Items

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  2021-12-03

  Jorge Martinez Oral History, 2021/12/03

  Student Jorge Martinez relates how his experience as a St. Mary's University student living on campus for the first time in Fall 2020 amid the pandemic. Jorge was able to contact the office of student retention and Student Life to support the challenges he was facing during the pandemic.
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  2021-12-03

  Christian Sandoval Oral History, 2021/12/03

  An interview with Christian Sandoval, a UTSA senior who graduated during the pandemic, on how the pandemic affected his graduation and career options.
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  2021-12-03

  Jacob Guerra Oral History, 2021/12/03

  I conducted an interview with Jacob Guerra. It was my pleasure listening to his perspective and learning more about his insight in reference to COVID 19.
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  2021-12-03

  Kaitlin Teniente Oral History, 2021/12/03

  An interview with the Director of Esports at St. Mary's University, Kaitlin Teniente, discussing how the pandemic affected interacting with the students through esports and other casual videogame events.
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  2021-12-01

  Ana Suarez Oral History, 2021/12/01

  I interviewed a student that attends St. Mary’s University and is a work study in the Law School. I wanted to get her voice out and get an idea of what her perspective was on this ongoing pandemic. Hearing her and speak about where she was when the pandemic struck really reminded me that we all faced the same problems and that no one knew what the outcome was going to be. As a student in college, I’m sure that it was just as hard to know that schools would be shutting down and having no clue as to what the next step would be. Going back home and attending class virtue was hard especially if some did not have the resources for online fees, or laptops, etc. Hearing from Ana, and knowing that she struggled financially while in quarantine and making ends meet really makes us think that everyone had it hard. But in the long run she was able to go back to school and received the vaccination and made sure she followed all the policies that were in effect at the University. At least make it feel like some things were back to normal.
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  2020-03-12

  An Online University

  Choosing a university to go to is a life-changing choice. For most it is also a difficult one. With coronavirus restrictions in place, many students could not tour the schools they wanted to in person. It was because of this many schools began offering virtual tours. St. Mary's was one of these schools. I personally toured St. Mary's virtually. I didn't mind this option because I was already pretty sure I wanted to go there. The virtual tour was eye catching and easily accessible. I could see though how a virtual tour could be impersonal for others who were struggling to make a choice. It's not easy to capture an experience through a computer screen.
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  2021-12-03

  The New Variant

  The new variant known as Omicron has started to appear in the U.S. as the WHO (World Health Organization) is more worried about its high number of mutations and labeled it as the "variant of concern."
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  2021-11-29

  Rattler Retention

  This is an oral interview with two employees of the Office of Students retention at St. Mary's University. This showcases how the office of student retention played its part in guiding the transition from in-person to online and back to in-person classes throughout the pandemic. Their dedication to supporting students throughout the pandemic enriched the student experience for rattlers coming back to campus after an all online semester.
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  2021-11-30

  Alicia S Trevino Oral History, 2021/11/30

  The sometimes overlooked part of this pandemic has been the experience of the educators and their side of the story. Here I sat with my mom to gather her experience and thoughts on what's been a rough year. We talked about the changes she witnessed and how it affected not just the kids but herself and the teachers around her as well.
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  2021-11-30

  Mario A Trevino Oral History, 2021/11/30

  In order to get a better understanding of the situation in schools during these trying times I felt that we needed to talk to teachers. Getting their side of the story is just as vital as talking with students because in many cases they were just as new to this virtual world as us. So I sat down with my dad who has been a teacher for 20 plus years. I wanted to get his perspective on the situation and talk with him about how teachers felt during this period of transition.
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  2021-12-01

  Staying healthy Coronavirus updates stmarytx.edu

  This image adds to my exhibit, how St. Mary's University wants their community to stay healthy and they support student and faculty needs throughout the pandemic.
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  2021-11-29

