1 Year Ago, Today... From Memories
As we come to the, ‘Year Ago Today’ mark via Snapchat memories in which quarantine leapt off with a jaunting start, its unsettling to see depictions of ourselves experiencing the early days of a lifestyle of isolation: one we thought we would only adapt to for a short time that has since become discomfortingly familiar. We have all been consistently plagued with photos, videos, and memories of a time that could be traced back only 365 + days, yet it feels like an alternate universe. It’s safe to say this past year has aged us all, but it is important that we remember wisdom comes with age, and the whirlwind of challenges we have faced as a generation has led us to immeasurable growth.
We each took the time to respond to several prompts gauging just how much this year of unprecedented change in the world has molded and shaped us in ways we never would have expected a year ago today. We encourage you to ask yourself the same questions; take the time to acknowledge the transformation you have gone through that might not be visible in your memories from March 21st, 2020.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing about this pandemic what would it be?
“I would tell myself how long this pandemic is actually going to last. I put off a lot of work and wasted valuable time in 2020 because I had the mindset of waiting until the pandemic was over.” Ragan Baker
“If I could go back and tell myself one thing about the pandemic, I would tell myself to cherish the time rather than brood over it. I would tell myself to take the quality time spent with my family to heart and use it to learn from them.” Finn Jackson
How has your creativity evolved since last march?
“Looking at this past year in review, my creativity as a person and in other facets of my life has definitely been remolded. I credit my individual growth as a person for this. I’m more focused and comfortable than I have ever been. That being, said there’s not really a word or phrase to to sum up my creative evolution, but I find beauty in that.” Ed Phillips
“From last March to now, my creativity has increased drastically. Being forced to stay at home and not always be on the go allowed me to spend more time creating. Whether it be fashion related or music, I just got into a groove of trying to create something, and I have tried to keep that mindset since.” Rian Blackman
What are some challenges you have faced and have any opportunities resulted from these challenges?
“I was a part of the unlucky class of 2020 whose college experience seemingly ended on a random Friday no one expected. I even skipped my “last” day of college because it was the day before Spring Break, which quickly turned into an extra two weeks, and then into the rest of the semester. Upon graduating in quarantine, I faced the overwhelming challenge of feeling stuck with absolutely no purpose. Any post- grad plans I had were no longer viable due to nationwide lockdowns. At first, it was one of the scariest feelings I’d ever felt, but then realizing everyone was in the same boat of uncertainty gave me a sense of peace. However, at the beginning of 2021, I couldn’t shake those feelings of anxiety and stress surrounding my future. I utilized that energy by taking a chance on a brand new career I had always wanted to pursue, completely flipping my mindset around. Since, I’ve seen the light at the end of the tunnel and have genuinely experienced consistent happiness. I’m now excited for my future again, even if the world is scary.” Maddi Thompson
“The pandemic definitely affected the way I see the world; it made me realize everything I took for granted, down to things like just going out or being around a lot of people. I find myself practicing gratitude more often, slowing down and taking note of the minor things in life, recognizing that they could be taken away at a moments notice. Nothing is guaranteed.” John Everett Helm
What are some ways you have shown yourself love/nurtured yourself in the past year?
“Before quarantine, I would find myself constantly surrounded by others and never made time for myself to be alone. Quarantine practically forced this upon me- instead of rejecting it like I have in the past, I have embraced it. Since March, I have genuinely enjoyed the time I get just for myself. Alone time has become something I crave in order to love on myself.” Maggie Schut
“Alongside the dark, looming cloud of loneliness and uncertainty that Covid has held over our heads since last March, this year has thrown many challenges my way. As someone who can easily fall into bouts of anxiety, I have taken the time to learn how to truly take care of myself and my own needs. Prior to this year, I often neglected to recognize self care as a solution to my worries because I didn’t understand what it really was; I instead prioritized completing jobs or comforting others as an escape from the dangers of living in my own head. However, quarantine allowed me to take time for myself alone, learning ways in which I could take tangible steps towards a better mental state rather than escaping my problems entirely. As a result, I have found comfort and safety within myself, and I have grown to understand that I can show myself a kind of love no one else can.” Marli Giedt
Strike Out,
Concept, Writers, and Models: Rian Blackman, Ed Phillips, John Everett Helm, Maddi Thompson, Finn Jackson, Ragan Baker, Maggie Schut
Editor: Marli Giedt
Photographer and Graphic Design: Maddi Thompson
Chattanooga