April 15, 2020

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

I planned a trip to NYC with two of my best friends during spring break. A couple days before our flight we decided it was better to reschedule. It was frustrating to put these plans on hold since we had worked so hard to set it up. However, we knew it was more important to preserve our health and protect our families.

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

At first I felt relieved that I wouldn’t have to sit in classes where we could possibly transmit the virus. Now I’m just bummed because I haven’t seen any of my fiends that I’ve made at school.

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

I will be at home in South Austin. This is not a change from the usual but I am still adapting to being at home 24/7.

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

Most of my classes use online set ups like Google Drive or Canvas. This made it easy to transition the class to distance learning but I realized that I have horrible concentration at home. Before school went online I spent most of my day at the library. For me this was a quiet place to work without my room to distract me.

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

My hours at work were cut in half to due to new guidelines implemented by the state. Although I am grateful to have a job, I am scared of catching the virus and bringing it home. I think the biggest differences for me are that I can’t see my mom, sister, grandparents, or significant other. I didn’t realize how it would affect my mood and overall sate-of-mind if I couldn’t see these people for weeks.

Do you know anyone who has gotten COVID-19?

Not yet.

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

I mostly Facetime with people I would hang out with. I draw and write. I recently started recording cases in the US, TX, ATX, and my zip code so that I don’t keep checking 5 times a day. I was going a little crazy with the statistics and it helped me limit my news intake.

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

When I went to the bank, I waited in line for 20 minutes and wore gloves before touching the tube. The place I go to the most is work, and right now its buzzing with online orders. It’s crazy to see all the people who come in. It shows me how many people are actually out and about when they should stay home. I’m just as scared of catching it as everyone else.

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

I’m planning another get together for when this is all over. It’ll be a rager LOL