Items

• 
  2020-03-13

  Shanika’s COVID-19 EXPERIENCE

  Life During COVID
• 
  2024-09-26

  When Fear Took Form

  I am sharing my story about the Covid -19 pandemic because the experiences changed my life for ever. I have read so many people in the past related stories of their experiences, and i am glad they documented those , because i am able to learn about the wars, the depression, the pandemics and so much more. Therefore i want to make sure i leave my experience, so the next generation can know what it was like living through that period in history.
• 2020-04

  The Unseen Heroes: A Tribute to Essential Workers

  In the turbulent maelstrom of the COVID-19 pandemic, a silent but terrifying force has emerged: the workforce needed They were the unsung heroes of our time, navigating the treacherous waters of the mind uncertainty and fear to keep the public afloat. When I think about the impact of COVID-19, I am drawn to their stories, their sacrifices and their resilience. Each day as I scoured the news, filled with alarming statistics and heartbreaking stories, I couldn’t help but marvel at the dedication of these individuals. And from the health care workers fighting on the front lines, to the store clerks making sure things stay on the shelves, to the delivery drivers braving the delivery of vital supplies to our doors and them courage and selflessness are beacons of hope in the darkest of times. I remember a particularly poignant moment when I saw a picture of a nurse in protective gear holding the hand of an elderly patient. The painting spoke volumes about compassion and human connection in the face of loneliness. And it captures the essence of the epidemic: struggle, solidarity and the unwavering spirit of humanity. But amidst the chaos, there were also moments of beauty and resilience. I stumbled upon a series of Instagram posts featuring acts of kindness - neighbors helping each other, community members rallying to support local businesses, and strangers offering words of encouragement through virtual forums. This gesture was small, but powerful in its impact and served as a reminder that humanity triumphs even in the darkest of times Sharing these stories and ideas reminds us of the importance of documenting our collective experiences during this period of history The pandemic dramatically changed our world, leaving an indelible mark on our collective consciousness . . . . By preserving this information, we ensure that future generations understand not only the challenges we faced but also the strength and compassion that emerged in response.
• 
  June 19, 2020

  Essential Worker Appreciation

  Screenshot of a poster thanking Staten Island essential workers from the CSI Public History Coronavirus Chronicle Facebook page
• 
  2020-06-06

  One essential workers perspective during the covid pandemic

  This was my experience as an essential worker during the Covid pandemic.
• 2020-04-30

  Adventure Behind Uncertainties

  Different life circumstances bring different versions of us, sometimes it is how we approach it that determines the type of adventure that we are going to have. The pandemic has brought a lot of uncertainties of what our usual lives would be like. For me, it was the repeated days of not knowing what to do next which led me to start reflecting on what I can do now. My first goal in this journey was to reach out to family and friends. During my time of reflection, I realized that I was losing touch with those close to me. Rather than calling once in a while or during birthdays and holidays, I call and text more often than before. My second goal was working on my health. I began making healthier lifestyle choices such as exercising more often, eating healthier food and drinking more water. I also added a skincare routine which I enjoy doing and continue to improve as needed. Prior to the pandemic, I had a passion for painting though I have not really put my skills to use like I should. But recently I started drawing again to bring my paintings to life. Hoping before the end of the year, I can have some paintings to share with family and friends. One of my happiest moment during the pandemic was creating small humanitarian projects such as donating food. It taught me that I can still be involved in my community regardless of the distance. As the pandemic continues, I am still adapting , learning about new ways to improve my health and wellness and continue to find ways to contribute to my community.
• 
  2021-09

