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2020-09
I was in the tail end of my eighth grade year when COVID uprooted the world. This story describes my experience as a Freshman in high school through a computer screen.
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2021-05-28
This is a short sentence sent into the Herald Sun newspaper just after another lockdown had been announced, that says quite simply 'Daniel Andrews, just get out of my life.' This sentiment has grown throughout the course of the pandemic, as people feel very frustrated with their freedoms being restricted, if only temporarily. Thus, this item reflects the debate around pandemic restrictions- while some see them as necessary to stop the spread, others question either the need for them or their harshness.
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2020-03-07
This photo shows a large amount of waste in the form of face masks that were found washed up on a beach in Hong Kong. While the pandemic has been argued to have brought some environmental benefits, namely from the reduced pollution that comes with fewer cars on the road, this photo shows that our efforts to protect ourselves are harming our oceans. Discarding of our disposable face masks responsibly is something we should all keep in mind in the course of the pandemic.
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2021-10-29
Image licensed under creative commons fair use.
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2021-10-01
HIST30060. The COVID-19 Disaster Payment, given to workers unable to earn income due to COVID-19 state or territory health order, was given to construction workers during the two-week construction shutdown in Victoria. Traffic control in the construction sector has been my casual job alongside university for the past three years. The recent construction shutdown, however, allowed me to receive the $750 a week from the Disaster Payment without working at all. My housemates and I called this “getting paid to study”. This was especially true in the lead up to exams were we spent the majority of time at home with very little excuse to do anything other than “hit the books”.
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2021-10-29
HIST30060. This meme highlights how many Victorians felt after enduring the longest duration of lockdowns in the world. Between March 2020 and October 2021, 254 days in total were spent in some form of lockdown in the pursuit of ‘elimination’ – the attempt eradicate COVID-19 from society completely. Whilst seemingly satirical, this meme alludes to a hidden truth. 43,000 Victorians left the state during the two-year pandemic according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Whilst seemingly small relative to Victoria’s 6.6million population, the amount of people that left Victoria was the equivalent of the entire City of Wodonga leaving the state. No other state or territory recorded a reduction in population, especially on this scale.
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2021-09-21
HIST30060. Following a state-wide construction vaccine mandate on the 20st of September, 2021, the CFMEU headquarters was violently ransacked. 'Tradies' or construction workers believed the CFMEU had not stood up for their rights. Violent scenes erupted between CFMEU leaders inside the headquarters and union members who had turned up to protest the vaccine mandate. Many Victorians watched the events unfold on livestream via Facebook and YouTube. Commentators noted that these protests were hijacked by far-right agitators attempting to destabilize the state through protests, especially during a pandemic where large gatherings are considered dangerous and illegal. Ultimately, the Andrews Government responded to the event by shutting down the entire construction sector for two weeks. This functioned as catalyst that pushed thousands of construction workers to protest for many days in the CBD. Ugly clashes between protestors and Victoria Police removed any validity or standing they may have had. Most people in the community heavily criticised those present, especially when other sectors (e.g. retail, hospitality, entertainment) had not been able to work for over 18 months.
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2021-10-01
The COVID-19 Disaster Payment, given to workers unable to earn income due to COVID-19 state or territory health order, was given to construction workers during the two-week construction shutdown in Victoria. Traffic control in the construction sector has been my casual job alongside university for the past three years. The recent construction shutdown, however, allowed me to receive the $750 a week from the Disaster Payment without working at all. My housemates and I called this “getting paid to study”. This was especially true in the lead up to exams were we spent the majority of time at home with very little excuse to do anything other than “hit the books”.
