Items

April 14, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #23, Graphic Design Major's Point of view

Online learning is difficult especially in my designing classes so I have to basically learn on my own. The good thing is I adjusted but I do my work on my own time. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Save up your money and use online resources.

March 31, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #22, Advertising and Public Relations Major's Point of view

COVID-19 has turned my life upside. My co-op was terminated without more than saying it was for the best due to the pandemic. From that I had nothing to do to keep myself busy. Luckily I had RIT, when I was trying to figure out how to proceed with making sure I would still be getting credit for my co-op: my co-op advisor, academic advisor, and Student Advisory Board Advisor gave me links, tips and suggestions to fill my day. RIT has been helping me through the pandemic every day constantly sending resources and activities to do. Not much of good has come out of the experience except nowing that the RIT community is supporting every student in any capacity they can. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Be ready for challenges and approach them creatively. Adapt to the situations at hand.

March 31, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #21, Accounting Major's Point of view

It has been very difficult. I just finished moving into a new housing assignment after dealing with a demon roommate, then less than a week later RIT made us all leave. Two times in a week I had to move all my things by myself. My family lives in Los Angeles and all my friends were home so I had no one to help me. I've been fighting with both the California and New York DMVs to get my car registered for the last year, so my car is unregistered and I couldn't go anywhere. Luckily my aunt rented me a car so I could drive to St. Louis to stay with my grandfather. My mom didn't want me to drive to LA by myself, even though I've driven from LA to Rochester twice, but with my mom. My cat Poppy and I drove the 12 hours from Rochester to St. Louis in two days. I don't really like St. Louis or LA, I'd so much rather just be in Rochester, mostly because I've never been able to get a job there and I have a job on campus. In terms of classes being all online, I think it will be helpful for me. None of my professors are doing synchronized zoom meetings so I don't have to get up for class anymore. This is good because I didn't go to class all the time anyway. I can do the coursework more on my own terms now. I'm retaking a class I failed last semester and I think I'll pass this time not only because the class is exactly the same, but because the tests are open book and aren't under a time limit because they're online. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Be ready for challenges and approach them creatively. Adapt to the situations at hand.

March 30, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #20, Biomedical Engineering Major's Point of view

Well not having graduation, not being able to finish out college with the clubs and friends from the past 5 years. I've adjusted by getting closer to my best friends I made here. The good things have been I've gotten a lot of time to reflect on what I want out of my life. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Be happy. Do things that make you happy. Take time and cherish the friends around you as much as you can.

March 28, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #19, Finance Major's Point of view

I am working a lot more from home and stopped talking to others face to face. I am also not going anywhere unless it is urgent. I am adjusting by adjusting my workplace, buying food from other places and talking to my peers online or through social media. The good things about this experience is that housing is partially refunded and that I got an extra week to prepare myself for this. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say?

March 27, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #18, Physics and Psychology Major's Point of view

The REU programs are likely going to be cancelled, which is very upsetting. My volunteer trip to Puerto Rico was cancelled, a journalism conference we were supposed to go to in Long Island was cancelled, and I'm out of a job for the most part. I'm concerned about the future, but if there's one positive thing that has come of COVID-19, it's spending more time with my emotional support rabbit, Rocket. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? If the question is asking: "What would you tell your past self regarding this semester if you could?", then I would say: You'll get to bring Rocket to class one day soon :)

March 27, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #17, Individualized Study (Educational Entertainment and Entrepreneurship) Major's Point of view

I serendipitously switched to a personalized, all-online Bachelor's of Art and Science degree within RIT's School of Individualized Study directly prior to the North American outbreak of COVID-19, so I actually had the entirety of the semester to prepare for a remote workspace environment. I have spent the majority of my semester planning and operating the business, marketing, and development processes of my educational entertainment enterprise, Hypostatic Studios, as part of my Senior Capstone Project. Along the way I have experienced multiple obfuscations to my original production plan, as I have had to cancel travel arrangements to gaming conventions, lost a financially supportive game development instruction position with iD Tech's Spring Break Camps, and have had my project denied for face-to-face Customer Discovery interviews by RIT's Human Subjects Research Office (HSRO), completely eliminating any direct interpersonal interactions from the crucial startup phase of my business. The experience of dealing with COVID-19 actually benefits the foundational online solidarity of my company, which I would eventually prefer to remote via remote operations for in the future of our studio's development. Overall the COVID-19 outbreak has proven a source of anxiety and increasingly complex rearrangements of social and corporate operation, however our company is still strong and we are adapting to the paradigm shifts with continued perseverance. In the coming months we will be presenting our primary project "A Perfect Year" to several investors, including the New York Business Plan Competition, while attempting to network with the scientific researchers who discovered Water Memory and Extraction Zone Water, two concepts integral to our didactic efforts, with whom we were fortunate enough to make a connection with during the singular week of instruction work I was able to complete before the quarantine. So it has been an exciting and unnerving time, but Hypostatic Studios will continue to march forward towards the wanton delights of the unknown, and shall return victorious to share all the many fruits of our didactic digital labors! www.hypostaticstudios.com If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Don't worry about unexpected disruptions to your personal plan - they are obstacles in a game, the demons which must be dealt with as in any RPG, and provide opportunities for redemption and an ultimate award of glory! - "Think Outside The Self"

