March 25, 2020

Did you change your spring break plans because of the virus? From what to what?

Initially, I planned to stay in Austin and cover SXSW for my music marketing internship. Then, SXSW was cancelled so I planned to go to a beach house with my friends. As the situation became more serious, I decided that wasn’t the most responsible decision. I ended up going back to my small hometown to stay with my parents and have been here for weeks now, isolating myself from social situations.

How did you feel when you were informed the remainder of the semester would be held online?

I was disappointed because I really like my classes this semester and I didn’t realize I had gone to my last class of college without realizing it. However, I recognize that it was the right decision given this unprecedented situation.

Where will you be living while courses are held online? Is this a change from usual?

I will most likely be staying with my family in Kerrville, instead of my apartment in Austin.

What has been your experience with moving classes online? What’s good? What’s not so good?

I haven’t had any online classes yet because spring break has been extended but I like that I will be able to be anywhere when I have classes. However, the coronavirus outbreak has made my motivation for my final few months of college very low, and going online makes it even lower.

How has the virus (and the precautions taken to prevent it spreading) impacted your daily life?

It’s impacted my daily life tremendously. I had an internship I love, which I am now unable to do. I had a weekend job that paid the bills, which I have been laid off from for the time being. While I used to be busy 24/7 and would rarely be home during the day, staying home and having nothing to do has become the norm. All the things that I looked forward to: my trip to Spain, graduation, concerts, etc have been cancelled. My life has made a complete 180.

How worried are you about getting the virus?

I’m worried that this virus is much more widespread than we think, and that i will eventually get it. I am not concerned for my health, but I am very concerned that I will be an asymptomatic carrier that could pass it on to others that might be more affected by it.

Do you know anyone who has gotten COVID-19?

I don’t know anyone that has been confirmed to have it, but one of my friends’ mother is being tested and awaiting results.

Are you staying in? What are you doing to pass the time?

I’m staying in except for when I deliver groceries or go on the occasional bike ride. I’m a musician so I’ve taken the opportunity to write more songs and get better at the guitar. I try to get exercise everyday and take this time to take good care of myself.

Are you going out? Where do you go and what is it like?

I only go out into nature, and I stay 6 feet away from people at all times. I go to my neighborhood trail in Kerrville, which helps with feeling pent up in the house all day. Life in my hometown is, at the moment I’m writing this, relatively normal, although we are keeping our distance from others.

What is giving you hope and/or strength right now?

What gives me strength is knowing that this won’t last forever. I also try to think about things that I am grateful for daily, and try to remain positive for the future.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about what you’re feeling or experiencing right now?

This is a reminder to me to appreciate all that i have , my experiences, and the people in my life. Everything can be taken from you.