Dr. Paola Premuda-Conti, Canvas class discussion boards, CP 6645, Term 4 (March 鈥� May, 2020)
Extra Points Discussion Board, April 4, 2020, due May 17, 2020
Post by Dr. Paola Premuda-Conti
Apr 4 at 7:34pm
Dear students,
Dr. Martin T. Olliff, is Professor of History and Director of The Wiregrass Archives at the Dothan Campus. He recently launched a research project, 鈥淭he Wiregrass under COVID-19 Documentation Project鈥� (see his email down this page). This project is asking people living in the Wiregrass to submit "dairies, journals, and similar documentation of your life during the COVID-19 period".
I thought we could support our campus and at the same time and give you the opportunity of earning 5 extra points in this class for your participation in this discussion board.
Here is how: discuss your life during this COVID-19 period with your classmates, and react to them. I will be posting in the discussion as well. This discussion will be open until the last day of term 4, May 17, 2020.
This is a link to the project:
Below is Dr. Olliff's email asking for collaboration with the Wiregrass Archives Covid-19 project:
From: Martin T Olliff
Sent: Friday, April 3, 2020 11:54 AM
To: Dothanallusers
Subject: Documenting our experiences in this historical era
Students, Staff, and Faculty at the Troy Dothan Campus,
We are living in a historical era. COVID-19 is a once-in-a-century event that, although none of wanted to live during it, is here.
The Wiregrass Archives at the 好色先生TV Dothan Campus has initiated a project entitled 鈥淭he Wiregrass under COVID-19 Documentation Project.鈥� It solicits dairies, journals, and similar documentation of your life during the COVID-19 period, in any hard-copy or digital medium to be added to its collections for future research use. The Wiregrass Archives has a very broad definition of projects it can accept. Thus far we have received 2 emailed memoirs and promises of a journal, a series of YouTube recordings from 3-4 professors, and a texting string involving 13 friends.
You can learn more about the project here https://today.troy.edu/faculty-staff/wiregrass-archives-looking-to-preserve-social-history-of-covid-19/
Also, if you know of any Pre-K through 12 classes doing any reflection or reaction projects (writing, art, video/audio, etc.) pass this along to them, please.
If you are self-documenting this historical era or are part of a class doing so and want to donate your work for permanent retention in the Wiregrass Archives, contact the director (who happens to be me), at molliff@troy.edu (mailto:molliff@troy.edu) .
Y鈥檃ll stay safe and well.
Regards,
Dr. Martin T. Olliff Professor of History
Director, The Wiregrass Archives Everett 221
好色先生TV Dothan Campus
USPS: PO Box 8368; Dothan, AL 36304
UPS: 502 University Dr., Dothan, AL 36303
Email: molliff@troy.edu (mailto:molliff@troy.edu)
Phone: 334-983-6556 x21327
Fax: 334-873-4025
Student Responses
Post by Karol Dobbs, April 9, 2020
4-9-2020 Today is another day of staying indoors. I get that it is necessary and I will comply. But, I keep thinking of a thousand things to do "out there" in the wide world. I am sure I did not find this many things to do before all this happened. But now I can't seem to stop thinking about all the things that I can't do. I'm sure this way of thinking is unhealthy. You would think that I would be doing better in school with so much time to study but that is not the case. Everything seems to be closing in on me and making it hard to concentrate. I suppose this is when I should take a walk to clear my head. I am so sorry for the people who are sick and those that have passed away. I feel very deeply for the health care workers who are working themselves to the bone and putting themselves at great risk. Here I am worrying about how unhappy I am and there are so many who have it a thousand times worse. Shame on me. I need to ask for forgiveness for my selfishness and do my part.
