May 9, 2020

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

Yes, from traveling around Texas with my boyfriend (visiting from Finland) to staying at my dad’s house in Ft. Worth

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

At first, I was excited about the two weeks online. I hoped it would be a chance to get caught up on work since I had been sick for a week and working two jobs and got behind. When it switched to the rest of the semester, it didn’t sink in that I would be leaving everything behind until after a few weeks of being home.

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

I will be living with my dad in Ft. Worth. My mom passed away five years ago and he is now in the process of moving to a new house not far from where he is currently.

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

It has been horrible finding a quiet space in my house to sit down and work. I miss the quiet section of the library so much! Back home it has been so difficult to focus. Even when things are quiet, I find myself overwhelmed by the experience once I sit down to work since nothing is as it was before. I guess it’s a bit of an existential crisis every time I’m confronted with work and trying to act normal. My teachers have been great for the most part‚ I am lucky to be a senior in the sense that I do not have a lot of work left.

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

My dad is a pilot and living with him now has been very stressful since he is so worried about what will happen. We are lucky to have our health but it is really scary.

How worried are you about getting the virus?

I am not so worried about getting the virus, since I have been very careful to social distance and wash my hands. I am more worried about family getting it

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

Yes! I have been baking a lot and helping my dad move. We have been in the house for 20+ years so it’s very bittersweet going through everything. Lots of emotions and changes.

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

Yes! We have been going to the park. It’s been good to get out of the house, but we make sure to keep a safe distance from other people in the park. Some do not seem to care about distancing rules.

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

Knowing that I am not alone in this experience. It has been really difficult. I am so grateful to the St. Edward’s community and my family and friends for keeping me sane and reminding me that I’m not crazy for feeling sad or disappointed about everything! It gives me hope knowing that this will pass and there is a new chapter of my life starting, as cheesy as it sounds. I’ve been equipped with the skills and lessons from the past four years that I will need to move forward.

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

It’s been really challenging going through this and not being able to graduate alongside my friends and celebrate our hard work. I am looking forward to a time where we can be reunited again and that is what is driving me forward.