A New Beginning Amidst A Pandemic by Tanishka R.

Sunset observed at the columns ...sity of Missouri- Columbia, MO.

Sunset observed at the columns on Friday, March 10, 2022 in the University of Missouri- Columbia, MO.

A New Beginning Amidst A Pandemic

The United States is a popular study abroad destination amongst students across the globe. According to the US News Report, the US hosted over 1 million international students in 2019-2020, making it the most favored study abroad destination. A vast majority of international students come from China, India, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia – countries that are socially, racially, and culturally different from the US.

This personal photo essay depicts how incoming international students from Spring 2021 at The University of Missouri-Columbia are not just making the cultural transition but also adapting to their new lives on campus amidst the COVID -19 pandemic.

Passport, tickets, and my drea...e cream I had a long time ago.

Passport, tickets, and my dreams all bundled in a suitcase, ready to start a new adventure. While unpacking, I found some Indian currency that sat unused in my backpack since the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps it was the change I received for the ice cream I had a long time ago.

The education system in the US...demic was not there."

The education system in the US is different from what I have experienced in India. The new culture, people, and my interactions with them have been an exciting experience. Ever since the semester began, I can't help but wonder, "What would it be like if the pandemic was not there."

COVID took our lives by storm ...t time I will be ever see her.

COVID took our lives by storm and changed everything overnight. With classes being canceled, students headed back home for the weekend. My roommate gave me this handmade keychain the day I was leaving. "I'll see you Tuesday morning!" I said while hugging her. Little did I know it would be the last time I will be ever see her.

People started taking vitamin ...ed being deprived of the Sun .

People started taking vitamin D supplements since they were required to remain indoors during the lockdown. I have been consuming these capsules of sunshine since I arrived in the US. Coming from a tropical county like India, I never imagined being deprived of the Sun.

The pandemic has turned me int... drives me to be overcautious.

The pandemic has turned me into a germophobic person, cleaning my hands every time I touch a surface in public. The continuous use of soap and sanitizer often leaves my hands dry and irritated. The constant thought of "What will happen if I fall sick" drives me to be overcautious.

Local Indian food is something ...away to a world familiar to me.

Local Indian food is something I have missed immensely since my arrival to the US. Every time I open the spice box, the colors and aroma momentarily transport me back home. This box is my getaway to a world familiar to me.

Mealtime has always been synon...amp;#39;s just me eating food.

Mealtime has always been synonymous with joy and happiness. Back home, this was the time my brother and I argued over everything to drive our parents crazy. Now, there is are no mealtime; it's just me eating food.

When people start losing hope, ...ore than pray for their safety.

When people start losing hope, they turn to God for strength. The pandemic had left me feeling helpless. Away from my family, I could do no more than pray for their safety.

March 7, 2021, marked the end ...andemic.

March 7, 2021, marked the end of another successful POYi competition. After wrapping up, all the POYi coordinators spent the evening together unwinding. Since I arrived in the USA, it was the first time that I felt like things were going back to normal. I slept like a baby that night, not wanting to wake up to the harsh reality of the pandemic.

Tanishka R.

Also by Tanishka R. —

Missourian

Copy - Print Tearsheets

Moments

75 Years of Togetherness

The Pause

Pandemic Obstacles

Studio Portraits

Demo Story