Reply to Dobbs from Regina Lewis-Harris, May 13, 2020
Karol,
I would just like to say that your thinking about "all of the things out there you can do" is not unhealthy...it is simply human! I expressed something similar in my thoughts; however, I have found that in those moments I have embraced the delicate position of being a human being in a time such as this...situation COVID-19. Please understand, I am not in any way trying to tell you how to feel or what you should be experiencing as an individual; however, I am attempting to come from a place of not being too hard on yourself. You are only human, and this is A LOT to cope with on ANY day. So, I don't even see you as a selfish person...I actually view you as very normal. Blessing! :)
Post by Jasmine Reynolds, April 12, 2020
Today is 2 weeks into my quarantine as March 28th was my last day as an essential worker. I have felt oddly calm during this time and allowed myself to focus on the positives that have come along with stillness. I have involved more meditation and healthier habits. Fast food is almost a thing of the past due to cooking so much. I have thought and thought about why I am so calm in this time and it may be because I have never rested. Since I graduated high school it has been a constant push to go, go, go. I'm enjoying it but also looms the uncertainty of when this very real thing will be over. People are dying. People are dying who socioeconomically already at odds. People are dying who are the minorities. People are losing their jobs. Yet people have still found a way to demonize the people who have lost their jobs. Facebook is the devil and a breeding ground of ignorance. Toilet paper and cleaning items are being wiped off the shelves at alarming rates. Has no one thought to increase their immune system so they can better battle infection? Other countries are receiving more than a one time stimulus package and somehow America, the richest and greatest country in the world is only giving people one 1200 check. I'm upset. I'm upset because some are systematically disadvantaged and cant save money to allow them to use this one time check. Is anyone checking on the homeless? What about the single mothers whose daycare options are closed? I'm angry. I'm at peace. I'm just filled with questions and emotions.
Reply to Reynolds by Jane Knowles, April 21, 2020
The view that you and Karol have of this situation are both correct. It is the meshing of many views and hard work that have made us the strong country that we are. I have also worried about the homeless and about the children who I know personally are struggling at home through this. Ones that I pray are not being abused or going hungry. Our town has reached out to, and provided support but how long can it go on? Resources and donations are dwindling.
Reply to Knowles by Jasmine Reynolds, May 13, 2020
Also, Blessings to you...Jasmine! :)
Reply to Reynolds by Regena Lewis-Harris, May 13, 2020
Jasmine,
I totally understand and share your thoughts. We "America" the greatest country in the world, should NOT have some of the obstacles that we sadly possess. While I realize that I do not know all or see all, there is only one being that does, in my eyes there are some issues that just should not exist in our country. I whole-heartedly agree that while individuals take it upon themselves to publicly shame and ignorantly ostracize the less fortunate, there should be a push to uplift and help our fellow man. I do not want to overlook the people or entities that are doing their part to provide positive options or aid to those less fortunate or to lighten the load for those who are experiencing discomfort during this unprecedented time...Miracles and Blessings to those individuals or groups. However, those who are exhibiting the opposite action, it is my hope that their hearts are arrested, and clarity and correction is dealt to them.
Post by Karol Dobbs, Apr 20, 2020
4-20-2020 So here I sit thinking about the storm we had last night and how bad it could have been. Knowing that covid-19 is still running wild and the thought of what could have happened with the storm makes me wonder how much more we as a people can take. But, when I think about it we are Americans, we are the strong, we can do anything we have to, we built this country from nothing and I don't think we are going to let it be destroyed, without a fight, by viruses or tornados or anything else. Suddenly I am filled with hope for the future of this great land. I am proud to be here. I see the commercials about people giving to others now and how we are pulling together as a country. We will be ok. We will get through this.
Reply to Dobbs by Jane Knowles, Apr 21, 2020
I have loved seeing the commercials thanking others and the ones who are giving support by staying open. Many commercials have made me tear up.
Reply to Knowles reply to Dobbs, by Regena Lewis-Harris, May 13, 2020
Me too, Jane!
I love LOVE, and compassion!!!
Post by Jane Knowles, April 21, 2020
Covid-19, shelter in place orders have really begun to take a toll on myself and my family (thank goodness I only have one child at home). We have all become super irritable towards each other and PETS! I literally cannot keep up with the date, day of the week or my school schedule. To add insult to injury, I stayed up all night Sunday night with worries about the weather and now my sleep pattern is even more out of control.