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2020-04-11
For many experiencing the pandemic in Victoria, the intimate partner clause meant that our girlfriends, boyfriends, or partners were the only persons many young people were able to see - well at least legally that is. Initially, the intimate partner clause did not exist, which was heartbreaking for many couples that lived apart, facing the prospect of not seeing their partner for an unknown amount time, during an unsettling and unprecedented period. When the clause was introduced, it was a saving grace for couples. For others, it legally introduced a sneaky way to meet people inside their bubble, particularly after connecting online. I was lucky enough to meet my girlfriend during what was her first and my last on-campus class for the last two years - before lockdown was a thing. After facing the scary prospect of not seeing each other during the first stages of Melbourne's first lockdown, the intimate partner clause allowed us to spend every day for months and months between houses, happily isolating in our shared bubble and growing incredibly close.
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2020-06-15
This Artforum article lists the Rescheduled and Canceled Events in 2020 as of June 15, 2020. It also includes funds and organizations working to help artists and art institutions in addition to museum and gallery closures and those open for appointments.
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2020-06-06
The Artnet article discusses the trepidation in decisions to resurrect in-person events, specifically annual international art fairs. Businesses and institutions prematurely made plans for the reopening of in-person events in the summer of 2020 in hopes of recouping money lost during the initial lockdown in the spring.
Art fairs are premier money making events and networking opportunities in the contemporary art world that are ultimately economically beneficial for gallerists, art advisors, fine arts shipping companies, local restaurants and businesses, and hotels alike. Organizations such as Art Basel rake in enormous sums of money each year through their hosting of mega-art fairs in various international locations.
The article focuses on Art Basel’s announcement of yet another change in the program for Art Basel as the art world grapples with the decision of public health versus economy.
The fair looked to digital alternatives as a way to sustain in the interim.
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2021-08-17
This document is an example of evidence given to students at Ormond College as proof of eligibility for the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine. With a push for widespread vaccination happening in the second half of 2021, there were various reasons for eligibility which were introduced in order to manage the rollout. This letter indicates that an Ormond College resident is eligible due to their residence in ‘sensitive accomodation’ – namely ‘supported residential services.’ Many identical letters were distributed to students in order to encourage vaccination, and thus reduce the chances of a serious outbreak on campus. HIST30060.
*Names and personal information has been redacted.
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2021-10-28
(HIST30060) This is a digitised version of a poster that I saw every day on public transport on my way to work. It's bright, unambiguous, and yellow and it reads: ‘You must wear a face mask while travelling’. This text is accompanied by a simple outline of a mask in black. Being without a car during the pandemic and being an essential worker meant that I had to make frequent trips on public transport. Before the pandemic I used to enjoy my tram rides, take the time to unwind and mindlessly listen to podcasts. However, now when I am on the tram, I feel vigilant. If someone sits down right next to me on an empty tram I move seats. This poster highlights the importance of following public health advice on public transport.
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2020-06-08
This game of bingo is an example of many of the online activities which were introduced as a form of entertainment during the various lockdown periods. Separated from friends and wider communities for long periods of time, innovative methods were necessary in order to encourage continued connection and interaction. This particular game is targeted towards members of the Ormond community, and refers to a number of specific scenarios that many residents would have experienced. While some are related to a ‘non-COVID’ semester at Ormond (such as ‘Survived O Week’ or ‘Got lost in Main Building’), many relate to the lockdown experience (like ‘Kept your camera on for an entire uni zoom tute’). In reminding readers of familiar scenarios, this seeks to inspire a continued relationship between members of the institution, and to reduce feelings of isolation. HIST30060.
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2020-11-01
With the cancellation of mass gatherings during the lockdown periods, many university students completing their final semester were sadly unable to attend their formal graduation ceremonies. This photograph, taken in November 2020, shows a congratulatory card and gift which were given to a friend after completing her Bachelor of Agriculture degree. University is a difficult time, and was made even more difficult by the unprecedented pandemic regulations. While very different from the traditional formalities, we still wanted to add a bit of excitement with this token of our appreciation. Small gestures such as this are an example of the innovation and creativity which many had to utilise, once denied access to many regular systems. Furthermore, it represents the importance of reaching out to friends and family whilst in isolation. Something as simple as a card acts as a reminder that there are people who support, care about and are proud of them. HIST30060.
