It’s time to (metaphorically) get out there and create some connections…
If you’re sitting at home right now, quarantined and following your local stay-at-home orders, and the most exciting parts of your day have been breakfast, walking the dog and watching sitcom reruns on television, then you may feel just a twinge of guilt when you see how some are using their newfound free time.
Maybe a fellow UNC alum in your Facebook feed just completed a complex carpentry project. Maybe you’ve seen the many social posts going around proclaiming how Shakespeare wrote “King Lear” during a plague quarantine or how Newton began developing his theory of gravity during a similar quarantine, and so what’s your excuse?
Whatever the reason, if you’re feeling a little down and unmotivated while self-isolating, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon to feel a bit morose if you haven’t been as productive as you’d like the past few days or weeks — but that’s also a good thing.
Why? Well, more and more, we’re seeing that this health-related need for social distancing is pushing communities — such as communities of DKE brothers — closer together. More and more, brothers both from DKE and all over the country are now connecting, thanks to the power of technology.
Here’s what one of our DKE brothers had to say about it:
“COVID-19 has shown us how important human-to-human contact is — the bonds created at DKE are more noticeable when we are isolated. It tells us that human contact (family, brotherhood, friends) is vital.”
“I have supported Beta DKE for nearly 50 years and my pledge class has held a reunion every 5 years with strong participation. Many of us maintain regular contact and see each other relatively often. My pledge Brothers and Beta DKE hold a very special position in my life.“
“The friendships and extended relationships have been critical in my development over the years, and I absolutely treasure the memories of my time at the Beta chapter. I keep in touch with many alumni including my pledge class on a regular basis. The experiences shared at 132 S. Columbia are etched in my brain and provide a constant reminder of the history and impact that the chapter has had.“
“Your world can change at any moment. Have your fun for sure and keep up with the important stuff (family, school, friends, finances) because you may need to switch gears just like that. Don’t let uncertainty make you fearful, keep your head up and learn as much as you can about what you’re facing. You can apply that to any challenge you run into and the rest will pretty much work itself out.“
We may not be able to converge together in Chapel Hill for reunions or other UNC and DKE alumni events in the immediate future, but we can still come together, as soon as today. Email your DKE brothers. Give them a call. Friend them on Facebook. Set up a group video chat so you can talk about the good times and joke about what you’re all doing during quarantine.
Not sure where to start? Use our online directory to find your DKE brothers’ contact info right now. Need a little inspiration? Read the latest DKE alumni news on our website. One of our recent alumni updates or flashback photos might spark a memory or two.
Whatever you do — don’t keep sitting on the couch watching TV for hours at a time during quarantine. You may not feel like writing an internationally renowned play or developing a scientific theory, but you can definitely still do something productive: You can keep the DKE spirit alive by connecting with your brothers today.