  Appreciating Family

  When reflecting back on my own experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a lot of things that come to mind: how my freshmen year of college was completely upended, how I did not feel safe to return to my part-tine job, and especially how nerve-wracking it was to watch world leaders navigate through a crisis we had yet to see in our lifetime. Acknowledging these difficulties that I personally faced, along with the challenges people across the world faced, is crucial because, unfortunately, fear is apart of this story that history will tell; however, I have always found myself someone who tries to remain rather optimistic, which I find myself doing as I share my story. Though I hesitate to call the COVID-19 pandemic a ‘blessing in disguise,’ it did open my eyes and help me to become much more grateful for one huge aspect of my life: my family. I have been very privileged to have a close and loving family my entire life, though it took me a while to realize what a privilege this was. Sitting down each night to dinner and having a lively conversation with my mom, dad, and younger brother was the norm to me, so I rarely considered the notion that that wasn’t the same for everybody else. When the pandemic first struck and shut down life as we knew it, I – a 19-year-old college student – suddenly found myself back at home living every single day with my family. This was a very jarring shift for me after experiencing the freedom that college granted me, but I quicky began to see how lucky I was to have a loving and accepting family to get through this difficult time with. Of course, this is not to say I never got frustrated with constantly being around my family, but it made me appreciate all the good moments that we had together. Together, we formed a stronger bond as a family that helped us to get through the physical and mental toll the pandemic had brought. From trying new meals together, watching new shows/movies together, to creating wacky videos to share with our friends and family, and so much more, I began to appreciate all the little moments we had together. As things somewhat begin to return to a state of ‘normalcy,’ I continue to reflect on this time I spent with my family, and I cannot help but feel a huge sense of gratitude. I truly have learned to appreciate everything they have done for me (and continue to do), as well as learned to appreciate many more facets of my life. Nowadays, I find myself much more cognizant of the seemingly simple things and not taking them for granted. It is strange to think that something such as a global pandemic can be the thing that really cements an idea or feeling in our minds, but that is what COVID-19 did for me and my appreciation for my wonderful family.
• 2021-09-10

  A new gratitude for our little farm...

  My husband and I bought a little secluded farm in Vanleer, Tennessee in 2013. We had this idyllic notion that we could grow our own food, live off the grid, and have a sense of privacy we never had living in the city. But, were were awful at it, nothing ever grew, our house was the ultimate "fixer-upper" and we were far from everything. In the last two years or so, we started to long for living in the city again, being near conveniences, and not commuting over one miles a day. Then, the pandemic came and my job sent us all home to work remotely. I am museum curator and what I do is very hands on, so that took some clever adjustment and reinvention. We also have the world's slowest internet, but I made it work by duct taping the jetpack to the only window where it worked. As the months went by, I read so many accounts of how the isolation and seclusion of shelter in place orders led to depression. Some of my friends who lived in apartments in the city described feeling claustrophobic and trapped. I realized, that despite other uncertainties caused by the pandemic, that I was happier than usual and felt completely peaceful in our little secluded twelve acre homestead. I could roam around my own land, take my dogs for walks, work on the never ending house projects, or just sit on the porch and appreciate the sunset. When things started to return to normal and we began going back into the office, I broke my foot while trail running and that added another seven months of completely remote work to my job. Physically, my recovery was grueling, but mentally I was doing well thanks to the time already spent quarantining during the pandemic. I have a new love and appreciation for this little farm that won't grow anything now. Both my husband and I have no desire to move back to the city and we have even made peace with the fact that we will never finish all the fixer-upper chores. The gratitude I feel for this beautiful place is immeasurable. I am one of the lucky people who could quarantine and not feel like I was suffering. During the pandemic, we built a small A-frame cabin down near the front of our land and offered it up as a refuge for people who needed to leave the city for a day or two. Now, it's my little yoga cabin and a place where I can sit and be thankful for my little home in the forest.
• 
  2020-04-09

  An Attitude of Gratitude: How to Promote a Positive Outlook

  A blog post from Banner Health offering suggestions on maintaining a positive attitude during the pandemic.
• 
  2021-04-05

  Two Shots of Guilt

  Being an older adult, I qualified for vaccines before those who work. I am overwhlemed with gratitude and guilt that I am safe from COVID and others are not.
• 
  2021-03-22

