Items

• 
  2022-04-04

  Traumatic Event After Traumatic Event

  Screenshot I found from @lovedoveclarke on Twitter. A little dark humor surrounding the many traumatic events we keep experiencing
• 2021-05-10

  Discord Friends

  I became very close to my friends at the time of second wave of covid in India. I was studying in Chicago at the time and keeping in touch with my Indian friends was difficult until covid hit. It seemed like the whole world was online, and I could not see anyone in person. I started going on discord a lot more. I and my friends played GTA 5alot and I remember distinctly recognizing that Covid had helped me get closer to them in a weird way.
• 
  2020-06-06

  Fandom spaces forming international friendships during a pandemic 2020

  Due to the difficulty of making friends in person due to covid, I increasingly turned to online fandom spaces to find people with similar interests to me. The follow screenshot is from a tumblr group chat confirming the first international fan based Zoom call which I was part of in June 2020. CST refers to Central Standard Time, the timezone which encompasses countries of Central and parts of Eastern Europe. This was my first experience talking to people from overseas that shared similar interests to me on a video call. It lead to me join multiple groups across platforms such as discord to communicate further. It was the beginning of me gaining more international friends which have been a really important part of keeping an active social life during this pandemic. It was also an eye opening experience to hear first hand accounts of how people around the world were living through this global pandemic.
• 
  2020-03-28T19:52

  Technology Fun During Pandemic

  The photo I am submitting is a screenshot of a Facebook video call with a few of my family members. My family has always been very close. We are a loud and very big Puerto Rican family that enjoys our get togethers as much as possible. Over the last few years, people have scattered about the country, making it harder for all of us to get together. One things this pandemic enabled us to do was to communicate and gather together via online video platforms. As my aunts and uncle turned to facetime and facebook video calling in order to check in on my cousins and I, it actually gave us room to gather more than we had been pre-covid. When the world move to technology and zooms to bridge the gap of human face-to-face interaction, people got closer while being further apart.
• 
  2020

  International Discussion

  This conversation was interesting to me because it is an example of how the internet has been able to give people an idea of what the pandemic has been like in other parts of the world. It also presents a strategy some leadership enacted to control the spread of the virus.
• 2021-09-29

  Covid in Altus Oklahoma

  I wanted to share my personal experience of living through the COVID-19 Pandemic in Altus Oklahoma. While my experience probably looked very similar to others, I believe it is very important to always information share so everyone can have the complete picture. I am active duty Air Force, and was residing in Altus Oklahoma during the pandemic in 2020. Living on a military base, it is not very often that you have quiet hours or down time. However, during the height of the pandemic, the majority of the base shut down and went to minimum manning for almost 30 days. It was strange to see operations halt, and all non essential workers staying home with their families for the duration of the town shut down. Organizations went from in person working to relying on home desktop computers to get the mission done. During this time people were also limited on where they were allowed to travel, and people they were allowed to see. At one point, some people were not even allowed to go on walks outside, because they were not sure how the virus would spread and if it would be safe being close to others. As doctors and scientists started discovering the make up of the virus and how to mitigate against its effects, we started gaining more liberties back. Members were no longer confined to their homes, we were able to do outdoor activities near the base, and were allowed to travel to nearby towns for any essential items. Looking back on the situation that occurred a little over a year ago, it is hard to imagine and remember what it was like to be confined to our homes and not being able to engage in social gatherings. One thing that is pandemic has highlighted to me is that despite all the adversity the world has faced, we are still determined to get the mission done efficiently and effectively everyday. I would also like to highlight the importance of social connectedness and gatherings. During the isolation period of the pandemic, the majority of people suffered from lack of communication and not being able to connect with those around them. If this pandemic has taught us anything it should be to not take your health for granted and to value the time you have with loved ones, because you never know when it will be your last time together.
• 
  2021-09-23

  COVID vaccines for people aged 12+

  Tempe Public Schools sent this email today that includes information on free vaccines in Tempe, especially around Scales and Jaycee Park which are both in the same neighborhood.
• 
  2021-07-23

