are planning on having a quiz night with my college class on zoom. Staying connected and being able to talk and have fun with your friends is crucial throughout this time, to check in with each other and try and stay positive.