Messages of Support
The pandemic has taken a toll on many of us, and for students it’s been tough – mentally, physically and academically – which is why alumni, donors and members of Carleton’s community have been invited to share words of encouragement, advice and helpful tips as you head into the end of the term and exams. Take a read through the messages below.
You have a whole conspiracy of Ravens rallying behind you!
It’s a difficult time to be maneuvering through university and I’m sure this is not the experience that you were expecting or dreaming of. My piece of advice is to find little moments of joy whenever you can. Embrace as many moments as you can. Join clubs, reach out to people in your classes, take walks around campus, etc. Also don’t forget to pause and take breaks whenever you feel overwhelmed and/or stressed.
– Lisa, BCOMM ’18
You did it!! You have shown up, despite the uncertainty and challenges, and worked hard! I hope you take a moment to pause and reflect on this past year and all the wonderful things you have accomplished. There are bright and sunny days ahead and we can’t wait to see you!
– Kajal, Bachelor of Public Affairs & Policy Management ’16
You have been through so much this year, both academically and otherwise. While you tuck into your final exams, take a moment to celebrate your resilience, the strength and calibre of your character. Recognize just how hard you have worked to get here. . .and then keep going. There are so many of us rooting for you!
– Laura, English, BA ’05 & MA ’07
If there’s something this pandemic has taught us, it’s that no matter how much you plan, there always needs to be room for the uncertainties, the ‘ifs’ we have no answers to. But if there’s also something we’ve learned from this, it’s that there’s always a solution somewhere for the uncertainties as long as we are wiling to try and explore it. Make use of all the office hours and learn to take a break because your health is just as important.
– Kuukua, B.A. Law (Honours) Concentration in Business Law, Min. Comm. ’20
You deserve an A+ for surviving a year of academic studies fraught with uncertainty and many deprivations. You and your classmates can wear this as a badge of courage and resilience when you look back at 2020-2021. Back in the early 1970s the worst thing that happened to me was trying to make it to campus on time for exams in the middle of the blizzards that seemed to occur almost daily in December during exam time. All the best!
– Ron, Electrical Engineering ’74
Hang in there. Everyone knows it’s been an exceptionally tough year but feel for you as students and recent grads balancing school on top of all of life’s many other responsibilities. Know that from those of us who came before you, you’re doing a great job! Remember to break down big challenges into smaller manageable portions and take it one day at a time. You got this. And when you need it, we’re right there behind you.
– Andrew, BPAPM ’05