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2021-08-27
The New York Times article from August 27, 2021 discusses the anticipation for the Armory Show 2021 edition to go forward after many art fairs decided to cancel this year’s editions in light of the decline in progress since the resurgence of the coronavirus in the summer of 2021.
The article also comments on the changes in the art world, lower attendance, loss of participating galleries and a shifting demographic. There has been a notable transition away from blue-chip gallery-centric art fairs to include smaller businesses, in which many more are women-run and or owned by people of color.
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2021-07-20
This is a photo of the Ormond College bedroom I spent my isolation period in after getting tested for COVID-19. Due to the majority of students at the college staying in a shared building, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, a self contained residence such as this was seen as necessary to limit contact with other residents. Any student who showed flu-like symptoms, had interacted with a close contact, or had visited an exposure site, were therefore required to stay in a room similar to this one. Food was delivered to your door for the duration of your stay, and you were able to return to the college upon providing proof of a negative COVID result. The need for such isolation spaces was a result of living in a COVID society, and provided a solution to a unique challenge presented to the college. HIST30060.
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2021-03-03
This three-page document is an agreement that all residents of Ormond College had to sign upon their move in at the commencement of 2021. It details a number of expectations of behaviour of all students living on campus– including testing and self isolating when experiencing flu-like symptoms, ensuring social distancing is maintained, and acknowledging that any breach of said conditions could result in being asked to leave the college. Such a document indicates the changing nature of residential institutions, and the systems needed in order to limit the chances of an outbreak. While many of these conditions would have been unimaginable in early 2019, in 2021, many of them were simply seen as the norm for a communal living institution. HIST30060.
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2021-10-10
(HIST30060) This is a photo of what I wear during Zoom meetings; a button-up top and pyjama shorts paired with moccasin slippers. Although talking about wearing pyjamas has become somewhat of a cliché during the pandemic, it does not make it any less true. When Zooming with friends and attending online university tutorials, I tend to make an effort from the waist up and opt for comfort from the waist down. I figure if wearing pyjamas all day is one of the small glimpses of joy I can get from an otherwise tough situation, then I’ll take it.
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2021-10-01
(HIST30060) This photo depicts the contents of my hall table draw which is located near the entrance of my house. Inside the draw are the essential things I can grab before rushing out the door. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the draw was just for my keys, but now (as we can see in the photo) it also houses my family's spare masks and hand sanitiser. I thought this photo was important to share as it captures what I now cannot leave my house without. The mask no longer feels strange or new, instead, it feels like a second skin that I feel bare without.
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2020-03-24
(HIST30060) This is a photo of the closed sign my Mum and I put on our street library after we found out about the pandemic in 2020. It reads:
Dear Street Library Patrons,
Our library will be closed as of Tuesday 24 March until further notice due to scientific findings that the coronavirus was detected for up to 24 hours on cardboard. Our community safety is my priority <3 I look forward to re-opening soon!
We made the street library in 2019 so the community could share our love of books. People could take a book, read it and, if they wanted to, put their favourite book back in. It made us sad to close the street library but after the lockdown was over we started it back up again!
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2021-10-01
(HIST30060) This is a photo of the badge I received after getting my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. I currently work as a medical receptionist at a GP clinic that has been running vaccination sessions – this is where I was vaccinated and received the badge. The badge reads: ‘Arm yourself against COVID-19…I got vaccinated’. The badge is colourful and eye-catching, and the pun is…punchy. I think it acutely captures the typography, tone and gist of the recent government advertisements urging people to get the vaccine.
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2021-08-24
Burgers with the Brothers is a tradition at St. Mary’s University. Once a year the students and the Marianist brothers get together to build community and enjoy some delicious burgers made by the brothers and students. For 2021 authorities made it possible after a year without it and made students and brothers able to make memories once again. The Marianist Leadership Program made also a contribution to Burgers with the Brothers. MLP is an organization of servant leaders that are willing to help wherever help is needed. As a student doing service with the Marianist Leadership Program, I am happy with how the event took place. As students, we were able to connect with the brothers and other students while using facemasks and gloves to serve the burgers, give out chips and water bottles. I am thankful to live experiences like this one because even if it is not like it used to be, it helps St. Mary’s Spirit be alive and be in continuous connection with the university. Burgers with the Brothers is a very special event for students and brothers to connect and have a little bit of fun on campus. Because it is a tradition is very important for older generations and younger generations to feel the community and experience the Marianist environment.