  Sanaa Abid Oral History, 2021/11/29

  This is an audio interview of Zaragoza director Sanaa Abid. She gave a behind the scenes looks into how the student orientation was organized working with other campus facilities to ensure a safe program for students and parents. She offered insight as her roles from a new student, a student leader, and a student director. From this interview, we are able to gain a better understanding of what the directors did during Zaragoza and how they accommodated to Covid-19. Students were able to still have an experience that allowed them to connect with other students and their families while still having a safe experience. From this interview, we can tell that the St. Mary’s Community came together to understand the different actions that were taken to ensure the program ran smoothly. Furthermore, Sanaa offered her unique experience from attending Zaragoza as a new student prior to Covid, a first time Zaragoza leader during 2020, and finally as Zaragoza Director during the summer of 2021.
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  2021-11-29

  Microphone

  The microphone is an image I decided to add in for visuals that which accompanies the oral history that was conducted.
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  2021-11-17

  Sadeyshus Sweets Oral History, 2021/11/17

  The interview I conducted was with an individual who was prior military -- lived through the pandemic while enlisted and upon returning home what his experience was like with COVID 19 now that he has returned home-as a civilian. Face to face interview. This interview allowed me gain more insight to learn how other people really feel about the pandemic and how they survived and are thriving throughout the lifespan of COVID.
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  2021-11-29

  Employee Interview Regarding Covid-19

  I interviewed a co-worker from S. Mary's University and wanted to get her input on how this pandemic has affected her from working from home and getting adjusted to coming back on campus. Angelica Coronado, has been employed with St. Mary's for about two years now. When she began working here the pandemic hit and she was not prepared for what was to come at all like so many others. Getting adjusted to not coming to work every day changed for everyone and getting costumed to working online was hard on some people. But after a year once again everyone was back at work in campus and trying to keep the campus safe people were required to get vaccinated. But most importantly trying to get back to normal and making sure the students felt safe is St. Mary's priority.
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  2021-11-29

  Jacqueline Mendez Oral History, 2021/11/29

  This is an interview with Zaragoza Leader Jacqueline Mendez about her experience as a student orientation leader during the summer of 2021. She describes her role as a Zaragoza leader and how her student orientation experience prior to the pandemic differed from those of her students during the summer with COVID-19. This interview offers personal insight to the effects of the pandemic as a new student attending St. Mary's. Jackie was able to connect her experience as a leader during the pandemic to her time enjoying Zaragoza as a new student prior to the pandemic. She describes the precautions that the university took during the summer during June of 2021 and August of 2021 when variants of the virus were changing and the state adopted different CDC guidelines.
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  2021-07-29

  Covid-19 Safety Post During Summer 2021

  This screenshot of an Instagram post by the University that informs students to check for updates in their emails regarding safety procedures for Zaragoza days during the summer. The item was originally created by the StMU Rattler Family Instagram. This Instagram posts shows the University's attempt to reach out to the St.Mary’s community advising them about safety precaution for the summer. Prior to the pandemic, events for Zaragzoa were not required to consider maks requirements, vaccination and health test records, or social distancing. However, with the priority of keeping the student staff and new students safe, the University used social media as a way to adequately reach out to the community to inform them of where they can find updates about safety precautions. They did this by posting a simple visual that showed a rattler wearing his mask and asking students to check on their email for updates.
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  2021-08-10

  Zaragoza Training

  This item is a screenshot of Zaragoza leaders training for their upcoming Zaragoza days during the summer of 2021. These students were wearing masks accommodating to COVID-19 guidelines. The item was originally posted by the Zaragoza Leaders Instagram, a page used to safely reach out to students. This Instagram post shows Zaragoza team leaders following COVID-19 guidelines established by the university. In the days leading up to Zaragoza Orientation, team leaders were required to attend planning events to ensure the proper execution of safe orientation days for students and parents. Through this post, Zaragoza leaders were able to reach out to students and the St. Mary’s community in a safe and timely matter. Despite the restrictions brought to college campuses by the pandemic, St. Mary’s was able to find creative ways to remain connected to the community.
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  2021-11-09

  Professor Perspective on University Changes

  Dr. Sara Ronis, a theology professor at St. Mary’s University, gives us a faculty perspective on how she believes the university handled the COVID-19 pandemic. She feels that despite being in such difficult positions, the university made the decisions they knew would be best for the St. Mary’s community. As a professor, she immediately thought of her students when COVID cases began to rise and the possibility of being sent home became an even more real possibility. She admires how St. Mary’s students, new and returning, have adapted to these new learning environments.
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  2021-11-29

  St. Mary's University COVID 19 testing site(s)

  This is one of many COVID 19 testing centers. We were fortunate to have this testing site made right here on St. Mary's University campus.
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  2021-11-29

  Are you sick and experiencing COVID 19 symptoms?

