March 23, 2020
Did you change your spring break plans because of the virus? From what to what?
I did not have any specific spring break plans but covid-19 did change my overall plans for this spring semester. I was working on several projects, I was participating in SOURCE, my work had been accepted to three of St. Ed’s publications and I was looking forward to the release party. I was also working on my seminar paper, and most of all I was eagerly waiting for our graduation ceremony scheduled for May. Several of those plans have now been canceled while others have been altered. We all must adjust to this new lifestyle.
How did you feel when you were informed the remainder of the semester would be held online?
I felt extremely sad and dissapointed since this was my last semester at St. Ed’s.
Where will you be living while courses are held online? Is this a change from usual?
Home. I live in Austin, TX. Close to St. Ed’s. It’s not a change. I will just have to adjust to taking classes online, which I have done two years back when I was an ACC student. I know however for a fact that you do not have the same experience.
What has been your experience with moving classes online? What’s good? What’s not so good?
I don’t think there’s anything particularly great about moving classes online. You will never replace the experience of interacting with your professor and your classmates. My classes mostly consisted of class discussion at this point and I believe I will miss that experience greatly. What’s “good”? I would have to say having a more flexible schedule.
How has the virus (and the precautions taken to prevent it spreading) impacted your daily life?
I have not seen daylight in a week! – No, I try to go out just for the necessaries; food, medicine, etc. I’m visiting my garden more than usual! I clean the house daily. Doing a lot of disinfecting. Other than that, everything seems normal. I do miss having contact with people. It is very, very difficult. You do not realize how much you need that contact until you are missing it.
How worried are you about getting the virus?
Quite a bit. I suffer from a chronic condition and any serious health ilness could imply complications. I do want to be very catious.
Do you know anyone who has gotten COVID-19?
Thankfully, I do not know anyone who has gotten COVID-19.
Are you staying in? What are you doing to pass the time?
Yes, I am staying home. I have continued to work on my research for my seminar paper. I read a lot! Like I mentioned, I am also doing a lot of cleaning. I spent this last week helping take care of my 92-year-old grandmother. I have also done some painting which helped me relax. In the future, we plan to play some loteria! We used to do it in the past. Dancing nights also sound fun.
Are you going out? Where do you go and what is it like?
Very little. I’ve only been out to the pharmacy and to pick up some groceries.
What is giving you hope and/or strength right now?
My faith. Always and foremost. I try to read the Bible as much as possible. My family gives me strength. My plans for the future – there are many things I yet want to live and do.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about what you’re feeling or experiencing right now?
At this point, I have to admit I am feeling a bit disoriented. I’ve lost track of the days and the lack of schedule and routine is unbearable! I also fear that some people around my age (I’m 26 and I’m well aware that students at St. Ed’s and other universities may be younger than I am) are not taking the situation as seriously as they should. We should all stay home as much as possible to prevent further spread. Social distancing is extremely important! I would also like to mention that while I have heard that the university is considering a virtual alternative to our graduation ceremony, I do not wish them to forget that it will not replace the actual physical one. It is not the time to think about such trivialities perhaps, but this celebration is a symbol of all that has been accomplished through a long and arduous academic career. I just want this to be kept in mind. It does not matter how long it is postponed, I am sure we will all be happy to celebrate not only our achievements but that we managed to get through such a terrible situation.
