As we’ve entered into this most unusual fall season, I couldn’t help but reflect . . . how did we end up here?
Last fall, I entered into the SLP grad school application process eager and excited to participate in an on-campus program to get that real “grad school experience,” meet like-minded people passionate about CSD, and work face-to-face with my first clients. Then, a global pandemic hit and everything changed. Like most students right now, my program is online, our clinic is telepractice-only, and our cohort is getting to know each other over Zoom.
Whether you’re an undergrad isolated in your dorm, a first-year grad student taking classes remotely, a graduate clinician whose clinic closed, or a research assistant whose project was shut down, this pandemic has brought unexpected challenges for all of us. Zoom burnout and screen fatigue are setting in (thank goodness for blue light glasses!) and the surge in COVID-19 cases are worrisome. Practicing gratitude seems more important—now more than ever.
Maya Angelou said it well, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” So, how can we practice gratitude in the midst of a pandemic? Here are a few ways folks across the National NSSLHA family are practicing gratitude this fall . . .
Connect with Others
Making time to connect with our loved ones—family, friends, cohorts, and chapters—requires a little creativity nowadays. Many students are hosting small in-person gatherings and socially distanced outdoor gatherings (weather permitting).
Katie McGovern, National NSSLHA’s Delaware Student State Officer (SSO) (AuD), says NSSLHA chapters in her region get together for
- Virtual yoga classes to reduce stress
- Zoom wine and “whine” nights to provide a little levity
- Virtual “Battle of the Sexes” games to connect their men’s and women’s Aphasia groups
Melanie Alcala, National NSSLHA’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, makes a point to send handwritten notes to her friends, family, and even faculty to stay connected.
If you’re anything like me, you might be particularly grateful for all of the delicious fall foods we’re eating. Sharing meals together is a wonderful way to stay connected and practice gratitude. Whether you’re cooking for 2, a small family, a house full of roommates, or virtually with friends, here are a few favorite fall recipes from National NSSLHA’s Executive Council (EC) to inspire you:
Give Back
Many students are practicing gratefulness by giving back:
- Southern Connecticut State University’s graduate NSSLHA chapter organized a Voice Drive to support VocalID’s voicebank.
- The University of Maine’s Student Academy of Audiology chapter came together to raise funds to purchase hearing aids for a woman with hearing loss.
Check out National NSSLHA’s virtual event idea bank for more ideas to practice gratitude by giving back to your communities.
Share Your Highs and Lows
One simple way we practice gratitude on the National NSSLHA EC and with our SSOs is by starting each meeting by sharing our “highs and lows.” We recognize these are crazy times and we’re all experiencing unprecedented challenges, but we’re also experiencing a lot of joy.
Sometimes our highs are lighthearted, like having pumpkin cream cold brew or getting to sneak some of your kids’ Halloween candy. Sometimes they’re more serious, like seeing a client finally respond to therapy or getting to see your family for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.
But not everything is peachy-keen these days . . . and that’s ok. Whether you’re struggling to connect with a new cohort online or you just learned that someone you love tested positive for COVID, it can be comforting to know that—whatever the low—someone else is feeling it too.
By sharing both the highs and lows we’re able to support each other and remind each other how much there is to be grateful for.
Try sharing highs and lows during your next chapter meeting. I like using Mentimeter which can add a layer of anonymity to ensure everyone feels comfortable sharing in a group setting. You can also share round-robin style or even have members submit their highs and lows ahead of time.
Jot Down Your Joys
One easy gratitude practice is to simply focus on those things you’re grateful for by writing them down. Personally, I’ve been grateful for the relationships I’ve formed through National NSSLHA. It’s been incredibly meaningful to get to know so many like-minded and passionate student leaders from all across the country working towards the same goals—especially now when we are so distant from our friends and family.
When I asked the rest of the National NSSLHA EC what they’re grateful for, here’s what they shared:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take time to slow down and appreciate the journey of grad school. During times when I’m in the kitchen cooking for my loved ones or making something sweet to enjoy, I appreciate how far I’ve come and the people who’ve helped me get there.” – Jordan Girola, President
“I’m grateful for my family, who are my biggest cheerleaders, and for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our field through National NSSLHA.” – Miya Wilson, Vice President for Finance
“I’m grateful for freedom of speech and having the ability to voice your opinions.” – Natalie Sfeir, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy
“One of my favorite things to do year-round is to write handwritten cards to loved ones and friends. There’s something so personable about it from which your time and effort really speak for itself. Texting is wonderful but something tangible is often greatly appreciated and heartwarming when those cards turn up in your mailbox. Especially during the holidays, these can be so appreciated by loved ones, friends, and even faculty to extend a token of your appreciation.” – Melanie Alcala, Vice President for Academic Affairs
There’s Still Lots to Be Grateful For
2020 has been a tough year for all of us with unprecedented challenges and heartbreak. No matter what this year has brought, there are things to be grateful—both big and small—if we look for them. Whether it’s connecting with our loved ones, giving back, jotting down our joys, or baking a delicious fall treat, there are many ways to practice gratitude in this season. If nothing else, take comfort in knowing that whatever you’re going through, someone out there is feeling it to . . . and we’re all in this together.