  Mental Health And Remote Work: Survey Reveals 80% Of Workers Would Quit Their Jobs For This

  Teleworkers during the pandemic have experienced mental health challenges. For some individuals, working from home during the pandemic has increased their anxiety and stress levels. They have found it difficult to unplug from work, work longer hours at home than they did in the office, and struggle with the lack of social interaction. This article discusses ways that employers can support their employees and address their mental health struggles.
• 
  2020-09

  The Sound of Learning - Teaching During the Pandemic

  On March 12th, 2020, all of the teachers and support staff in the high school where I work in Stafford, Virginia (A suburb of Washington DC) were called down to the auditorium and told by the head principal that our school would be shut down for the next two weeks as a result of Covid-19. Long story short, I did not return into that building until January of 2021. Even though I did not enter the building, between September and December of 2020, I toiled away teaching virtually via Google Meet from my basement. Teaching online was difficult - due to privacy concerns, students were not required to turn their cameras on - and none did. For the first time, I was teaching to a class of thirty without seeing anyone other than myself. Many students did not want to ask questions by unmuting their microphones, so instead they would type out questions, make comments, tell jokes, etc through the chat feature. Each time a student would send a message, my computer would make a small beeping noise. I learned to love this noise as it was the only reminder I had that there was someone listening to me. As a teacher, forming relationships is so central to the profession. At first, it seemed impossible to be a meaningful teacher when I had no clue what my students even looked like. But every time I heard that beep, I was delighted to know that someone was on the other side of that screen. Without the fear of immediate judgement of their peers, many of my students provided commentary on the lesson and made teaching fun. When teaching in person, I hate when a student tries to talk over me, so only dealing with a tiny beep was much more manageable and it was nice to see these kids communicate with one another while separated by the pandemic. Many articles that I have read have been incredibly critical of online learning, and some with good cause. I did not reach every student. Some fell back asleep, logged in then walked away, played video games, and even one of my students admitted to me that he was taking his dog on a walk during class. But hearing that beep reminded me that there are students out there that can make connections even when it seems impossible.
• 
  2021-01-01

  Curtain Call on 2020

  This past year was a crazy one. Since it’s now 2021, for the first time, I’m really looking back on 2020 and reflecting on my memories and moments. The year started off normal, and simpler. I had just made friends with a group that I liked a lot in December of 2019, I’m still with them, so that was pretty important. I imagine my life would be different, and I wouldn’t have many of the memories I have today. I don’t remember much about January or February itself, but I do remember Mardi Gras. At the time, the USA wasn’t really concerned about COVID-19, so being with friends during Mardi Gras were some of the best and last moments of large gatherings and celebrations I’ve seen in a while. After the 2 weeks of festivities, March rolled around, a month that stands out for everyone when looking back at 2020. Halfway through the month, we learned that we got out of school for 2 weeks. I was in media arts and my friends and I got super excited. The tone dialed down quickly though, as my entire math period following the announcement was Mr. Milling answering questions from kids about the virus and explaining the CLP. My friends and I hung out one final time that night on March 13th. After that, we split up and resorted to talking through phones and headsets as a communication system. In April we started meeting up again at Audubon Park for bike rides, and that continued through June. Then it seemed like school came fast, and all of a sudden, we were back in person, and things felt just a little bit normal.
• 
  2021-02-26

  #JOTPYLesson from joanchurch27

  A lesson I have learned as a result of the pandemic is to always wash your hands, and be thankful for what you have. Going through a pandemic has shown me to not take life for granted. I have also learned different ways to work and communicate with others in a safe way. @wynneisnotcool @elysezamora @annarumley27 @zane_zamora
• 
  2021-02-24

  #JOTPYLesson from mclissakim

  I've learned different ways of continuing communication with my friends and family besides seeing them in person, since all of us are staying home and don't really get a chance to see them face to face in the past year. It's really made me appreciate the friendships that have become strengthened despite quarantine. #JOTPYLesson @a.mlau @how2henry101 @ashes.of.dreams @on_a_kruse @desinistre
• 
  2020-12-31