  #JOTPYLesson from kumarshivani285

  kumarshivani285 I have learned that there are so many things in life that we take for granted. There is definitely a difference between the way I view family interactions now and before the pandemic. I always assumed that I would be free to visit and see my family as I pleased and never even fathomed what it would be like to not have that luxury. I now cherish every time I get to see them and make the absolute most of each visit. Small things in life have taken greater precedence. Sometimes it is nice to be reminded of what really matters and go back to the basics #jotpylesson
• 
  2021-03-22

  #JOTPYLesson from compassrosetattoo

  compassrosetatoo I was raised religious. But I am not now. This past year though, I have been thinking about Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. I realized that for all my rushing this is the time for standing still and enjoying things I took for granted. I am learning how to do that.
• 
  02/18/2021

  Maryann Ricketts Oral History, 2021/02/18

  Maryann Ricketts is a 64 year old woman who resides in Chandler, Arizona with her husband and two loving cats. This pandemic has hit all of us hard but it has hit some of us harder than others. Maryann has been retired for a few years now and has had many hobbies since retiring. Her hobbies include volunteering for homeless shelters, working with animal shelters, and keeping busy with her new grandson. She has always kept busy and this pandemic has made it hard for her to see all her loving friends and family and also keeping busy. She has realized throughout it all that she is very grateful for everyone she has. In this short oral history Maryann explains what something positive is that has come from this pandemic.
• 
  2021-02-03

  They Make This All Worth It

  It is weird to teach high school online. I usually get to know my kids by wandering around the room and making small talk. By inviting them to go running with me during 6th period (the athletic period). By running into them walking to Starbucks before an after-school review session. By leaving my room open at lunch as an alternative cafeteria. These things are not an option this year. When you teach, the jokes you make, are the kids laughing? The topics you’re really excited about sharing - are the kids excited? Are they REALLY listening when they nod at you, or are they texting their best friends out of the view of the camera, or playing a video game on a separate device? The silence is the weirdest part. Do the kids pick up on the little one liner remarks I drop in? Honestly, I get SO EXCITED when the Zoom chat lights up. It is truly my favorite part of any period because it’s like being back in class, having a real conversation, instead of me calling on students to answer and visiting them in break out rooms. They don’t like to unmute themselves to comment. Even in break out rooms they are still a bit anxious when I appear. They’re always willing to share when I call on them, so I know they’re learning the content. But I do sit up at night while I grade and wonder if the kids are actually enjoying class. I love teaching so much, and I love my kids so much, it hurts to think that this year’s kids just aren’t getting the same experience. And I am 100% in favor of staying on Distance Learning until our case rates decline, so I don’t have an agenda to re-open here. And this is why these letters I received in November are so meaningful to me. Our school ASB put out a “thank a teacher” post on Instagram, telling kids they should email a teacher and thank them. Honestly, our school has very little school spirit - ASB activities and assemblies are attended by very few students. Therefore, I didn’t think much of their social media challenge to “thank your teachers.” But then, I checked my inbox. And I became teary eyed. Honestly, I expected letters from the seniors. I was very, very close to last year’s kids. We had a great year before quarantine, and then when quarantine hit, it was like I had 180 best friends who would DM me at all hours because they were lonely, mad, sad, scared, and frustrated. And I didn’t mind because I love my kids. It’s not like I had anything else to do at 2 am the world had turned upside down. But this year’s kids have never met me in person. We don’t have the same relationship as I had with last year’s kids. So, I was so, so surprised by the number of current students, some of whose emails I have submitted (with all identifying information and names redacted) who wrote to thank me. I was hesitant to submit this at first, because I’ve never been one for public bragging, which is sort of what sharing thank you letters seems like to me. I know there are teachers who post every message a kid sends them, but I am not that person. A thank you from a kid is personal, and is something you keep but do not need to share. However, these emails are a really important part of my pandemic experience. They demonstrate to me that I have not totally failed this year. These kids who have never met me face to face, sharing such kind words, and excitement for learning history is probably the biggest personal win of this entire pandemic year. These kids will never know how much these words meant to me, and how much they motivate me to give 100%, even when we are all just within our tiny Zoom boxes. I hope with all that is within me that I can get vaccinated in time to be able to teach them in person before this year ends. They have shown over and over again this year how amazing they are, and I want to be able to be able to tell them that and thank them for that in person before the end of their junior year.
• 2020-12-25

