The most difficult part of quarantine, for many people, has been the severing of our in-person interactions. While there is certainly joy to be found in solitude, humans are, by their nature, social. And it is in our small interactions with others that we find much of our joy. The occasional trip into self-isolation can be helpful, but it must always be counterbalanced with a healthy amount of socialization. With all sports, reunions, and Penn State events canceled or postponed, it seems all the more difficult to maintain those connections, and to keep that balance.
But everywhere, people have been rising to the challenge, finding inventive solutions to the problem of isolation. Apartment dwellers have come out on their balconies for collective barbecues, parties, or sing-alongs. Video calls have been used to host everything from birthday parties to church services. And fraternity brothers have been reaching out to one another in unprecedented numbers. In the face of adversity, we have found new ways to bond with one another. In the face of loneliness, we have chosen to find ways to grow ever closer.
It is in these times of crisis that it becomes clear just how important our interactions with others are, and how vital relationships are to the preservation of the human spirit. So we encourage you to learn from this experience, to take this opportunity to reach out to your brothers from Chi Phi or just other Penn State alumni. Find old friends, classmates, and roommates. Reach out to one another and make plans. If you don’t know where to start, you can always find some of them in our searchable directory, HERE.
Making plans is one of the most important things you can do for yourself during this crisis. The pandemic can make it feel like everything is out of control, uncertain, and even frightening. But something as simple as making plans with an old friend can give you a measure of control over your own life. Make plans for a Chi Phi reunion next year. Make plans for tailgating at games in State College. Fill up your schedules, even in the face of uncertainty. Because once the pandemic has ended, it will be time to relish the little joys of life once again. And you don’t want to miss out.