  2020 is the year of covered faces

  2020 is the year of covered faces. My deafness is invisible until I start signing, and I rely on facial cues, so mask wearing has been challenging. But according to @google this year, the world searched twice as much for "invisible disability" than last year. More knowledge, more visibility. Keep wearing masks and keep asking why. Check out this and other trends at google.com/yearinsearch #YearInSearch
• 
  2021-03

  My experiences working and living in the Covid 19 Pandemic

  When the covid pandemic started, I don't think anyone really knew the extent this virus would take on everyone's life and how it will potentially change the world as we know it. I have worked in healthcare during this pandemic and have seen and heard of many people dying from this virus. I work in an acute rehabilitation hospital where people come after having a stroke or major surgery and they learn how to use their bodies and adapt to their new lifestyles. My hospital is not a place where people die, it is a place where people go to get stronger to go home to their families. there had been countless numbers of people who had contracted the virus when at the hospital and eventually had died from it even though they were on the tract to getting stronger, physically. Not only have I seen how this impacts the individuals who contract the virus, but it is important to note how this virus is effecting people mentally. I have heard of many people's friends dying of suicide from being in isolation during their quarantining. I have also learned that many children who are learning how to talk are having a hard time learning how to communicate with others because they are missing the important aspect of facial structures and non-verbal language which is impeding their ability to communicate and understand others.
• 
  2021-01-27T11:30:41

  The COVID Pandemic From The Perspective of a Random 8th Grader

  I chose to make a computer because computers have been a huge part of lots of people's lives during the pandemic. Computers have been one of the only methods of communication for some people, and a lot of students are using them for school. I know that it may not be the most creative thing I could've made out of clay, but I think it represents a big chunk of the pandemic.
• 
  2021-01-22

  Vaccine Rollout Complications

  People want the vaccine, and they want it now, but the process of clinics and hospitals giving the vaccine is a major process. To start, the vial must be pulled up all at once, and all five doses have to be given within a short time period, or they are ruined. Another complicated problem is the social distancing guidelines. Doctor’s offices are not generally large offices, and patients have to be there for at least fifteen minutes for observation, making drive thru vaccinations improbable. In addition, planning a day to give out vaccines is hard to do in advance, because medical centers have no idea when they will receive the vaccine. The state has control, and currently there seems to be insufficient communication and organization in many states.
• 
  2021-01-20

  Distant Relationships

  Throughout the whole COVID ordeal I have been seperated physically from my friends and family. To compensate the lack of physical interactions with other during this pandemic, we've used Discord an online voice group chat to keep ourselves social. Discord has helped us remember that we aren't alone during this pandemic. We're able to play games, watch videos, and talk to one another one this service. Discord I feel what I feel helped me currently get through this whole ordeal.
• 2021-01-14

  learning virtual

  My experiences with virtual learning is like a detatched environment from in person school. The benefits are being in the comfort of your own home, being able to concentrate more, and having food/water/bathroom near you. The negative side is that the poor technology can make communication more difficult.
• 2020-09-14

  Covid memories

  "This journal entry was written as a part of the American Studies class at California High School in San Ramon, California." Covid-19 shaped my summer, mainly by not letting me have any large groups of friends/ people over,which I had just started doing at the end of last year. It also limited the amount of time was allowed to be around my friends in general, and I just recently became more extroverted so that definitely wasn't very fortunate. I also feel like I lost touch with a lot of my close friends from last year. I hope I can see/ talk to them again soon, but I’m not sure if that will come to fruition. But I started some good habits with all my free time, like working out and eating healthier.
• 
  2020-11

  My Covid Experience

  The item that I am submitting is a collection of my experiences that I have with COVID-19, as well as starting off with an experience I had when I was younger before COVID-19. Then I write my experience present day from Thanksgiving, as well as giving it a short ending.
• 
  2020-11-16