I really thought that having more time at home would be kind of nice in the beginning of all this. I thought I would finish out my classes with ease due to extra time at home, get some projects done that I have put off for years, exercise, cook again, and feel more rested. This has not been the case. My grades are terrible and I have been late or missed assignments simply because I have lost track of time or the date. My house is a wreck no desire to clean. I have gained weight but not sure why because I am sick of my own cooking! I feel exhausted everyday so exercising is out of the picture. I need a reset. I am hoping that once my classes are over, I can focus on my mental health and create a new routine to help me cope through the remainder of Covid-19 stresses. My daughter has found a way to cope, I guess, she drew signs and hung them all over the den and kitchen. Covid-19 SUCKS, Bats are not food, and so on...鈥� She is 12. It did bring a few laughs that were sorely needed.
Reply to Knowles by Karol Dobbs, Apr 21, 2020
Jane I hear ya about missing assignments and not being able to keep up with what day of the week it is. I feel totally out of place in my own skin! It's like I have been invaded by an extra terrestrial who has it in for me. I wonder if that is one of the symptoms of Covid-19. Good luck to you and your family.
Reply to Knowles by Jasmine Reynolds, Apr 29, 2020
Jane,
I agree 100%. I was thinking this time would be a break. I am struggling. Between losing my job, quarantining, a tornado that knocked our power out for a whole week and lack of motivation, I am just not okay. Before, I wouldn't have been so open to tell about my struggles but it is necessary. I have noticed a decline in my outside activity from the first couple of weeks. However, yesterday I forced myself to read outside and to stretch and meditate. I came back in and did a face mask and had a smoothie. Trying to include some ounce of self-care to make this seem normal is mandatory. My dad was admitted to the hospital after a week long stint without power.
Not being able to visit, not knowing if he would come out, not knowing how he felt was difficult. The uncertainty of everything is still the primary factor in my daily thoughts. Honestly, I am concerned about them reopening the country so soon. I really want to know why people feel that haircuts and nails are essential. I want to know the underlying issue in why they demand the country be open. I have lots of questions about the thought processes that people go through when they think of this stuff?
Reply to Reynolds reply to Knowles, by Karol Dobbs, Apr 29, 2020
Jasmine it really sounds like you are struggling a lot. Don't feel bad about opening up to Jane and I because it's no doubt that we are both struggling too. That's one thing I keep seeing on all the public service announcement commercials and that is to be there for each other. So if you need to lean on us a little go ahead. I feel so depressed in this house. I have a doctor's appointment Friday and I'm looking forward to the drive (it's a little out of town) just so I can get out of the house, listen to my radio and put my windows down. Sounds crazy huh, looking forward to going to the doctor. I too am worried about it being too soon to open things back up. I know that the economy is hurting but people are dying. Where do you draw the line between collapse of the economy or more deaths? I'm glad to not be in the position to decide what to do in this mess. Well hang in there Jasmine, it will get better.
Reply to Dobbs reply to Reynolds reply to Knowles, by Jane Knowles, May 11, 2020
I think we all just have to use common sense and do what makes us feel safe. No matter what states decide to do there will still be a risk. I can hardly watch the news anymore because I am getting so frustrated when the parties do all they can to blame and downgrade the other party. Both parties are playing the blame game. I am sick of it. I want the parties to work together for the betterment of the country. It is getting ridiculous.
Reply to Reynolds by Jane Knowles, May 11, 2020
Jasmine,
You always have the best attitude about things! This along with your dad's hospitalization has taken a temporary toll on you. You are so smart to realize you need self-care and that you are following through. I am scared too about returning to restaurants and salons. It might be a while for me. My daughter who is 13 asked me today to please let's ride around town. No where to go just ride around. She is really beginning to have cabin fever. I am thinking about allowing her to have a friend over Friday. We have to start somewhere going back to some normalcy.