  The public was or maybe still is a lot more fearful of contracting COVID 19. If you were sick at you were advised to stay at home and work due to fear of contracting the virus. This image identifies some ways to know if you or someone may be infected with COVID 19.
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  2021-09-22

  Helping Others during Covid-19 Pandemic

  This is an excerpt from a video interview with Sister Grace that I and another student in my class did for a work project. Sister Grace is the Chaplin of the Law School at St. Mary’s University. Sister Grace graduated from St. Mary’s 1978 and worked in the undergrad Ministry and by 1993-94 in Law Ministry. Sister Grace has enjoyed watching students grow and succeed to becoming great people for the community. I used this excerpt because Sister Grace is someone who helps out the students and community and during the pandemic, she met a lot of people that ere going through hard times. Her and the church got together to help distribute food and clothing to the homeless, or whoever needed aid during the pandemic. She wanted to make sure everyone in the community was taken care of. Also, she even talks about how she got plenty of time to do more things during quarantine.
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  2021-11-29

  Signs & Symptoms - Six feet social distancing

  I chose this image because it played a huge part of our reality in surviving the pandemic. By taking appropriate precautions and maintaining our distance with others in order to decrease the spread of germs and limit the spread of COVID 19. This image originated mainly from the CDC and every place a of business conformed to incorporate special mandates made by the government to help prevent the spread of COVID19 -- safely.
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  2021-11-29

  Needle stick accommodations made available to the public

  Not everyone is a fan of hypodermic needles ( personally I am not). Healthcare has made considerable accommodations for those who are available for vaccinations by changing the size of the needle gauge; child and adult. By the healthcare industry developing new, different, and special accommodations for providing vaccinations via needle sticks are taking into consideration not everyone likes needles. For the most the public have a fear of needles. To now make the vaccinations a lot more welcoming for you as child /adult have options. There are now even needle-less "sticks"
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  2021-11-11

  Commuter Student Perspective on University Changes

  Chelsea Osorio is a commuter student at St. Mary’s University and among the many personally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In her interview she highlights key points about what changes she noticed around the university that were used to protect our community. From a student perspective, she explains how safe she felt at school, especially with all the guidelines that were put in place. This goes to show how St. Mary’s students, faculty, and staff were committed to ensuring not only a healthy online environment but also making sure we returned to a safe and healthy community.
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  2021-11-22

  First-year resident assistant: Covid Campus

  It is obvious that the covid-19 pandemic has changed the college experience for all students. However, what was it like for those who do not know a pre-covid college experience. For some students, all they know is a covid campus. For Amanda Swan, a first-year resident assistant, her unique experience and the pandemic have allowed her to better relate to her residents. Having experienced a senior year of high school online and isolated gave makes allows her to better understand residents who have had similar experiences. Many residents who have not been on campus or have not been given the opportunity to experience a pre-covid college semester have been left to readjust to more social life. On top of many responsibilities of a resident assistant and academic duties, Amanda Swan is a very involved student navigating her way through college. Despite being her first time as a resident assistant and her first time living on campus, Amanda Swan has been able to serve as a resource for residents at St. Mary’s University.
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  2021-08-16

  Fall 2021: Creating Community No Longer Virtual

  After attending college online and having virtual classes, many students were eager to come back to the St. Mary’s University community. However, creating a community has looked different from pre-covid semesters. Before the pandemic hit, student life and university programming council hosted many events. Residence life and resident assistants also hosted events for residents in the dorm halls. When everything was virtual resident assistants tried engaging with residents and creating community online. This consisted of watching movies, playing games, or just having a space to talk to each other. Now that residence halls are open and most classes are in-person, creating community looks a bit more like pre-covid semesters. Resident assistants are required to create engagement opportunities for their residents. There are several ways to do this like traditional planned programs, spontaneous get-togethers, bring-along events, etc. Although the programs resemble pre-covid semesters more than the last three semesters, covid is still something to beware of. When planning events, resident assistants consider how many people might attend, whether the space is indoors or outdoors, will there be food, etc. Resident assistants are also required to uphold and enforce covid policies like mask-wearing. So, while also trying to create a sense of community, residence life and student staff still try to create a safe environment.
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  2021-11-26

