March 21, 2020
Did you change your spring break plans because of the virus? From what to what?
Yes, I’ve actually been a Dual Degree student between APU and St. Edwards. My family are have been expats in Dubai, UAE for the past 11 years and I went to St. Eds for my freshman and Sophmore years. I was told by some people that it would pass quickly. I knew the panic associated with the virus hadn’t reached the US like it had in Japan. My family was scheduled to move back and repatriate to my hometown of Houston, TX before Covid 19 was even a factor. I was home in Dubai for Spring break from Japan and after the virus broke out around the world many flights were cancelled that were returning to Japan. My flight back to Fukuoka, Japan from Dubai UAE Usually goes through Seoul and after watching the news I realized that South Korea was being hit hard by the virus. I decided to return with my family to the United States and contact APU to try and write my senior thesis online. News of Covid had already reached my earlier since I had many friends in Japan, they have sent me pictures of empty food shelves that are usually full abundant pork buns, fried chicken and ramen. For some reason toilet paper has also been “panic purchased” throughout the world. I had left my car with my uncle in Indianapolis since I knew I was going to be overseas studying in Japan for 2 years. So I flew into Chicago O’hare Airport and drove my car down to Houston to meet my family. I drove through 5 states and listened to the radio hearing news/rumors about how the malaria pills that contain quinine are supposed to lesson the effects of the virus. It is hard to separate rumors/ fake news from reality. When I drove past Dallas I heard there were riots of people who were upset about being confined indoors. I am also disturbed and upset by news that some people my age (22) are going on spring break vacations and unfortunately not adhering to the “social distancing” advice coming from the WHO and U.S. Government. Right now we are all nervous and washing our hands religiously. Since I have been moving East (Japan in Feb,- Dubai March 14th) to the West (USA) I have the somewhat selfish sense that virus is following me. I have seen the panic slowly spread from East to West and am currently seeing the panic just hit the USA causing mass panic buying and downward stocks. I’ve put a couple hundred bucks in Bitcoin and have went out with my family to buy canned food just in case things get worse. I am remembering “Amor Fati” and “Momento Mori” from Stoic philosophy to love whatever comes and “roll with the punches”.
How did you feel when you were informed the remainder of the semester would be held online?
I was sad at the situation but was expecting this as I think it is the most prudent and safest option. APU in Japan had already postponed the start of the semester to April 22 and moved to online courses.
Where will you be living while courses are held online? Is this a change from usual?
I’m currently living with my family again at a corporate apartment in Houston’s City Center. I’m used to living on my own in Japan. But luckily this apartment is very nice and I’m privileged to be here together with my family.
What has been your experience with moving classes online? What’s good? What’s not so good?
I only have 2 credits left I have 122 credits. So I’m writing my thesis paper for APU and sending lots of emails to everyone to figure out how I’m gonna graduate.
How has the virus (and the precautions taken to prevent it spreading) impacted your daily life?
I’m generally just nervous, I really don’t want to give the virus to my parents because they are in their 50’s. I have been washing my hands alot and am suspicious of every little tickle in my throat. I think that this going to turn everyone into a hypochondriac
How worried are you about getting the virus?
I am quite worried as I have seen videos of people so sick with pneumonia coming out of Italy. They are so sick that the doctors are laying them flat on their stomachs and intubating them so it’s easier for them to breathe. I have heard that the virus isn’t that grave for everyone and some people don’t even know that they’re sick. However, it’s quite disconcerting.
Do you know anyone who has gotten COVID-19?
No, thank God I hope it stays that way
Are you staying in? What are you doing to pass the time?
Yes I’m staying in… I’m watching the news, talking with my parents working on my paper and reading books.
Are you going out? Where do you go and what is it like?
I’ve been to HEB to get some food supplies and it’s packed with people trying to stockpile whatever they need. When I drove across states to get to Texas there were many trucks on the road but fewer people than usual on the roads
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about what you’re feeling or experiencing right now?
A real sense of disruption and anxiety but I’m pretty sure the world is feeling this way. I’m uncertain about what will come next but I’m hoping for a medical breakthrough or vaccine. I am worried about how I will be able to complete college or get a job after all this. I’m also concerned about an economic depression or violence erupting if this virus and panic continues for a protracted period of time. I am reminded of the Spanish flu or Polio and somewhat comforted by the fact that polio was able to be cured and Spanish Flu eventually disappeared. I don’t know how or when life will go back to normal and I miss going to bars and hanging out with friends. Me and my family have experienced an international move in the midst of a pandemic getting on a plane during all this was also quite nerve- wracking. We are just hoping and praying life will return to normal. For those born in 1998′ like me this is the year we are supposed to be graduating and starting our careers so this is sure to change our lives/ plans.