March 26, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #16, Computational Mathematics Major's Point of view

I was set to graduate this Spring, and I'm obviously quite sad there's not going to be a commencement for it. My college commencement is something I've looked forward to not just since the beginning of this semester or even the beginning of my time at RIT, but it goes way back to when I was very little and learned that college was a thing and that many professions required a college education. I could've done the math then and figured out that I was on track to be at a commencement of my own in May of 2020, and to have come all this way and not be able to live that ceremony is just gutting. Getting used to remote classes has been a challenge. I've never taken a credited college class remotely before and it requires more self-organisation than with in-person classes. If I can think of anything good that has, or at least will, come out of this experience, it's the fact that - while this is one of the most challenging times the world has ever faced - we all will come out of it stronger than ever, and so anytime we face other challenges after this, we'll feel more up to the task because we overcame this. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? I would tell myself to savour the experiences I have with my friends and take pictures of them because with what we're dealing with now, I've been deprived of these opportunities for the final weeks of my time in college.

March 26, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #15, Visual Media Major's Point of view

Yes, I had to change my capstone project as it involved a lot in-person interactions and sharing it during Imagine RIT. I had to adjust and make it a virtual delivery, which is a challenge, but I am grateful for my capstone class to work on this together. One really good thing that is coming out of this COVID=19 experience is that I've been doing 'through the window' shoots around my neighborhood to document what we all are going through. I practice strictly social distancing, and I hope to continue as long as it is safe to do so. I've seen beautiful positivity sharing around in my neighborhood because of this project. You can see on my Instagram @ameliakhamilton for the photos I've done. https://www.instagram.com/ameliakhamilton/ If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Cherish every moment. Grab every opportunity. Appreciate what you have!

March 26, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #14, Physics Major's Point of view

Once we were directed to leave RIT, I was overwhelmed. Things felt so uncertain and hopeless, I was seriously considering dropping out. But after the outpouring of support from all corners of RIT, and especially the academic provost's decision to offer pass/fail options, I truly felt that things would be okay. The situation is manageable and RIT is here for us. There is so much love within our community, and I'm trying to help spread it wherever and whenever possible. Even though we're physically distant, I feel closer than ever to my family and friends. Everyone is checking in on one another and actively trying to make the day brighter. For instance, I've reconnected with many friends from high school in the form of meme-sharing and messages of support. I've even become closer to my younger sister by recording music together. We have seen examples of the world as a beautiful, interconnected community. Let's keep it going. Spread the love <3 If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Keep your room clean, keep your chin up, keep your friends close, it's all going to be okay.

March 26, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #13, Industrial Engineering BS & Sustainable Engineering ME Major's Point of view

As a result of COVID-19, there are two main pieces of my time in college that have been affected: my graduation ceremony and RIT's Relay For Life event. The lack of a graduation ceremony, as a first generation college student as well, has left my family and I a bit disappointed. We're trying to stay positive though, and are glad it's allowing me more time home with my Dad before I go off into the working world full-time. Relay For Life was the other large part of my life that has now changed. I'm one of the two event chairs in charge of organizing and planning the event, and after putting in a semester and a half of work spread among 28 people, we had to cancel the in-person event. However, considering that we still want to help the American Cancer Society as much as possible, our team is still working to plan a VIRTUAL event instead for April 20th-April 24th! This will be an opportunity for us to help test a relatively new event delivery method for the ACS, and it will provide guidance and knowledge that they can use in the future to better host virtual events in far more locales! If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Appreciate every moment that you're on campus, walking, talking, and hanging out with friends and peers. Make those memories last and stay positive, don't dwell on issues out of your control.

