Items

• 2020-03-25

  Spring Quarter during COVID-19

  Trigger warning: abortion The pandemic had abruptly changed university. The Spring quarter was completely switched to online courses and student activities on campus were canceled. For the entirety of the quarter and to this day, I'm living with my partner until the quarantine is over. It was hard adjusting to online classes and I had to force myself to keep up with lectures and assignments. Deciding to take 20+ units during these times wasn't a smart idea, but I'm glad to say that I'm doing a pretty decent job at holding up. Finals are around the corner and there's one more week of lecture to persevere through. Yet, despite doing well in school, I'm struggling to cope with recent events. This school year has been bittersweet. It's my 4th year of undergrad and the most memorable year of my life, so having it come to a sudden halt has been tough. Zooming friends and chatting online isn't the same as in-person meetings. However, so many college students are facing similar struggles and I commend them for staying at home and practicing social distancing rules. (haha...sorry I got a little carried away with background information.) My experience with abortion during this pandemic isn't something I have fully comprehended yet. It was midway into the quarter and right before midterms when I found out I was pregnant. Seeing the positive pregnancy test in the restroom, I just burst into tears. I knew I couldn't take care of the baby properly, and the mental turmoil of the whole circumstance really, to this day, has effected me. I called Planned Parenthood and scheduled an appointment for the closest opening, a few days after finding out. Those few days waiting were hell, I couldn't sleep and my mind was filled with dread. But, the hardest day and the hardest moment was realizing at Planned Parenthood that I had to go in alone...without my partner and without my mom. The clinic had to make precautions considering the pandemic and guests were not allowed to be there for emotional support. So, I carried forth with the termination and took the pills. The doctor and nurse were in the room, but they were standing at a distance...and everything felt distant. I had my phone to call my support system, but at that moment, I just needed a hand to hold.
• 2020-05-20

  Covid-19 in the desert

  The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of many people. In my case, this has affected me in my education in different ways. First, universities and colleges had to close. I used to go to college four days a week, so my routine changed completely. Now with the spread of COVID-19, I must stay home because it is safer, and it helps to stop the spread. I must admit, I was enjoying being home, but after a few days I was easily bored. Second, students who planned to graduate this spring semester may have a very different graduation. I heard that the college is planning some surprises for them, but I am sure they would rather have a "normal" graduation. I was pretty sure the summer classes would be online, but I did not think about having the fall semester online too. I agree and disagree with the college’s decision to plan the fall classes online. I think it is a good idea to avoid future spread. However, I also think that maybe it may be an exaggeration. The biggest impact personally for me is my job I am a part time employee who has been working up 50 hours a week with none of the full-time benefits. I understand I should not be complaining because I am lucky to still have a job but its almost not worth it people are even more rude and its just taking a toll mentally.