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Aliya Zakir

Through the challenges of COVID-19, our mentalities become more adaptable. The Sidekick communications manager Sreeja Mudumby shares how she is thankful for her growth over the past few months and how plants can be seen in a similar light.

If you asked me how I was doing on March 1, I would’ve said “fine.”

If you asked me how I was really doing, I would’ve said “I don’t know.” 

I have come a long way since. 

Over the past six months, I feel like I have grown more than I have my entire life.

And no, not in height.

We can all agree 2020 has been rough to say the least. Tears for the sick, angry faces for the injustices and suffocation of being restricted to our homes – but what about the flip side?

COVID-19 taught me to value my health. Inhumane acts urged me to fight. Self-isolation forced me to deal with all the collecting mental clutter of and emotional baggage of jealousy, self hate and sadness. 

Growth.

Who would have thought that it would have taken a global pandemic for my glow-up? I have formed an identity for the first time in 16 years. I got to choose my values, decide who can impact my life and figure out what my purpose on this planet is. 

I have also grown immensely as a staffer for The Sidekick. In my first year on staff, I was a shy, quiet girl who picked the farthest corner of the room and avoided eye-contact with The Sidekick adviser Chase Wofford so he wouldn’t call on me.

Now? I just won’t stop talking. 

The Sidekick makes me so happy. I became more active in the program and made friendships with people that will be in my heart forever. 

But most importantly, I learned that I am a good writer.

I now write each story with love, confidence and a mission to spread news to my community. I won’t leave these skills in D115 – they will come with me to my grave. 

Yes, I am thankful for the pumpkin pie and the fall Instagram pictures. But I am most grateful knowing that my 15-year-old self would be so proud of me sitting here and writing this. 

And I won’t stop growing anytime soon. 

Follow Sreeja (@sreejamudumby) and @CHSCampusNews on Twitter