  Personal COVID Story in 2020

  It was during Christmas time, and my aunt wasn't feeling too good. She went to get tested and she tested positive. I had seen her on Christmas day, and she felt sick a few days later. It didn't really affect me, but I got scared thinking that I might have it because I was near her during Christmas. I ended up not getting COVID, thank the Lord.
• 
  2020-11-25

  Loving Grandpa Brings Food

  A grandpa drives 30 minutes to bring his granddaughter and her boyfriend some food and board games after finding out they were Covid positive. One commenter said, "Protect that man at all costs". Such a sweet and loving gesture.
• 
  2021-01-11

  How I Learned My Parents Were Getting the COVID Vaccine

  This is the way I learned my parents were scheduled to get their COVID vaccine. I don’t know what one they’ll get - and it doesn’t matter to me or them. They are 65 (66 in February 2021). My dad has a heart condition. I am deeply relieved that they were able to be scheduled to get one!! I am so grateful!
• 2020-12-17

  A Ray of COVID Happiness

  Covid-19 has changed my summer in many different ways. For one, I have grown more in confidence since I’ve been inside for so many months. Being around myself and learning more about who I am allowed me to slowly accept myself. Also, I got to talk to my friends a lot throughout summer quarantine over Zoom and texts, so we were always around to uplift each other constantly. One of my favorite childhood memories is probably when my family and I traveled to Seattle for a few months and we auditioned for the Shake It Up Competition. I was obsessed with Zendaya, (and I still am) so that moment of time really showed me that it would be a dream of mine to be like her when I grow up. The day my sister and I auditioned was a great memory because we were just little kids in the moment who gave it a shot. Although we didn’t make it out of the hundreds of thousands, it’s heartwarming to me because we have been always trying to chase after our dreams in any circumstance. As for a regular update, I’ve been wanting to decorate my room so I’ve been compiling album covers I would want to see on my wall and hopefully being able to order print outs of those soon. To add on, I just applied to be an ambassador for a clothing company I saw on Tik Tok so hopefully I get chosen for that, because the fashion aesthetic the brand displays is so beautiful, Also, it's a black-owned business, so I’d love to support that. Overall, this pandemic has allowed us to recognize our gratitude and things we have a growing passion for.
• 2020-09-29

  My Personal Covid Experience

  9/29: This journal entry was written as a part of the American Studies class at California High School in San Ramon, California. During the pandemic, many people have faced lots of different struggles. These struggles can range from very slight problems to large ones, and thankfully, for my family and I, we are doing pretty well. Personally, I had a few struggles when adapting to the new ways of learning and getting used to not seeing my friends as much. At first, it was fine because I thought of it as an extra-long spring break, but when I realized that we weren’t going back to school in Contra Costa County I was pretty sad. Throughout COVID, I definitely missed my friends and I felt pretty alone. Luckily, my dad was able to keep his job and work from home, so we did not have any financial problems. Covid definitely allowed me to grow closer to my dad and brother because I ended up spending a lot of time with them where I usually wouldn’t see them as much. Socially, I think our county has started to adjust to the new reality and lots of families are starting to get used to it. I think this whole situation has made people realize that they should be grateful for the valuables and people that are in their life. Lots of things (like social gatherings, school, and friends) can be taken away in a second, but family and other really important things will always stay.
• 
  2020-12-17

  What is the biggest challenge that you’ve faced during covid? How have you overcome that challenge?

  This talks about how I've found something good about that pandemic. This is important to me because I know a lot of people are going through a lot during the pandemic and I think we should find something to be grateful for because it will help with the trials you are going through.
• 
  2020-09-22

  My COVID Experience

  This journal entry was written as a part of the American Studies class at California High School in San Ramon, California. It tells a short story of how life was like for me before we had to go into quarantine due to covid-19.
• 
  2020-12-13

  Positive Affirmations for Mental Health (especially in a pandemic!)

