March 25, 2020
Did you change your spring break plans because of the virus? From what to what?
I have two jobs, and had plans to work both of them over the break. One of my jobs was forced to close because of restaurant closures, and my second job made the decision to close for a month.
How did you feel when you were informed the remainder of the semester would be held online?
I knew it was coming so it wasn’t a huge shock. I’m glad St. Edward’s decided to take the virus seriously, and not risk students and faculty’s health and safety. There is no way to tell how long the country is at risk.
Where will you be living while courses are held online? Is this a change from usual?
I live in an off-campus apartment, and plan to stay there.
What has been your experience with moving classes online? What’s good? What’s not so good?
I’ve done online classes before, though never have transferred in person classes to online. I have full trust in my professor’s and their ability to make it work. I am a theatre student, and it seems near impossible to do some of our courses online. Some of the courses that have already been figured out as far as changes go, are severely impacted and will be vastly different.
How has the virus (and the precautions taken to prevent it spreading) impacted your daily life?
I can no longer go to my jobs which has been a big hit. It’s (understandably) been impossible to contact unemployment, and all the short-term jobs I saw were immediately filled. I’m worried about what may happen to my finances if I’m never able to go back to work or find a new job. I also attended weekly dance classes off-campus, which unfortunately has also been halted for an indefinite amount of time. Before the virus got serious in America I spent quite a bit of time worrying what would happen when it hit us hard. Now that it has I found myself constantly refreshing news sources about the virus, it’s become almost an addiction for me.
How worried are you about getting the virus?
I’ve been very cautious and staying in, so not too worried at the moment. I live with my sister, who could be at risk if she were to contract the virus so it’s better to be safe.
Do you know anyone who has gotten COVID-19?
Not personally.
Are you staying in? What are you doing to pass the time?
Staying in. I’ve been obsessively checking for all the updates across the country, reading books, watching movies- carrying on.
Are you going out? Where do you go and what is it like?
I’m only going out for essential groceries, and it’s interesting to see what sells and what doesn’t. The store’s have been very packed of course, and there’s a frantic energy most people carry.
What is giving you hope and/or strength right now?
Humanity has seen worse than this. New discoveries are made everyday, and there are scientists and doctors fighting for all of us.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about what you’re feeling or experiencing right now?
I’ve had this sense of dread since things really started picking up. Maybe it’s fear of what could happen next. Seeing all these business’s, restaurants, museums, theatre’s close scares me. As an acting major I care a lot about the performing arts, and I know that many productions never make much of a profit- even under the best of circumstances. The economical hit terrifies me. I believe the world can return to normal after this, but we actually have no way of knowing.The fear of the unknown has been a real burden.