Reply to Knowles by Regena Lewis-Harris, May 13, 2020
Jane,
Do Not feel alone. I may not be experiencing the exact same things, but the things I am experiencing are real. I can especially relate to the sleeping habits issue. I have been struggling with that every since I had my son, and now this has not offered a proper remedy! However, I must say, I am learning to adapt in a more positive manner by simply accepting that this is the era of life I am in for the moment. I am finding that the more I accept my current state it calms me to focus on seeking solutions for the future for many of the issues I may be currently experiencing in this moment. As I revealed in my post, I have ALWAYS tried to rely heavily on my spirituality. I often share those thoughts with those close to me or individuals that I may come in contact with while on my path. I have been vividly reminded during all of this that I must learn to "practice what I preach". I think as future helping professionals or just individuals this is a very important lesson to continually embrace. I believe this can help us remain true to ourselves and others. So, just know you are not alone! The struggle is real, and we are ALL feeling the discomfort in one way or another. However, it is important that we try to daily pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and look forward to living to fight another day. Blessings to You!!! :)
Post by Jamie Waters, May 6, 2020
What can I say about life during Covid-19? I am a teacher, so my day to day has changed drastically. Instead of teaching lessons in my classroom, we (as a grade level), came up with assignments to cover the most critical standards our students would miss out on and gave out paper packets as well as posted on our Google Classroom pages. I am available every day for students to message and ask questions. I even tried to do google meet classes, but my students didn鈥檛 show up. When you teach high school, many of your students have younger siblings and other responsibilities because their parents are still working, and the time they have to spend on school isn鈥檛 necessarily the same time I am available. However, even though few were able to sign in to meet as a class, most have gotten the assignments done. I鈥檝e graded them and sent feedback for them to correct mistakes, so I believe they are still learning. Even though school is still sort of happening, it isn鈥檛 the same. I think we are all eager to return to school in the fall and hopeful that we will be able to.
I am also the mom of a high school senior. The last five weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions around our home. She is happy, she is sad. We all feel as though we have been cheated. Her prom has been canceled. For graduation, she gets to walk across the stage, alone in an auditorium with only her 6 guests, with her best friends going at different time slots. However, we are thankful the graduation isn鈥檛 completely virtual, and we will be able to watch her shake the hands of her administrators as they confer upon her the title of 鈥渉igh school graduate.鈥�
I try not to dwell on the negative aspects to the current Covid crisis. If anything, everything happening with my daughter makes me thankful for this time. She will be leaving for Auburn in the fall, and I have been given the gift of extra time with her. It isn鈥檛 always unicorns and rainbows. There are a lot of emotions from all of the members of our household, but it is beautiful anyway. When my 12 and 14 year old sons are fighting or feeling sorry for themselves, or my daughter is having a complete meltdown about not having her high school 鈥渓asts,鈥� my husband and I have an opportunity to love on them and speak truth over them. We, as a family, are able to slow down. We have days where we are all in separate rooms doing separate things, but we also have plenty of days where we are playing games together, going for walks, and watching old movies.
While we are all more than ready to begin safely entering back into the world, I don鈥檛 believe my kids will look back on this crisis and remember it as some horrible time in our lives. I think they will remember it as a quirky bump along our path where we hung out, acted silly, and tried to make the best of a crazy situation.
Reply to Waters by Jane Knowles, May 11, 2020
Jamie
No prom so sad! At least her school has developed a way for graduation pictures at least. I know she is disappointed but I agree, she will "one day" see it gave her extra time to spend with her family. So glad you are all doing well!
Reply to Waters by Trenton Singletary, May 13, 2020
Jamie,
I feel the same way. As of right now, I don't think by family and I will look back on the crisis and see it as a horrible time in our lives either. I hope that will continue to be the case. We've had some hard days at home, but I've tried ot make it fun for my niece. We have made a lot of good memories by having extra time to watch movies and play games, just like your family. I agree, we are all ready to get [sic] begin safely entering the work and at least gain a little bit of normalcy back.
Post by Paola Premuda-Conti, May 11, 2020
Dear students,
Thank you replying to this discussion board. In order to give you the points for this optional assignment, please complete the attached Gift Agreement form, sign it, scan it (or snap a clear picture of it) and return to me by email [email redacted]
Thank you!
