May 6, 2020

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

I was supposed to go to Pennsylvania and New York with the St Ed’s ballet Folklorico, but our trip got cancelled because of the Coronavirus. I went home to New Mexico instead because that’s when they told us that we were going to go remotely for two weeks after spring break. But when I went home, they then told us that we were going to have remote classes for the rest of the semester and that I also had to move out of the dorm so I had to go back to Austin to move out and that was also very stressful.

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

I was sad but it didn’t take me completely by surprise.

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

I am living back home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is a chance from usual because I live on campus.

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

My experience has been good but it’s not the best either. Sometimes I have technology issues and its frustrating. I also enjoyed having face to face instruction better.

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

It has made my life more stressful than it already was. I miss my friends but I know we need to do social distance in order to flatten the curve.

How worried are you about getting the virus?

I am kinda worried about getting the virus because both of my parents are essential workers but I’m mostly scared about my parents getting the virus.

Do you know anyone who has gotten COVID-19?

I don’t know anyone personally who has gotten COVID-19, but there was a person who tested positive at my mom’s job.

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

I am staying in at home. What I do to pass the time is watch movies with my family and I sometimes go out for walks with my dogs.

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

I just go out when I need to such as to buy groceries or to the vet because my dogs have been getting sick lately. When I go to the store, we have to make a line outside with a 6ft distance between each other. Most people are also wearing masks.

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

My family, my friends and my dogs are giving me hope and strength right now. Knowing that they are safe and healthy makes me feel better.