To be honest, when I first heard that UNC would be practicing “social distancing” by having their students take classes from home, I was pretty excited. The opportunity to stay home with family while taking classes seemed like an enticing break from the everyday routine. However, as the situation grew worse and as I read more about the COVID-19 crisis, I realized how much on lock-down we really had to be. This would not only be social distancing from those in Chapel Hill, but from friends, restaurants, stores, and the community. In order to keep this virus from spreading and protect the most vulnerable, everyone must remain on alert and away from the community in which they’ve grown so accustom to living.
I am by nature a very social person. I love residing in public areas among people, festivities, families, animals and the like. I enjoy spending time with friends as well as being outside in nature. I am very grateful that we still have the ability to go outside and exercise, though social interaction has been very limited. It has felt very isolating having to stay away from people, friends, and the community. It has only been about two weeks since isolation began, and the thought that this might continue well into the summer is a bit disheartening. It has additionally thrown many everyday events into upheaval, such as income, summer plans, and classes.
In the midst of the upheaval, however, I am very grateful for my amazing professors who have provided much support during this time and worked their hardest to maintain the best possible education. Zoom classes have worked very well this week and brought some sense of normalcy back to everyday life. I have felt very engaged in class, though it definitely has been an adjustment learning to work completely in my bedroom and maintain the discipline to get up and do work even though I am not going to campus. The virtual support and community that I have felt from friends and students online has given me hope, warmth, and inspiration that we will make it through this difficult time of isolation. I definitely miss Carolina, the people, and the campus (especially in the spring), and am looking forward to returning hopefully by the summer.
micro biology 