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2021-09-07
This year, I completed an intensive subject called Wines of the World at university. It was postponed many times due to restrictions, and the subject coordinators eventually decided that they would have to host the course entirely online. A key component of the subject was wine tasting, and this photo shows how this was made possible at home. Wine tastings in sous vide bags were posted to each student's house, a quite exciting and novel experience. This photo thus reflects how educators have had to be flexible around restrictions, and come up with new ways to facilitate learning.
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2021-10-07
This is a photo of a community garden at a park very close to me. Although this project existed before the pandemic, it has flourished much in this time to become a beautiful large garden with many different plants. I think this reflects some of the positive effects of the pandemic, as for some people, it gave them the chance to focus on things they might not normally have. Community engagement and connection in this way has provided hope for many people during this time.
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2021-09-10
This is a sticker I saw on the street that says 'imagine having a virus so deadly you have to be tested to even know if you have it.' It appears as though someone has attempted to peel it off. I think this image reflects rather well the differing opinions and theories about the origins and seriousness of the virus. That someone has attempted to remove it signals the rather heated and emotional nature of the debate, as those who question what we have been told about the virus are regularly labeled 'conspiracy theorists.' In my view, that there is differing opinions on the virus, no matter how controversial, is part of the free speech that makes this country so great, and that we can debate these issues somewhat freely should not be taken for granted.
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2021-10-27
The pandemic brought a lot of changes in our work environments and that includes the changes in business hours. At St. Mary's University, these screenshots show the hour alterations to on-campus facilities, since January, and the new rules that are to be followed by all.
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2021-10-27
The pandemic no doubt brought a lot of mental stress into student's life. The result of this stress was the mental health support, via St. Mary's University, reaching out to the student population, as well as the ministry aiding in the mental health of students.
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2021-10-27
The Student Emergency Fund at St. Mary's was part of an economic relief through the CARES act; where students got financial support via the university. I personally used this fund to help pay for school and basic necessities, like food and bills. It was a relief that students, like myself, were able to obtain this financial support throughout the pandemic and it's still available for all students.
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2020-08-11
Online was the new way of providing lessons, assigning classroom activities, and laying out information for students across all ages. Sites like google classroom, canvas, blackboard, and seesaw suddenly became teachers and professors only way of providing students with a "classroom". In the first picture we see an example of an elementary school platform, in the next image is a middle school layout, and the final image is of the new college format. All three platforms provided students with a visual way to remain in contact with their educators in a time where we couldn't meet. They were our way of adjusting to the new situation we were all stuck in. However, despite providing us with the benefits of being connected without having to meet in person, there were still a few shortcomings. Because of the lack of in person class we couldn’t form connection with each other. That was a struggle for kids and teachers/professors alike. There remained a barrier between each other.
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2020-08-11
From my senior year in high school to my Freshman year in college, the way I would attend class had drastically changed. However I wasn't alone in this change. Students, teachers, and professors all around the world found themselves having to adapt to a new form of teaching. A tool that we all had to learn to use was zoom. Unable to attend in person class led to the development of this so-called new “classroom”. Across the world we would now find ourselves logging in to zoom on our computers to attend class. For many of us, me included, the college experience had simply become waking up in my room.
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2021-08-02
In the Center of International Programs, during Summer 2021, some decisions had to be made in the office. Due to internal changes, some applications could not be processed, and I-20s could not be developed. Between 10 to 20 undergraduates and graduate students had to be deferred to have more time to issue their visas. This impacted students as some had already made arrangements to come and each case had to be taken into consideration and also be taken personally. The Center of International Programs has over 20 students preparing to go to the university by Spring 2022.