  Wentworth Institute of Technology - Beatty Cafe

  What you are seeing in this picture is what a Beatty cafeteria attendant has to sit behind all day to be able to read people's IDs and sell them the “delicious” meals. It is a different situation compared to what we all used to know. The world is having to live behind plexiglass shields 24/7 just to be able to slow down the spread of this terrible virus. We are in such drastic times that our best option is to wall others off and create as little interaction as possible. Yes, the glass is clear but it is not the same as being able to walk up to them and just ask them how their day is going while they sell you an overpriced cheeseburger. Seeing this for the first time opened my eyes to what our lives may look like if this goes on for much longer. People will no longer have the in-person conversations that helped to turn their day from bad to good.
• 
  2020-08-31

  Jewish Melbourne: CSG - Check on your mates

  This is a post by Community Security Group (CSG), encouraging people to look out for each other: "Humans are social animals. We crave connection. As we spend more time in our homes, cut off from friends and family in a bid to stop the spread of the virus, the lack of physical touch can be mentally challenging. For people who live alone especially, this extended lack of contact may be particularly tough. But just because we’re physically distant from each other doesn’t mean we can’t still be emotionally close. Maintaining regular human connection is more important than ever as we navigate these difficult times."
• 
  2020-09-26

  Family Fights

  HIST30060 My family is pretty large: I have two brothers, a sister….and a whole menagerie of animals! Gracie dog is the best, but we also have another dog, several cats, a rabbit, and a variety of feathered friends. My siblings live interstate, so we’ve been barred from seeing them since February because of border restrictions. During lockdown, we’ve been keeping in touch by having consistent arguments on our family group chat about how to rank our pets from best to worst. My brother frames it like a ‘best and fairest medal’, as you’d receive in sport. The conversations remind me of when we all used to live together at home, and they’ve provided a nice reprieve from more ominous discussions about the pandemonium enveloping society. I think the notion of ‘reprieve’ is central to the power of animals in this plague year: they distract us from our pandemic woes and force us to take a sabbatical from our anxieties.
• 
  2020-03-16

  Virtual Campus

  I first heard my university would be transitioning to online teaching through the uni magazine's Facebook page on the 16th of March, an email from the uni following soon after. This felt appropriate for a time when decisions were being made in a seemingly hectic fashion and there was still so much speculation about how worried we needed to be and what measures needed to be taken. There had been 14 new cases of COVID-19 in Victoria on that date and the total number of cases in the state was 71. The photograph is of the deserted University of Melbourne campus in September when we were into our second semester of online teaching and Victoria was in it's second wave of the pandemic. It was eerie to see this area of the campus, usually filled with students socialising on the grass, so empty. (HIST30060)
• 
  2020-10-13

  Finally moving to Phase 2

  Wenatchee has been in lockdown and stuck at phase 1.5 for months due to an inability to get the virus under control. We finally received word that we could move to phase two and reopen things like the museums and library in town, which have been closed for 7 months due to COVID. This reopening means that many public services like computer use at the library and wifi for those who do not have access to it at home will be open and able to be used by those that need it. It is an important to compare where we are at to other places that moved into new phases much quicker, some of which had spikes because of it. I personally have not been able to leave and have been stuck at my house for months. I used to go to the library three times a week for school and to get out of my house but with a pandemic, I have been spending more time inside. I do not feel comfortable enough to go to the library yet, but am excited that the option is now there. Back to normal is still not an option though, and I worry that this will cause more cases in my area. This whole experience has been eye opening for how much I did unplanned, now I have to plan everything I do so I can keep myself and my family safe.
• 
  2002-09-12

  Quarantine

  This explains how much of an impact this pandemic has had on my life for the last 6 months.
• 
  2020-09-27