Dr. Premuda-Conti [email redacted]
Post by Regina Lewis-Harris, May 13, 2020
COVID-19 Thoughts and Reflections
Submission by Regena A. Lewis-Harris
Well, the honest truth about my feelings with regards to life during COVID-19 are best described as "bittersweet". It was very difficult to accept the concept of social distancing on a nationwide...well, worldwide scale. Being that we are all human and typically are affected to varying degrees by any traumatic or extremely unfamiliar event, I would say that my feelings are reasonably normal. I am, by nature, a very private and reserved person. I really enjoy spending time at home alone or with my loved ones. However, when options are taken away from you, it forces you to see circumstances in a whole new light. I realize that balance is very important to maintaining a sense of healthy stability and peace. So, without having the option to move around as I please, I must say initially it totally threw me for a loop. As time continued to move on, I began to look for positives rather than negatives in the time of quarantine. I began focusing on self preservation. In my mind, this included: self care, taking care of loved ones, organizing my lifestyle, and maintaining a peaceful existence. I rely heavily on my spirituality to guide me and my lifestyle. I began consistently utilizing that concept to appreciate the time that has been provided to do the things that under ordinary circumstances would not be possible. I have began to embrace the thoughts and ideas of appreciating what is right in front of me, and taking one moment at a time. While it is still not easy to conquer some of life's circumstances, I now notice that I attempt to tackle them from a very different, and I think healthier perspective. My bottom line now is: Balance is the key to the maintenance of healthy, productive preservation.
Reply to Lewis-Harris by Herlinda Morales, May 16, 2020
Regena,
I appreciate you looking at the positives during this unprecedented pandemic. I have spent a lot of time alone and at home, which was new to me. If my work week was not busy, I would make up things to do. The pandemic halted my fast-moving lifestyle.
It actually made me reflect on what was important in my life. I agree with you that you should embrace today and live it to its fullest.
Linda
Reply to Morales by Regena Lewis-Harris, May 16, 2020
Thank You, Linda!
And...Blessings to You as we continue to move optimistically toward a NEW reality.
Regena
Post by Trenton Singletary, May 13, 2020
5/11/2020 My life during COVID-19 has been full of ups and downs. When it first came about and the stay-at-home orders took place, I really took advantage of the extra time and had fun with my 13 year-old niece. Every afternoon we went walking at the park, bike riding, or fishing. We grilled out almost everyday and just enjoyed winter coming to an end and the warmer weather. Even though life felt out of place, it seemed like we could always find something we had wanted to do, but never had the time. As the school term progressed, however, life got challenging. My coursework load remained the same, while my family members were relieved of their work and school responsibilities. This caused me to have a difficult time focusing on the assignments. Due to the lack of focus, I noticed every assignment I worked on took longer than usual to complete, which made me really dread my school work. I also began to miss my identity as a graduate student, attending in-class lectures and talking with my professors and peers. I realized attending classes with others who are completing the same assignments keeps the motivation alive when the semester gets tough. Online classes do not provide that same support. After a few weeks of being at home, we started hearing more details about the severity of the virus on the news and the high death rates. This was really hard to comprehend and still is. A day doesn鈥檛 go by that I don鈥檛 think about the 鈥渨hat ifs.鈥� What if my parents get it, what if my niece or nephew get it, or my friends. One of my biggest fears with the Covid-19 crisis has been having to drop a family member off at the hospital and not being able to go visit them, keep up with their progress, and support them. At this point, it has almost been 2 months and the school term is coming to an end.
Completing these 鈥淐ovid classes" is quite an accomplishment because they were completed at home, during a time when everybody felt out of place and schedules did not exist. Even though the past few months have been challenging, it seems like it has put everybody on the same page and we all share the 鈥渨e are in this together鈥� commonality. I鈥檝e found that to be reassuring during a time of so much uncertainty.
Reply to Singletary by Regena Lewis-Harris, May 14, 2020
Trenton,
Enjoyed reading your post!! Blessings! :)
Reply to Singletary by Monica Allen, May 14, 2020
Trenton,
It has definitely been challenging and reassuring that most people are compassionate towards other during these unprecedented times. I'm actually the opposite of you and welcomed online classes so I wouldn't have to carve out specific times when I had to drop everything or rush from work to make it to a classroom. It's been refreshing to hear other people's perspectives because it reminds us that everybody is going through something and everyone could a kind word every now and then!