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2021-08-09
On August 9th, 45 students (approx.) came to the first international student orientation. During the session, they explained how to maintain the visa status, more information about working in the university, and health recommendations and guidelines. They were also asked to leave their documentation for the following scanning and complete some forms during the session. This session was the first one after COVID-19 appeared in the US.
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2021-06-11
Each of the members of the flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador, was deeply connected with the purpose of traveling which was to be present with the neighbors in Ecuador. Some of us thought that the main purpose of the course, Empower: Ecuador, was to travel. To some extent it was, but after the trip cancelation, we realized there was also another greater purpose. The greater purpose was to grow in vulnerability, spirituality, and in self-reflection. To learn how to be vulnerable with others and share your journey in life and understand how God was working through all the messiness was really hard, but through this course, it happened. The trip cancelation was very sad but because of it, we learned how to be connected despite the distance. Letters were sent from us to each of the neighbors in Ecuador, zoom meetings were held with the team in different ways, and journals were written with our most inner thoughts and reflections. Additional to this, each of us got a voucher to travel for the rest of the year, which in my case I used to travel to see my loved ones in Puerto Rico and Arizona. Seeing my loved ones probably wouldn't have happened if it was not for this voucher and I was very grateful for it. Yes, it was bad that our trip was canceled but many blessings came out of this. During COVID-19 many bad things happened and are happening, however, many blessings and good things also happened and are happening. I think it is very important to also share those good things to motivate others and push each other up out of all the darkness. To express this story I am sharing a screenshot of an email that confirmed the trip cancelation and that also announced to us that we were going to have a voucher to travel. The email was from our leader Clare.
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2021-01-21
Released in January 2021, the press release from Art Basel announced another delay in their most prominent art fair after the cancellation of the in-person 2020 addition. The company worked to create Online Viewing Rooms (OVRs) as a makeshift solution for the inability to host these events in public. Thematic OVRs were also announced for the upcoming year.
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2021-06-08
With the distribution of the vaccine everyone thought things were going back to normal. The pandemic seemed like it was coming to a close. Institutions were beginning to lift the indoor mask-wearing requirements for vaccinated individuals per the CDC's announcement. St Mary's University was one of these of these places. Unfortunately with the rise of the Delta variant St. Mary's had to revoke their decision regarding masks a few weeks later. It was back to "normal" mask-wearing policies no matter what your vaccination status. I, like many others, was disappointed by masks being required again. Too often I had been made late by trying to find a mask to take or even running back to my house or car because I forgot mine. Or ran embarrassed out of a store because I forgot to wear one the entire time I was shopping. I also missed putting on makeup below my eyes, a ritual that helped me feel more put together. They're simple, silly reasons for not wanting to wear a mask anymore but to me they represented normalcy.
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2020-03-12
This image shows how much almost everyone underestimated the pandemic. It also highlights the uncertainty it brought. Most thought we were just getting one extra week of staying home. We would be heading back to campus after that so we were grateful for the extra vacation time. Little did we know that there would be no end in sight for this pandemic for almost two years. No one knew how long it would last or exactly how much it would affect our everyday lives. Procedures constantly changed as institutions tried to figure out the best way to respond to this unprecedented situation.
I think this image would spark student memories of the reaction they had to similar school announcements. Many people were on vacation and came home to a total shift in society like panic buying. My family was in Mexico at the time and in the middle of the vacation the hotel switched from open buffet and people roaming to encouraging people not to interact with others. Before my family left my stepdad had bought some nonperishables to store. I didn't know why he did this and thought this was silly and just a habit from his Red Cross responder days. It turns out he was correct in predicting people would flock to the stores once institutions started practicing preventive measures. This image is just one of the many that demonstrate how people's lives began to change during this time.