  Tweets from Inside a Prison 09/27-10/03/2020 by Railroad Underground

  These images show the Tweets of an incarcerated person utilizing a contraband cell phone to let the outside world know about prison conditions during the pandemic. This week he talks about the ability of incarcerated people to vote would cause them to be treated better, living like a caged animal, lockdown, going outside, mental health, watching presidential debates in prison, a second Covid outbreak happening in his prison, how important family connection is, incarcerated people are eligible for a stimulus check, people of color being the majority of incarcerated people and the majority of Covid deaths, difference of sentencing of white and black people,
• 
  2020-09-20

  Tweets from Inside a Prison 09/20-09/26/2020 by Railroad Underground

  These images show the Tweets of an incarcerated person utilizing a contraband cell phone to let the outside world know about prison conditions during the pandemic. This week he talks about mind, body, soul, freedom, effort to locate contraband cell phones, lack of compassion, support, Breonna Taylor, the rule against shaking a free persons hand, using the word inmate removes humanity, prisons acting as a herd immunity experiment, journalists profiting from the pain of incarceration, and rock bottom.
• 
  2020-08-29T10

  Pandemic Birthday

  The 3 of us became friends (more like family) when we started working together in a cultural institution/museum space. We have been in constant communication with each other, sharing resources and joy. 2 of us have a birthday a few days apart so we decided to spend it together! This is our birthday vision boards and a photo of us,
• 
  2020-07-19

  Many Odd Firsts

  My family is just in its beginning stages and with the onset of the covid-19 pandemic some of our firsts have been made a bit strange to experience. Whether it was my daughter's first haircut, her first ride in a go-cart, or getting our first doggy Lucille, we have had to make accommodations in order to protect ourselves and the people around us. In some of these instances it has been extremely difficult because we have no clue how someone is doing any longer. Gauging how someone is feeling in the midst of their first time trying something isn't very easy any longer, especially if it is extremely loud. Getting a veterinarian appointment isn't the easiest thing to do just as waiting for salons to reopen wasn't either. These experiences where you crave seeing the happiness on your loved one's face or faces has been robbed from some of us due to this pandemic.
• 
  2020-07-14

  Decal with social distancing message, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne

  This floor decal in the hospital forecourt was introduced in June 2020, one of many communications produced for both internal and external hospital audiences in response to the course of the pandemic and evolving government public health guidelines and restrictions.
• 
  2020-04-11

  Group Video Phone Call – Northborough, Massachusetts

  My parents joined by up to 20 other Deaf friends form a massive group Video Phone call all simultaneously using American Sign Language to communicate. There are no overlapping voices to make it impossible to communicate, and the calls last hours on end. My parents and other Deaf people have used this technology for years but are seeing its use become invaluable during the pandemic.
• 
  2020-04-12

  An app that’s like Discord but made by a Chinese company

  Due to quarantine, the Chinese government have pretty much shut down the borders. In order to stay in touch with family and friends, this app is the only source to communicate with them. Although there are apps that are accessible for Chinese International students to get in touch with their friends, there are many harsh requirements in order to use it. Due to the relationship between China and the U.S., the app is no longer available for people in the U.S to use. You must have a VPN to bypass your ip address back to China in order to use it. During times like this, I hope both countries can put down any conflict they have and provide a better source for their citizens to access.
• 2020-08-04

  A World of Communication at the Fingertips

  With my cell phone I am able to communicate and hang out with my friends and family that I might not be able to do without it. It allows me to keep updated on new, and I can have fun with my teammates as we get through this struggle together. This allows prepares me for college as I access a lot of necessary information I need to properly prepare myself for college life.
• 2020-04

  My Past 4-5 Months

  My xbox has actually been very helpful for me during this pandemic. Normally I am able to see all my friends in person, but because of coronavirus I wasn't able to do that. With my xbox I was able to talk to all of my friends during the pandemic. It was a great was to keep in touch while also having fun. Without my xbox I would've been very bored and I wouldn't have been able to talk to my friends nearly as much.
• 
  2020-03-30

  Cultural Insights: Interviews in the Creative Sector #10 … Summer El-Khodary, Cultural Communications, Inc