  This is a journal entry consisting of positive affirmations and gratitude practice. Just like everyone, I have been dealing with many mental health issues during this pandemic and have had days where I wanted to do nothing but disappear into some alternate universe and be rid of all my problems. I spent a lot of time on the app, Tik Tok and stumbled upon many videos about manifestations, affirmations and spirituality in general. Though affirmations have been a thing for quite some time, some of the videos dove in deeper by talking about the law of attraction. I was a bit skeptical at first but I looked up some success stories and felt intrigued. I decided to give affirmations and gratitude a go as a way to not only brighten my mood, but to help me appreciate life more in general and bring more positive vibes into it. I’m not saying that doing this solves all your issues, but it has definitely worked wonders for me, especially during these darker days of the world. I advise anyone to give this a try because I truly think just about anyone would notice a difference by making affirmations and gratitude a daily habit. Whether one wishes to try specific manifestation techniques to dive deeper into these practices is subjective based on how much they believe in spirituality, but basic affirmations and gratitude alone can make a big difference.
• 
  2020-11

  What Keeps Me Sane

  Between working in a grocery store, and doing class work, I find myself busy and often stressed. I am lucky enough to have a partner, two cats and other luxuries that help me relax and relieve my anxieties. I included an older picture of myself and my partner, my switch, and my cats Wobbles (grey) and Jade (black). Having these distractions in my life have definitely made the pandemic a little more manageable. These things, along with my partner, help me count my blessings and appreciate what I have and have been able to hold on to during these anxious and stressful times.
• 
  2020-10-04

  Jewish Melbourne: Shana Tova and Yom Kippur event from NIF

  New Israel Fund emailed their email list in order to wish them a shana tova, and to send details of an event for Yom Kippur, as well as general information about what the organisation had been doing
• 0202-10-15

  Fears of COVID from within the archive

  Yesterday was my first official day as a curator at A Journal of the Plague Year. The only feelings I had were of complete joy and gratitude to be able to have a job, one where I get to do something that interests me, at that. But as the day went on, I began to feel something that many have tweeted about. I started to feel achy and I was coughing. Some have tweeted something like, "is it allergies or COVID?", and while I should have reflected on the fact that I had not taken my crucial allergy medicine in two days (I am severely allergic to dogs, yet I have two of them in my small apartment), I spent a good hour bundled up and lying in bed. By the afternoon, I felt completely fine. It was one thing when I would have these fleeting moments of panic, or see people online posting about their own, in the past. But it seemed to be a particularly interesting moment that right when I start a job at an archive documenting the COVID-19 pandemic, I experience one of the specific anxieties of actually living in that pandemic. I think this short instant shows how the the pandemic is both all-encompassing of everyday life and shows up in particular moments. It is at the same time impersonal and extremely personal. Despite the fact that even the illusion of being an observer is inherently participation, in one moment I went from being an outside observer of the pandemic to being subject to the worries it causes.
• 2020-09-17

  Blessing in Disguise

  Everyone knows how hard it can be to look at the good things going on in life, when it feels like you are only surrounded by the bad. And during a pandemic it is even harder find those good things. Along with millions of other people, this is the first thing I have experienced in my lifetime that has actually affected every single human in the entire world. I was supposed to do my junior performance recital in April. I was supposed to go to Italy for classes in May. I was supposed to go to concerts in the summer. Obviously, those losses are not nearly as bad as families that lost their jobs or loved ones, but everyone missed out on something no matter how big. In the beginning it honestly sounded pretty nice. I remember sitting in the living room with my friends looking at how inexpensive flights were and planning out the fun things we were going to do with our free time when schools canceled classes. We definitely did not believe they would be canceled for the rest of the semester and we would be sent home and not allowed to travel. It was really hard to come home and not be around my friends or even allowed to go see people I did not live with. I really did just sit around and sulk for a while. But then I realized how grateful I was to at least have a house to sulk in and have loved ones to sulk with. Being forced to come home from school gave me so much extra time with my family that I never would have gotten if COVID didn’t happen. I got to bake and cook so much with my mom and watch movies with my dad and play games with my brothers. I got to try new things like painting, and I was able to read more, and I definitely got a lot more sleep. I mean don’t get me wrong I would have much rather been traveling or going out with friends and living the life of a college student, but this pandemic really made me realize how blessed I am. Even in the worst of times, there is always something good to focus on if you just try.
• 
  2020-07-29

