2020 has taken a heavy toll on all of us. Many people worldwide have lost their jobs, homes, and, unfortunately, family members, due to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. Students and parents nationwide try to adjust to fully online learning and teaching, which comes with many challenges.

This year also saw the passing of impactful role models like Chadwick Bosman, Kobe Bryant, and Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Pre-Covid life feels like an eternity ago, and many of us miss being able to go out with our friends and family without mask policies and social distance restrictions. This year has been challenging for all of us.

Personally, quitting can never be an option, and I never want to lose my optimism in life. I try to remain resilient and persistent when facing obstacles. Life will always throw us challenges. The real question is how we react to those tough times. Do we roll over and give up? Or do we plow through and overcome the difficulties that arise throughout life? These questions illuminate how resilient we are.

Merriam-Webster defines resilience as “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.” There is a misperception that resilience is an attribute people have since birth. That is a common mistake.

One of the best qualities of resilience is that we have the opportunity every day to work on and increase our ability to be resilient. Like lifting at the gym, resilience is a skill that needs constant work and dedication for results. Nonetheless, the benefits of being resilient make the work worth it.

Resilient people can bounce back from challenges faster. Additionally, they develop an emotional immune system that can help with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Many times, we get lost in our negative thoughts and outlooks. The key here is to ignore those thoughts because they won’t help in the long run. The first step into resilience is trying to look at things from a positive perspective.

Treat every obstacle like an opportunity and not a burden. Resilient people embrace change and adapt. Resilient people also have the wherewithal to ask for help when they need it.

Bloomsburg University’s Health and Wellness initiative has launched a Resilience and Skills Training program (R.e. S.T.) to help students build those skills. Being resilient is so important in times like these and assists with moving forward.

The world is changing, and people need to know how to navigate and adapt to change, so when things like a job loss or a family member passing happen, students are more equipped to handle those circumstances.

This year has taken a lot from us and has rocked the landscape of our society. Therefore, we need to train and get stronger. If you have any questions about the Resiliency and Skills Training program at B.U., please reach out to me via email at @[email protected].