  In response to COVID-19, the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science launched the mini-series, "Cultural Insights: Interviews in the Creative Sector," to highlight colleagues and professionals working in the same or similar field of museum professionals.
• 
  2020-03-23

  The Onion Reports that Nation Close to Getting Videoconferencing Software to Work

  The Onion has been having a field day with the unbelievable times we are living through. They are doing a great job making fun of what is happening and our reaction to it. This article, written as we had to make an overnight change to working remotely and homeschooling, makes us laugh at how we struggled to get the videoconferencing software to work. People across America were all saying in union, "Can you hear me?" "Can you see me?" and "I don't know how to fix it."
• 
  2020-07-03

  My Battle Call

  Reminders such as these have been circulating. Trying to help hearing people understand some challenges those in the Deaf world are facing right now. One of them being our inability to read lips and facial expressions. Many Deaf, deaf, HoH people have been shamed in public recently because we can not understand people wearing masks. Hearing people can be very rude shouting at us, "What are you deaf or something?!?" Well, yes sir I am!
• 
  2020-03-21

  Alone Together

  Social distancing, self-quarantine, community lock down have all taken a toll on people's mental health one way or another. I wrote this short piece to remind people to connect with each other in a more meaningful way, at least virtually for now, and reach out to those who may be feeling alone.
• 
  2020-04-01

  Plague Journal, Day 19: Kumbaya-dot-com!

  I'm keeping a Covid-19 journal. The latest entry discusses the vagaries of digital communication, including a sour school-parent social media thread and sweeter chats with various loved ones.
• 
  2020-04-06

  How to Communicate with Those Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

  Communication is difficult for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.
• 
  2020-06-24

  Deaf man makes masks for Deaf and HoH

  The deaf, Deaf, HoH community are scrambling to get ahold of these masks with clear windows. It really only helps if everyone were to wear them, or at least family members and people who deal with the public. Also, side note: hearing-impaired is not PC! We prefer to be called HoH. I wish the reporter had done some research.
• 
  2020-06-26

  Government vital communication to deaf/Deaf/HoH community lacking

  One of the frustrations amung the deaf/Deaf/HoH communities is the governments communication during a crisis. Several times there is no sign interpreter available on screen while politicians are speaking. Sometimes there is no live CC available. A few times, fake interpreters are speaking gibberish during a live governmental press conference, putting the lives of many in the Deaf community at risk. There are millions of deaf/Deaf/HoH in the U.S. and I feel like the pandemic had swept our needs aside.
• 
  2020-06-26

  Backorder form for communicator surgical mask

  The demand for clear facemasks is high right now for both medical professionals and everyday people. It makes me happy to see that people even care that deaf, Deaf, or HoH can communicate. Unfortunately, many of us worry for our health if we were to become sick and need to go into the hospital right now. What about medical error from miscommunication? Pencil and pad of paper seem our best bet to not be misunderstood.
• 
  2020-05-09

  Humans of Covid-19 AU: Bobo Matjila

  “My social life has become non-existent, but my relationships are still quite strong. Isolation has forced me to be a better friend because it has required me to check up on people in ways that I never did before. For me this feels a bit like a break from the constant rat-race of life (but not a vacation). Everything feels slower, which I kind of like. I’m no longer forced to go to events or go out. I'm an introvert, so I love spending time at home. Life feels simple, and slow, and more intentional now. I’ve been able to catch up on lots of reading. I am also enjoying being able to walk down the street and not be harassed. I expected something like this to happen sooner or later. I always had the sense that the pace at which this city runs is not sustainable, so pretty soon it will collapse. I've been mentally and emotionally prepared for this to happen. Everyday people are dying, suffering, and in the depths of misery, which I feel is the norm of the human condition. Peace is the exception. I think that’s why I’m mentally not so affected by the pandemic, because I don't have hopeful expectations for humanity. If we all agreed on the basics that homelessness and suffering is unnecessary, then we could get rid of all of this in a couple of months and save the future of humanity. There’s a lot we can do to prevent this, I just don't think we will do it.” Instagram post on Bobo Matjila, podcast host & writer, and her experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives.
• 
  2020-04-21

