By Dennis Dawt Lian Sang

Since I arrived in United States, every single day and every single moment has been both full of challenges and meaningful for me. Every morning when I get up from my bed, the new day brings new challenges, and I encourage myself by reminding myself that I can do this, and I need to step forward.

Being part of the McCormick community means a lot to me. McCormick has become the place where I meet new friends, find distraction and learn how to live in a diverse community. However, since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the world has completely turned upside down. I never thought in my life that something like this would happen in the world. It all happened so suddenly and the fact that everything has been cancelled, has been so challenging for me.

I feel like it is going to be a really hard time not only for me, but for many people.

…Continued from The Herald

I can’t go to my church, I can’t go to the places I want to go, classes have been suspended, and I need to learn new things that will help me practice self-isolation. I need to both think of new ways to overcome this situation, and at the same time, think of my studies. Being an international student, I worry a lot about my family back home.This, together with a totally new and very busy online classes experience, make me to sometimes feel totally down, both physically and mentally.

Sometimes it feels like sitting in an empty room at night in the dark all by myself, and feeling down. Like walking on a long path without anyone around me and, just walking forward with no idea where I will end up. It is struggle to write this honestly. I never expected this would happen and I don’t like at all.

Amidst the chaos, I find encouragement in what Martin Luther King Jr said, “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, By all means, keep moving.” I keep telling myself that I have to keep moving, and take things one step at a time.

I want to end by sending love, peace, and light to each and every one of you, and to let you know that you can overcome this. Also, know that you are not alone. Find courage in hope, and tell yourself that you can do this, and can move forward. Every morning when I get up I try to figure out some things that might help me to feel better. We can overcome this situation. It is important to keep ourselves healthy and practice self-isolation. Let us continue to pray for one another. I am sending peace and blessings to everyone in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.