April 4, 2020

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

I planned to pick up extra hours at the Sobering Center considering that South By Southwest 2020 was scheduled and we would be having an influx in patients. However, on March 12, 2020, I was informed by my manager that I would be working from home for 2 weeks. Little did I realize that that was my last full day working in the office. It is now April 3, 2020 and I am scheduled to work from home until the beginning of May. I am thankful that I have a job, I just never imagined that I would spend my spring break working from home, trying to make sense of what is happening around the world.

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

I was terrified and still am. At the beginning, I was so anxious and stressed about the fact that I would no longer have in person classes. I am a hands on learner and the thought of having to structure my own learning was not appealing to me what so ever. It is now week 3 and I had final got over my “funk” and actually began working on my assignments. I’m still very stressed and I appreciate that the professors are trying their hardest to make themselves available for us. This is our new reality and it’s going to take me being very disciplined for me to get through this semester.

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

I like that our professors are asking that we allow video on zoom. It gives me a reason to fix myself and clean my room. I look forward to my class zoom meetings because it’s the most interaction that I get with the outside world. Fortunately, my two favorite professors, Dr. Lisa Holleran and Dr. C. Warren Andresen hold the weekly zoom meetings.

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

My mom and step-dad monitor me more closely and question me every time I leave the front door (even to go get my prescriptions). I travel with Clorox wipes and Lysol spray and disinfect my belongings. I even spray the lysol spray all over me before walking in the house (it’s my new perfume).

How worried are you about getting the virus?

I am worried about getting the virus, but the reality of it is is that we are going to get it at some point, it’s just a matter of when. I am taking every precaution that I can to avoid contracting the virus. I am more concerned about my family getting it as they have pre-existing health conditions.

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

I am doing my part and only leaving the house for essential things. I pass the time by watching TV or playing with my brother. My family and I have grown closer during the stay at home order. We are going on day 22 of being together 24/7.

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

My faith is what is getting me through this very difficult time. There is a fear of the unknown, but this is where our faith grows stronger.