How did you feel when you were informed that many classes would be held online?

I felt powerless as well as demotivated, as in-person courses keep me accountable to study outside of the classroom. Now that the classroom is my bedroom, it is hard to get things done. Although this is the case, I understand that it is a necessary measure for the safety of students, faculty, and staff.

What has been your experience with many classes being held online? What’s good? What’s not so good?

Online classes are difficult. It feels very impersonal, and is a lot harder to get to know professors and peers unless you already know them. It can also be difficult to be held accountable to study as well as participate in class.

How worried are you about getting the virus?

Worries about getting the virus cross my mind countless times a day. Though I am physically healthy, I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and COVID-19 is literally the worst-case scenario for someone with Contamination OCD (fear of illness or “contamination”).

Do you know anyone who has gotten COVID-19?

Yes.

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

I stay in as much as possible. I work on art, play video games, watch YouTube videos and anime, and read.

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

I will venture out to go to my few in-person courses, to buy groceries and run important errands, and to just be outside, but I refuse to eat inside a restaurant or go to parties or gatherings. I only get take-out and I restrict my in-person interactions.

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

To be honest, there aren’t too many things giving me hope or strength right now. However, I feel a little more optimistic since the U.S. has elected a new president who has made a plan to deal with this pandemic. Also, the fact that vaccines are being distributed across the world now is encouraging. Though it will not quickly stop the pandemic, it is (hopefully) the beginning of the end.

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

I continue to feel frustration because of the misinformation that has spread about both the virus and its vaccines. It all makes me feel very powerless- that I can’t do anything other than keep myself in my little bubble and protect myself as much as I possibly can.