  Paint The Void: Health Care Workers & Art

  Health Care workers partnered with the Paint the Void project to bring community, life, hope, art and culture to the San Francisco Bay Area. The goal of this partnership was to create a project to say "thank you for sheltering in place" and "thank you for supporting us" to the community on behalf of San Francisco's essential workers. Paint the Void has created over 91 murals across San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland. This specific mural tells the story of how interconnected people are and how an act of kindness has the ability to improve life conditions for the entire community. The title of the mural is "How we care shapes who we are." The spirit of community is represented through this specific mural and the Paint the Void initiative.
• 
  2020-08-23

  Portfolio_Camby

  When I embarked on the journey that was the JOTPY internship, I was unsure of what it would entail. I knew there would be assignments centered around collecting information in regards to COVID-19, but I did not know the extent. I was very surprised to learnt that we would be in fact completing our own oral histories. At the beginning, it was easier to contribute items to the archive, and extremely fun. But, as the work got more in depth, things got tougher. I had dabbled in oral history before, but had only done it to the extent of transcribing myself. By being introduce to Otter AI, my job got a lot easier. However, I'm still not a fan of oral history transcription. This course/internship taught me a plethora of skills. These included working with a team, curating fro an archive, software skills and more which I hope to incorporate in my future classes and career. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the course and look froward to seeing it come full circle.
• 
  08/04/2020

  Lee Foster Oral History, 2020/08/04

  Oral History in which Lee Foster discusses how one teaches shop (Industrial Arts) through online learning, what it is like teaching your students at the same time as your own children, and having a spouse working in a hospital during the pandemic. He also discusses the changes, or lack thereof, in family dynamics during a pandemic all with his easy-going positivity and sense of gratitude for his situation.
• 
  2020-07-25

  In Search of a Bathroom

  In this recording, I talk about an experience I had a couple of weeks ago when I was looking for a bathroom on a road trip. The manager of a closed IHOP allowed me to use their restroom when no other places would let me because of COVID-19 concerns. I was so grateful that I returned the next day so I could give the restaurant some business. This experience was very meaningful to me; it was a moment of shared gratitude during a challenging time.
• 
  2020-08-04

  My Gratefulness Notebook

  I chose this object because it really represents the way I have been able to use this pandemic to change my mindset. I received the journal at a time when everything in my life was changing really fast, and not in a positive way. There was so much loss and pain. I started filling one page of this journal every evening with things I am thankful for, and though it was really difficult at first, I found that it grew easier with time, and now I am finding things to be thankful for in every situation. This pandemic reminds us that we have to be thankful for what we have in every moment, because we never know when that could be taken away, but also that when it seems like everything has been taken away, there is still many things in our lives left to hold onto.
• 
  2020-07-21

