Hello, my name is Kaitlyn McKenna and I’m a senior majoring in anthropology with minor in archaeology and Italian. I’m also one of the recipients of the outstanding senior awards this year for outstanding academic achievement.

I’m currently in my backyard enjoying the nice weather we’ve been having lately. Since being “in quarantine,” my mental and physical health has been a priority. I’ve been taking time to FaceTime, text and call my friends, spending time with my immediate family and cuddling with my pets.

As someone who has been recovering from an eating disorder the past few years, I know how difficult this time can be for one’s mental health. I’m very fortunate that the University of Nevada, Reno’s counseling and nutrition services are still being offered over Zoom. And I encourage anyone struggling to take advantage of these services. I’ve also been focusing on eating nutritious foods and exercising that makes me feel good and happy such as pilates, yoga and dance.

I try to limit my intake of negative news and media, such as those that promote the “quarantine 15” and only follow accounts that promote body positivity. Right now is a very difficult time for anybody who is graduating, as we’ve all been looking forward to graduation and celebrating our accomplishments. Not only is it graduation, but all the struggles going along with COVID-19. I also think it is a really big loss for us and we’re all grieving right now.

It may feel like a long time from now, but I plan on celebrating graduation in December. The silver lining in all this is that graduation will mean so much more to all of us because it’ll be an opportunity for us to come together after being in isolation for so long. It’ll represent what we’ve had to go through the past four years to graduation, as well as what we’ve had to overcome just this year. I’m really looking forward to celebrating with everyone again.