March 23, 2020

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

The one downside to all this was that I was planning to go to SXSW to see if I could find a summer internship, but that got canceled even before the school shut down.

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

I was kind of okay with online instruction. I’ve taken online classes once before and it went smoothly. I was *not* okay being told to get out of the apartment (furniture and everything) that I’m still paying utilities for.

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

Home. Houston, Texas.

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

It’s good that the teachers are adaptable and willing to switch due dates around because of all the crazy going on. We haven’t had a chance yet to start this officially, so I’m not entirely sure yet how my lecture-heavy class will work.

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

Not a ton, if I’m honest. I’m a introvert so quarantine isn’t going to make me crazy. The biggest impact has been the university’s order to “get out” of on-campus housing. The problem with that is that my parents (especially my mother) are in the vulnerable population, and yet the university still expects them to help move me out. They gave me an extension, so there’s no panicked rush to empty the place out, but still. Dick move. I shouldn’t have to worry about that on top of classes.

How worried are you about getting the virus?

Not very. My immune system must be on steroids or something, because I don’t often get sick.

Do you know anyone who has gotten COVID-19?

Not as of yet.

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

I pass my time working on school stuff, writing for fun, and gaming.

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

I go out only once a day for a bike ride around my neighborhood. I usually wind up regretting it because of the oak pollen (the one downside to being back home).

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

Extreme frustration with the university for kicking me out of my apartment that I’m still paying utilities for. I get the logic behind why they would do this: limit possible exposure between roommates. But here’s the thing: I don’t even have a roommate this semester, nor do I have visitors, so the risk is basically zilch. Yet they’re still kicking me out and expecting my vulnerable parents to help do that. Thanks, jerks. You’re kicking me out for just a couple months only to have us move all that heavy furniture back in in the fall? That’s idiotic! Not to mention I’m not even sure if they’re outright restricting travel between cities. By the time I have an opening to do so, that may have happened and I’d have no way to get my stuff for who knows how long, forcing the university to fine me (and trash my belongings that I paid for!) for things outside my control!