  Stopping to smell the flowers.... and focus on gratitude

  Since mid-May, our 18yo son's friend has been living with us. D's mother is immunocompromised, and he needed to return to work when restaurants re-opened to save money for college in the fall. He moved in, adding a fourth teenager to our house. He is a wonderful guest and we have enjoyed having him. It can't be easy for him to live with a family that is not his own, but he handles it very well. Last week, these flowers arrived for me. D's dad and grandmother sent them (they live out of state) as a thank you for us hosting D these past months. I was so surprised and touched by the gesture. I know D and his family are grateful that he has a safe place to live while ensuring his family's health, and I appreciate that. While literally stopping my day to smell my flowers, I started thinking about gratitude, and the ways I will always be grateful to 2020: - My family is healthy, safe and together. - I realize that my son knows the value in surrounding himself with good people; getting to know his friend has been a blessing. - We were able to continue our school and work lives, even while isolated at home. Not all are so lucky. - As things re-open slowly, our lives are not returning to the crazy levels of busy that is our normal. Instead of school and practices and large gatherings, small groups of friends are coming over almost every day, and I love having a full house. - Our future plans are still moving forward, albeit in a different format. Online classes for my high schoolers and hybrid college classes for college kids. Working from home. We are making it all work. - While we haven't been having family crafting projects or other Instagram worthy activities, we have been able to connect often and easily. A conversation about politics; one about ethics; another about relationships. All of these happened organically because we are physically together. Also conversations about LeBron vs. Michael and ranking of the Star Wars franchise; not every conversation is deep. - Most importantly, I realize that the first half of 2020 was a gift: I got extra time with my kid, right before he leaves for college. I got extra time with my high schoolers that wasn't carved out of a crazy schedule. My husband and I spent time reading next to each other and doing puzzles. It would be crazy for me to say 2020 has been wonderful; it hasn't. It has been awful. However, even in these crazy and unsure times, there can be gratitude. And flowers. And Star Wars movies.
• 
  2020-04-21

  Chief of Ramapough Lenape Nation of New Jersey Address Tribe

  “The illness which permeates the atmosphere, impacting our health, may be part of the illness visited upon our Mother. Even in small ways, we can act to support her healing through our actions. May this be a time to renew our spirits. May we reflect on how to become better people- let us live with purpose, may we take the time to listen and understand. As we are spending more time together, let this be time to renew our connections. Be good to one another, let us live with love for one another. Be encouraged, let us emerge from this difficulty renewed in our traditions, that bring us joy.”
• 
  2020-04-30

  How PRINT and Poster House Tackle COVID-19

  "As the coronavirus pandemic reshapes huge swaths of society, the design world is responding with eye-catching visual messages of safety and gratitude. Because of this, there has been a huge surge of design activism." This article describes the increase of posters aiming to spread PSAs and messages of love and solidarity in NYC and was written by a senior journalism student following a beat developed and thought about in terms of the "local" in a journalism course at Pratt Institute that was upended by the pandemic.
• 
  2020-04

  Boston Thanks Essential Workers

  This is a photograph of a sign in the Greater Boston area thanking essential workers for their service. This sign illustrates one of the ways in which Boston has responded to Covid-19
• 
  2020-05-04

  Thank You

  I first saw this picture on Instagram. I remember that day, many OC residents drove by the medical Center with posters, and many medical workers waved to the outside. Then I looked it up in the LA Times. Their smiles are so contagious for me that I have to share them.
• 
  2020-04-08

  Life Shelters

  This documentary documents how a group of heroes in Wuhan was using their power to save lives during the worst of COVID-19 in China. The reporters, patients, and doctors in the cabin are ordinary people in real life, but they are extraordinary at this moment of world crisis.
• 
  2020-05-31

  A Time For Reflection

  Like everybody else, I have recently spent the majority of my days at home. I can say that I have had my fair share of ups and downs, some that I never even saw coming, but I think that there is a lot that I can take from my time in isolation. Of course, I really miss some things about my normal life such as talking to my friends every day at school and practicing for my school's track and field team, but in the end, I realize that I have to fix my head onto the present and do what I need to do right now until the whole COVID-19 pandemic blows over. I joined my school's track and field jumps team this year, and as season approached, I was stoked to see where my performance would stand. I actually felt as if I had found a hobby that I genuinely enjoyed doing, and even better, it was productive too. Its hard knowing that something so out of my control impacted my life as well as the lives of those around me so much, but at the same time, I have to remember that there are countless other people that have it way worse than I do. I would say that I am upset about not being able to experience track season this year, but I can always look forward to the next, or at least the possibly of there being a "next season". As for some other student athletes, they have it worse. Many seniors did not get to have their final moments in their athletic career, and worse, they won't get the graduation they looked forward to. It is sad when you realize that so many people have been affected by this pandemic, but it is important to look forward in the face of adversity. I admit that I spent way too much time complaining about what I won't get to experience because of the corona virus, but I recently began to see the lesson that this quarantine is trying to teach me, to teach all of us. For anyone awake during these uncertain times, it seems as if the year somehow gets worse and worse every month. As disaster rears its head, we must act appropriately in order to turn each moment of misfortune into a learning experience. I am grateful for what this quarantine has helped me realize, because with all of this time reflecting, I feel like I was given the time to really think about my past and my regrets. It would have been easy for me to say that this pandemic has made me miserable, but I want to bring light to such a dark time by acknowledging the positives I have been obtaining from this quarantine. Although many of us have lost a lot, there is always hope for new opportunities in the future.
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  2020-04-29