March 26, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #12, Criminal Justice Major's Point of view

With everything being cancelled and moved online. My capstone has been effected the most. My in person interviews were cancelled so I had to restructure my project and change some papers. I'm adjusting well to online methods because I've taken 10-15 online classed throughout my college career. The good things that have come out of this experience would be how understanding, supportive and accommodating my professors are. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Get ahead early and push through until the end. You're so close.

March 26, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #11, Bachelors of arts and science Major's Point of view

It made all my classes go online which is both a blessing and a vice. I am an introvert so I love this method. But I'm also a procrastinator, so I dislike this method. It's also a vice because I dont have internet at my place of residence. I need to go to my pastors house to use the internet. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Don't get too comfortable and prepare for some major life changes.

March 26, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #10, Mechanical Engineering Technology Major's Point of view

Well outside of the obvious classes going to online, I have had to give extra attention to my classes regarding assignments and due dates, it isn't the teacher's job anymore to hand out stuff. I have had to learn on my own, I can't go to the lectures to learn, I have to read the textbook, or attend Zoom meetings which only some of my teachers have. I sort of have this feeling of "you're on your own now" and it's completely up to me to succeed. It does feel quite lonely even though I am with my family because all of my friends are away back home and the only interaction with them is through social media and such. What really upsets me is that I had a job on campus and I liked going to work and making money. Now, I don't have any income and when I am not doing schoolwork I am doing generally unproductive stuff like watching TV or playing video games. The adjustment is a weird one, I feel like I am getting used to it but I am still wary that this new system will come up and screw me out of nowhere. I guess some good things to come out of this was that I am finally getting proper use out of my laptop, I finally cleaned my room and I have interacted with my family more. I do enjoy the home cooked meals. I also am really excited for when this is all over and I can have fun with my friends again. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Enjoy your time while you have it. Spend as much time with friends as you can, and make more friends. No one saw this coming and the lack of social interaction has really taken a toll on me.

March 26, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #9, Mechanical Engineering Major's Point of view

Most significantly, I was torn from a place where I finally fit in with my blacksmithing and welding and general maker mindset, and went back to a place where everyone plays basketball and farms, and can’t talk about anything else. I finally fit in somewhere, and it got cut short. I learned to find myself, and now I know that my not fitting in was by no means my fault. I know to stay connected with those who care about me, not necessarily those physically nearby. I know to balance my time better next year. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Take time away from club work, no matter how much they need you, and spend time with your friends. Balance your time.

March 25, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #8, Hospitality and Tourism Management Major's Point of view

Firstly, this weird situation caused sadness. Sadness that my last dance performance was canceled, my last volleyball nationals was canceled, and of course commencement. This was supposed to be a year of celebration. Now, I am finding ways to be thankful for all of the memories I’ve created. While the grief still lingers and will for a while, I am learning how strong I can be. I’ve been doing DIY projects, going on walks, and trying to look towards the future. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Take in every moment and don’t wish your senior year away. The complaints about schedules and school work are not worth it.

March 25, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #7, Civil Engineering Technology & Modern Applied Spanish Language Major's Point of view

This semester was one of the best experiences that I have had so far at RIT because I had the opportunity to study abroad through an exchange program at Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, Spain. On the night of March 11th, I went out with a few friends that I met in Madrid. It was just like any other night, but at 2am local time, president Trump announced that he would be suspending all travel from the EU in two days time. While US citizens would still be able to return, I knew that my study abroad experience had come to an end within a matter of minutes. Hours later at 9am, I was on a plane headed to my home in New Jersey. This was a very difficult change to accept, but I know that it was necessary. Originally, I was devastated, but having been home for two weeks, I have spent more time with my family in these past few days than I have in years. Although we have lived together at times during my collegiate career, it was quarantine that brought us together to spend quality time. I am also able to finish my coursework online at my school in Spain, and they have been super accommodating for this adjustment period. While I obviously wish that this novel coronavirus had not spread throughout the globe and feel terrible for all of those touched by the pandemic, it has made me realize that it is important to try to find the positives in any situation, regardless of how bad it may seem at first. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? I would tell myself to truly cherish each and every second that you have to study abroad because even my originally planned four months trip to Spain seemed too short as it is, but the relationships that are made there are like no other.