  Humans of Covid-19 AU: Alice Diffey

  “Hospitality was one of the first industries to be affected by the pandemic. Outside of financial pressures, what has been challenging is overcoming the hurdle of being stationary. Whether you are a chef or sommelier, we are used to working really long hours, then staying out late going for drinks. I'm not at home for long - ever. Most of us from the company have been stood down, but we have been given the option of JobKeeper. I’m trying to keep mentally stimulated, positive and active during this time. We don't know how long it will be. All my colleagues and I have kept in touch. I love our team, and we love our industry. We are all missing it alot. In hospitality, you form very tight friendships and bonds, you go out with these people, work with these people - they become your family. It’s a massive blow because our whole industry is about bringing people together, creating culture and stories that will last forever. You can’t do that when you’re by yourself at home.” Instagram post on Alice Diffey, restaurant manager, and her experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives.
• 
  2020-04-21

  Humans of Covid-19 AU: Mandy Dante

  “Many of the programs that we run are face-to-face and in schools. So it has been challenging to see many of our programs booked for Term 2 being postponed and there are many unknowns. COVID-19 has also impacted the business financially, our facilitators do not have opportunity to work, and for myself financially it has been tough. I’ve definitely gone through waves. At the beginning, I had this amped up energy of excitement to get creative, thinking of ways to deliver online. Then I hit a down stage. Now I'm able to be more patient with myself and am taking it one step at a time. For teenage girls, school is often seen as an escape from home life and family. It's a different world for them, and so not having that outlet and freedom is difficult. Also in your teenage years, your friendship group is like your bloodline, so lack of physical connection is definitely having an impact. It is ok to ride different emotions at this strange time. I realize that even I am on social media so much more! This, combined with having more alone time, can amplify people’s thoughts about body image and friendships. There is pressure to be constantly posting and being relatable. A huge thing people are learning is to be grateful for the small things. This period is enabling a space to develop intentional communication, rather than quick, rushed conversation. It is fostering deeper connections.” Instagram post on Mandy Dante, CEO & Founder of Flourish Girl, and her experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives.
• 
  2020-04-19

  Humans of Covid-19 AU: Ron Taft

  “I’ve never experienced anything like this before. I remember the atmosphere of war time, but that was not the same. And we had the polio epidemic seventy years ago, which had dire consequences for children. That caused some panic but nothing like the widespread shut downs and health controls we are seeing today. Of course, the role of the media was completely different then. I live in an aged-care nursing home. We are completely shut down from physical contact with the outside world. We can arrange to talk through the fence. COVID doesn’t really make as much as a difference to my life as it does to younger people, who are used to being out and about. I’m actually having more communication now with family and friends than I had previously. Maybe the exceptional circumstances mean people want to reach out; could be having more time on one’s hands. Mobile phones are having a huge impact on people’s lives. I feel quite healthy. I survived a haematoma a couple of years ago. All going well, I turn 100 in about six weeks. The world has changed so very greatly over the century of my life.” Instagram post on Ron Taft, retired Professor of Social Psychology & nearly centenarian, and his experience during the pandemic, which was created by a psychology student living in Melbourne who was interested to hear about how COVID-19 was impacting on different peoples’ lives.
• 
  2020-04-23

  Face-Timing in the Park

  This is a brief story about a different way of communicating with my students through Face Time. It speaks to the flexible nature of teaching and how the pandemic caused me to shift my flexibility and availability beyond office hours. It's important to me because it has allowed me to grow as a teacher.
• 
  2020-04-27

  A Postcard From a Friend

  Sent to me by a friend who lives less than half an hour from me, this is an example of how the world has reverted in some ways during the pandemic. Written letters and postcards are largely objects of the past, yet this was an effort at analog connection in the digital world, one that required thought and care to produce.