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2021-10-14T19:40
I personally worked as a COVID 19 screener for South Texas Veterans Affairs. During that time we as COVID screeners were required to wear face shields and masks on our face for more than eight hours a day. After reading the article I posted from the CDC -- it now does not seem like it was a requirement at all for health workers to wear the face shields. I preferred to wear the ones that were much lighter. They were also face shields, but they were not in a shape of a helmet, they were lighter, and easier to handle as we screeners went from one job station to another. During the pandemic, while employed as a COVID 19 screener-- if we were caught without wearing the helmet (face shield) our jobs were threatened. We were only allowed to take the face shields off intermittently, for example, while at lunch.
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2021-09-09
These text stories are from St. Mary University's Rattler Newspaper. These articles relate to the pandemic and my theme because they are discussing how students are adapting from the previous year(s), whether it be dealing with changes to online vs. in-person lectures, new policies to promote safety, or anything else. This theme is important to me because I was still in high school during the start of the pandemic, so I had to go through lots of adaptations, not only because of my transition into college but also because of the ongoing pandemic. When I decided to attend St. Mary's, lots of things were still uncertain, for example, whether or not class will be held in person or virtually, mask and vaccination mandates, etc. Chloe Presley is the contributing writer, and Adrianna Mirabal is responsible for the graphics.
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2021-09-09
These text stories are from St. Mary University's Rattler Newspaper. These articles relate to the pandemic and my theme because they are discussing how students are adapting from the previous year(s), whether it be dealing with changes to online vs. in-person lectures, new policies to promote safety, or anything else. This theme is important to me because I was still in high school during the start of the pandemic, so I had to go through lots of adaptations, not only because of my transition into college but also because of the ongoing pandemic. When I decided to attend St. Mary's, lots of things were still uncertain, for example, whether or not class will be held in person or virtually, mask and vaccination mandates, etc. The opinion editor is Seana Barclay and the photographer is Adrianna Mirabal.
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2021-02-21
This week, you're going to practice oral histories, a form of field research. You'll conduct two mini oral histories with two adults aged over 60 years old. The oral history must obtain informed consent from the person being interviewed, or it cannot be included in the archive. The mini oral histories are on:
christina-wocintechchat-com-LQ1t-8Ms5PY-unsplash.jpg
1. Silver linings. Here is the prompt to read.
Here is an example from the archive (Links to an external site.).
First, identify two people you want to talk to and record. Ask them, if they will participate. Set a time to record. You may record an audio/video file using Zoom or another application. I used Rev on my phone to record my mom.
Steps to process the mini oral history (here's a video overview (Links to an external site.)):
1. Read the informed consent statement and record the interviewee's response.
2. Read the prompt.
3. Record the response.
4. Thank the interviewee for their time.
5. Create a transcription of the oral history. Follow this template. (You can manually type it out or use a program like Otter.ai- please check the transcript for accuracy).
6. Submit the audio file & copy and paste the transcript into the description field.
7. Share the story with this individual once it has been curated in the archive. Tag the story with HST494, Arizona State University, and SilverJOTPY
Submit the link to both your submitted stories in the archive. Your submission should 1) include verbal consent 2) An Mp3 file 3) a txt or doc transcript that has been edited for accuracy. 4) Title your story "Mini oral history with (interview first name and last name), date"
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2021-10-17
$3.5 TRILLION BILL, YES OR NO
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2020-09-01
Classes in Fall 2020 were either fully virtual or hybrid. In hybrid classes, the professors would have to put the projector with some students being on zoom. This was a good idea because it helped students be safe and at the same time learn. It was also challenging because sometimes professors would pay more attention to the students that were in the classroom and not the ones on zoom. I took this picture a year ago to show my parents how classes were working. This was something my parents appreciated because they saw that St. Mary’s University was using all their resources to help students continue their studies. They liked seeing me continue my college experience in a different way but not fully virtual. I saved this picture for over a year to see the changes the world was going to have during the pandemic. I am glad we are finding new solutions and making changes with still being careful with COVID-19 guidelines.