Post by Monica Allen, May 13, 2020
Here is how: discuss your life during this COVID-19 period with your classmates, and react to them.
My life during this COVID-19 pandemic has not really changed all that much. Before everything happened I was working at a diagnostic lab Monday thru Friday from 8-5 and also taking two graduate courses. One of them was a term class while the other was a semester class. The term class had ended the on the 2nd of March and the semester class was about to go on spring break. It took a week and and a couple of days before it was decided that the school needed to close at least until the 6th of April. Whoo hoo, great extended spring break!! One aspect of my life on hold. My job, not so much. My office was deemed essential so we couldn't work from home so I still work Monday thru Friday from 8-5. Everything has truly stayed the same. My lab doesn't really encounter a lot of the public because I work with dead animals but most of the poultry companies use our lab to test their chickens to make sure they are healthy when sending them to the processing plant for the public to consume them. It has really showed me how much farmers depend on the agriculture and industries department for their livelihoods to continue thriving.
The one aspect of my life that has truly changed during this is not being able to see my family. It's been about two months since I've seen my mom, but I just so happened to see my dad, brother and sister at a funeral but that was the only reason why we were out (my mom didn't think it was safe to come so she stayed home). I'm single so I have no family around to quarantine with nor do I have any children. I'm use to being on the go and traveling a lot or at least driving where I want, when I want but that has been cut out for now. That is truly the only thing that is out of the norm for me during this time. I'm blessed to still be working, staying safe, and helping families feed themselves in a round about way. I hope everyone continues to stay safe and comes away with a more compassionate understanding of each other and each other's needs.
Reply to Allen by Regena Lewis-Harris, May 14, 2020
Monica,
Very well said!!! Blessings! :)
Post by Herlinda Morales, May 16, 2020
My life changed on March 16, 2020. I was to return to work on March 16 after being on vacation the prior week. I was contacted by my boss that all operations at the community college were suspended due to COVID-19. All personnel would work from home until further notice.
My colleagues and I had kept abreast of the Coronavirus news, so this development became unnerving. Spring Break was scheduled for the following week (March 23-29), during this time all personnel were scrambling to change face-to-face courses to online courses. The adjustment from workplace to home was different.
I work four jobs and attend 好色先生TV for my Master's degree. I work as a departmental staff assistant, tutor, translator and clerk. The jobs and classes keep me busy everyday. However when the pandemic struck, I was forced to slow down. I am working as a departmental staff assistant and tutor. The other two jobs are stalled due to lack of clients. Financially, I am fine because I saved my money. I am very fortunate as I see other families being laid off from their jobs. It breaks my heart.
I resolve to stay at home unless I have to buy groceries. During this time at home, I realized that I was overworked and unhappy with some of my jobs and my major. The introspection of "what are you going to do when this pandemic is over?" became real. Currently I work as a departmental staff assistant and I tutor English-Speaking students in Spanish using the ZOOM meeting site. I had an epiphany. I did not wish to pursue my current major, Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I love teaching and helping college students. I changed my major to Student Affairs Counseling. By making this change, I will graduate sooner which will allow me to pursue my dream of becoming an instructor.
I miss my daughter, my son-in-law and my grandsons. I have not seen them since January, 2020. We visit each other through Skype. I have an opportunity to see my grandsons and play virtual games. I am content with seeing them, but I look forward to the day that I can hug and kiss them. I missed spending Easter with them. So I mailed them a care package full of goodies, including masks I made for them. I informed my daughter that they need to wear them when they go to the store or anywhere.
As we approach the re-opening of different businesses, I worry that people will not follow the CDC guidelines. We are all in this together. Some individuals think that this pandemic is not real. I am sure the people who have contracted the virus think otherwise.
As time progresses, we will recall these times as being challenging, but it has also shown the better side of humanity. Families are gathering together and spending more time with each other. Neighbors are helping neighbors. Out of adversity, we always come together as human beings to lift each other up when we are down.