  For All of the Essential Workers Out There

  While many businesses and employees were forced to hunker down during the "stay-at-home" orders, others were deemed essential to maintain day-to-day operations in the city. This sign praises the healthcare workers, first responders, waste collection services, and grocery store employees, to name a few, who remained on the job.
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  2020-05-02

  To all Healthcare Workers

  This east Wichita billboard featured many COVID-19 related messages, including this one by Lamar Trailers that expresses gratitude to all healthcare workers battling the pandemic. Northeastern University
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  05/02/2020

  "For Those At the Front"

  An electronic billboard in east Wichita praises healthcare professionals for their continued efforts in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The language used in this sign is reminiscent of the gratitude extended to GIs in the post-9/11 era, especially during the Iraq War, thus reflecting the pandemic's growing impact that will cement it as one of the country's, and the world's, watershed moments. #NortheasternJOTPY
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  2020-05-01

  Humanizing the heroes

  Below is a photograph of Brian Sarkisian. An Auburn Mass. hometown hero, state champion baseball player, and now an essential medical worker at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester Massachusetts. Brian is a kind and gentle man whose only goal has ever been to help those in need. He is a nursing student at Worcester State University who previously picked up shifts at UMass Memorial as a student nurse to help people and gain experience for his practice. Now he works tirelessly around the clock handling non COVID-19 patients so that the doctors can focus their efforts. Brian speaks often about the business of the hospital and his constant fear of contracting the virus, but still he says that he would never trade or give up what he’s doing for the world. In a quote he gave me Mr. Sarkisian states “This is what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m in this field and in school for it because I want to make the worst times in people’s lives bearable”. Thank you for everything you do Brian Sarkisian.
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  2020-04-27

  Flyover from Luke Air Force Base to honor healthcare workers

  Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona, issued this press release. They performed a flyover with 15 aircraft that followed a route that encompassed the entire valley. They encourage people to not gather in areas to watch the flyover, but to stay in their homes.
• 2020-03-30

  Reflection March 2020

  A personal account of the pandemic.
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  2020-05-01

  "6 Feet Apart" Song from Luke Combs

  This music video of the song “6 Feet Apart” from Luke Combs serves as a message for gratitude during the pandemic crisis. With our constantly busy lives, we often take certain things like family time or going to a restaurant for granted. In times like this, we are reminded that all the little things are privileges and we should cherish them the most.
• 
  2020-03-26

  Quote of mine

  This image says start your day with a grateful heart.
• 2020-04-30

  A Brighter Perspective

  A personal account of the pandemic #REL101
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  2020-04-30

  Yoga

  I still have my job and luckily, money is still coming my way I just stay at home day after day Forced into retirement At only 26 years shy It has truly been a blessing in disguise There are so many things to be grateful for Not letting myself get bored With the television screen And the shows scene after scene I find myself lost in a different routine Finally, with too much time on my hands I can freely escape to different lands Where my mind, body and soul are in unity And the me I’ve always known takes on a new identity
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  2020-04-25

  Cambridge City Hospital

  This shows a sign outside one of the Cambridge City Hospital buildings
• 
  03/17/2020

  A sign posted outside the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington reads “You are my hero and I love you”

  Kirkland, Washington is an epicenter of the Covid-19 outbreak in the US