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2021-10-14
I want to begin that looking through google website I found some interesting images that went well with what I believe are very important reminders of how and when the pandemic just hit San Antonio. This is important to me because it is a reminder of when businesses/schools were closing and people were losing their jobs and being furloughed had no clue where this pandemic was taking us and so many people lost their homes, no way to put food on tables, or pay bills, etc. Not knowing if we would ever come back to the job we once had and relied on for many years a change that no one knew how it would impact our lives dramatically. For me personally at my employment when I received an email that they will soon let people go from their jobs or furloughed I was worried out of my mind, and a constant thought, of “What will I do if I lose my job.” Something like this can never be forgotten and is a reminder of how our lives can change due to a pandemic that no one ever thought would ever happen and not even prepared for.
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2020-04-25
So many things about the pandemic has been (and continues to be) traumatizing and negative and irritating. But looking back through my phone I saw a photo from the first puzzle I did in April 2020, and then the first photo of our Pandemic Pet, Sunny, from October of that year. So, instead of focusing on the disruptions, today I will focus on two good things from the pandemic. Putting together puzzles has been a fun, stress-relieving activity for me, and I continue to have a puzzle going on our rarely used table even if our lives are back to full busy mode. So that is a hobby I picked up during the pandemic that I can see continuing long into the future. Also, the kitty has brought fun and cuddles to our family, and we all love her (except, perhaps, the dog). Getting a cat was not on our radar until we were locked down and sad. So, for now, I am thankful for puzzles and kitties.
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2021-08-14
When being part of the program Empower: Ecuador at my school, we were preparing ourselves to travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador to be present with the families in the community. The families in the community were called our neighbors. Prior to traveling and meeting families in person, each person from the class was given a bookmark with a picture of a neighbor and a brief description of who they were. We were supposed to pray for the person selected and have him/her in our hearts until we meet them in person. Due to COVID-19, we were never able to meet these people whom we felt very close to and it was very sad. Therefore, we were tasked with the beautiful idea of writing letters to them about our prayers and best wishes for them in times of trouble. After a couple of months, I received a message through Messenger, and to my surprise, it was the person I wrote the letter to. She was thanking me for the letter and for how happy she felt when she received it. Also, she shared the desire to get to know me more through social media. It was a beautiful moment and proof of how we could connect with each other despite the social distance. To express this story I am sharing a screenshot of a conversation through Facebook (messenger) with a neighbor from Guayaquil, Ecuador. She is telling me that she received the letter I sent and how grateful she is for it.
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2020-04-23
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is the world's largest Muslim organization. This article describes it's efforts to counter the COVID-19 pandemic.
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2020-03-15
I was part of the group of student that was preparing themselves emotionally, spiritually, and physically to go to Ecuador and be present with a community in Guayaquil. During this class and for the entire semester we were in retreats together, reading, journaling, and sharing our hearts with each other. We built a community and were deeply connected with the mission of the program and the desire to go to Ecuador and meet the neighbors. However, exactly a couple of days before traveling the lockdown happened, and the plans were canceled. We did not know that the world was going to change so suddenly and immediately. I clearly remember the meeting we had to announce that the trip was canceled and how most of us were filled with sadness and crying. Afterward, we kept being in connection to Ecuador with our prayers and writings. We even wrote some letters to our neighbors in Ecuador. So, this story is to reflects how we can be in connection and engagement with others even during times of depression and distance and how in specific this program had to adapt through COVID-19. To express the story I chose the screenshot of an Instagram post from the Community Engagement Office at St. Mary's University.
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2020-04-30
This article describes the ways in which the Indonesian Muslim Muhammadiyah organization responded to the onset of the pandemic.
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2021-10-15
I interviewed my younger sibling, 'F', and transcribed the audio. They completed Year 12 in 2020 and then began university in 2021, which I believe is a significant transitionary time especially in the context of Covid to document. Their experiences in using different media forms for online classes is insightful and provides an interesting comparison. Additionally they provide insights into changing interests, socialising online, and reflecting on the world around them. They reflect on how they believe the nature of people has changed in relation to each other in an isolated but connected world, which I believe will be an interesting and informative insight for the future to gain an indepth understanding of the Covd-19 era from the perspective of the youth.