March 25, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #6, Business Management Major's Point of view

Because I am a freshman it has not impacted it too much. I was in the 2017 California Thomas Fires and it was a similar experience in terms of education. However, my friend and I are setting up a website (www.communitybonds.us) where brick and mortar businesses who need cash now can sell "bonds". A "bond" is essentially a discounted gift card. Example: You can buy a $100 "bond" to your favorite restaurant for $75 now. The restaurant gets the cash they need now, and you can redeem your bond for its full value in services when they reopen. If we can even make one business owner sleep jut a bit better at night we've done our job. We aren't taking a fee or a cut we just want to help. We hope to be launching in a couple of days but our landing page is up right now. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Be prepared.

March 25, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #5, Engineering Major's Point of view

I've been forced into reduced hours for my co-op My father and uncle have lost their jobs. The loss of income and support comes at a critical time as I'm worried how my family will weather this storm. I am moving back into my parents house to help so we can pool our resources. Nevertheless I remain positive and thankful for my blessings. I have more time now, and I am healthy. My family is lucky as we've not been directly touched by the virus. While I know this storm is far from over there is a clearing on the other side, we only have to look for it. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Hold onto the memory of grandma and the serenity prayer. Their going to help you through the coming months. (Also the winning lotto numbers are....;))

March 25, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #3, Electrical Engineering Major's Point of view

Honestly it has been roughly mentally. Throughout my college years I have been dealing with identity crisis and deep rooted trauma from past experience that I have been ignoring until recently. I hated my major and other things were not going my way. This semester felt like the first semester where I was beginning to open to people and started to seriously seek help and face my problems. I started pursing the major that I wanted to and even applied to grad school for it and got accepted for it. I even met new friends who I didn’t need to pretend to act a certain way to be accepted. It is unfortunate that the current events happened as I felt that I wasn’t able to really build up those friendships as much as I could. I had to change my therapist sessions to online rather than in person and with the virus, I had to avoid people not only because I don’t want to spread the disease but also I have breathing issues that makes the disease even deadlier. It has been isolating and depressing. However, I am looking at the situation as a way to really focus on myself. I used people to distract myself from my problems so now I have to face them. I know I will become a stronger and happier person as I slowly face all my issues and I know I have people that care about me that I call on if I need help. Also I get to focus on my guitar and music hobbies more so that is also another plus. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? “You know that decision that you were second guessing yourself that night, just go for it because you don’t if you will have chance again later in the semester”

March 25, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #2, Film and animation Major's Point of view

I am a film and animation major, that said most of my classes are practicality based. Mostly studio time and experience based, it is a huge adjustment for someone who struggles to pay attention to switch to online classes. I don’t have a room at my house so my classes are taken in the dinning room and I sleep in the couch, there are so many distractions and it’s absolutely terrible to try and pay attention. so far not a lot of good has come from this besides the idea that the professors and Dean, have made it 100% obvious that they are trying and that they care. They have made it possible for us to (maybe) do our studio labs next semester, if we do wish to. For the most part we are all on board for such as well, these studio based courses are things we look forward too and this was all just poor timing for everyone. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? I would tell myself at the start of the semester not to get my hopes up too high for these studio times, that way I wouldn’t have felt so awful when it was suppose to be cancelled, I also would have told myself to put more faith in the professors who care about us, and know that they had our best interests at heart. They really did fight for us in the CAD meeting and our faculty should know how much the students of SOFA are thankful for that.

March 25, 2020

COVID Share Your Story #RITtigers #1, Film Production Major's Point of view

I am jobless, and RIT is doing little to help. Many of my peers are in a similar situation where RIT is not paying them for shifts they were scheduled for (me that’s hockey games) but either got cancelled or suspended because of Cuomo’s order. I am unable to make rent for next month without this pay, and I am incredibly stressed and frustrated. I am disappointed in my college for their decisions on student employment and payroll, and how my requests have been denied without proper explanation. Pay your student workers for the shifts they were scheduled for. If I could give a message to myself at the start of this semester, what would I say? Save, save, save.

April 14, 2020

It was just another virtual kindergarten class in quarantine. Then Jon Bon Jovi dropped in.

Bon Jovi dropped in a Florida kindergarten Zoom class.

April 14, 2020

East Stroudsburg University to be used as temporary hospital during pandemic

ESU’s gym is going to be set up as a temporary location for patients by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)

April 9, 2020

Tuning in online for virtual music lessons

Uptown music collective continues their lesson online for their students

April 9, 2020

Local psychiatrist offers insight into how isolation can effect us mentally

Dr. Matthew Berger offers some tips and check on how to handle isolation concerns

April 13, 2020

COVID-19 creates some challenges for volunteer fire departments

Fire departments are now having trouble holding fundraiser events for equipment and fire engines and training sessions have moved to online.