  COVID Testing Sign

  The photograph is of a sign that says COVID testing and has an arrow that points to the right. it also says that masks are required. there is also the hashtag coveryourfangs, it is from the St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas.
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  2020-01-05

  The Beginning of the International Journey

  During COVID-19 in 2020, some international students could not come to St. Mary’s due to closed embassies and lack of resources. In Spring 2021, international students came to continue their studies after studying online in their first semester. Days before coming to the U.S, international students received an email letting them know what they need to complete before arriving at the university. For some international students, this symbolizes the beginning of a new journey and the start of their experience at St. Mary’s University.
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  2021-11-23

  A new Director for a renewed office

  Maria Del Mar Aponte Rodriguez is the new Director for the Center of International Programs at St. Mary’s University. After a semester of being in charge, Aponte tell us more about her experience as the new leader in the office and her future goals to make the CIP Office more open and warming for international students. As COVID has impacted several levels of the office, Aponte comments how she overcome these issues and how she is preparing a new plan of action for Fall 2022.
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  2021-11-22

  Paula Ferradas Oral History, 2021/11/22

  Paula Ferradas Hiraoka is an international student at St. Mary’s University from Lima, Peru. After applying last year to St. Mary’s, Ferradas has come to the U.S to start her dream to become a good professional. In this interview we ask her experience as a new international student and how the resources in the university have given her the possibility to grow.
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  2021-11-21

  Andrea Moreno Oral History, 2021/11/21

  The covid-19 pandemic has changed the college experience for all students. It changed the way we work, study, socialize, etc. How we adapt and adjust to attending university during the pandemic differs per person and their previous experience. For Andrea Moreno, an experienced resident assistant, the pandemic still left things uncertain. However, her unique experience and “normal” first year experience allowed her to remain as a resource for residents. Despite the move to online during Spring 2020, Moreno still reached out to students to check-in. Andrea Moreno also said that the Office of Residence Life even served as a resource for student staff like herself. Although the pandemic changed many things about the college experience, St. Mary’s University office of Residence Life and student staff (resident assistants) still manage to serve the campus community.
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  2021-08-17

  The New Normal

  As students and faculty returned for a fully in-person college experience, the university had to keep certain guidelines in place to ensure the safety of the St. Mary’s community. However, university officials had to keep in mind that we are still in the middle of a pandemic and students and faculty are still being affected. Fall 2021 was definitely a unique experience for everyone as we returned from a weird year and a half of hybrid courses. This semester was our little taste to going back to normal, or even more so, we got a taste of the new “normal.”
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  2021-11-19

  Zack Davis and Cece Chavez Oral History, 2021/11/19

  This is an audio interview with two members of the St Marys wind ensemble. It goes into how they were feeling when the university shut down, and their potential fears for the band program. It also goes into their experiences during online rehearsals and outdoor rehearsals.
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  2021-03-17

  Spring 2021 St Marys Jazz Clinic

  This is an email getting the approval from the university to hold the St. Mary’s spring jazz clinic. It details the protocols the music department was planning to enact to ensure a safe environment for all of the bands coming to perform at the university. This email is significant in that even a full year after the start of COVID there were still certain restrictions on what the band could or couldn’t do, and the band required confirmation from the university that their protocols were sufficient.
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  2021-11-04

  St. Mary's Wind Ensemble Dia De Los Muertos Poster

  This is a poster put up by the university to advertise the upcoming Dia De Los Muertos performance by the band. This would the first real performance by the band since the beginning of COVID. While it would be outdoors, it represents the beginning of the return to normal for the Rattler band.
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  2020-09-04

  The St. Mary's Wind Ensemble and Instrument Coverings

  This is a set of emails containing information regarding the ordering of instrument coverings for the band in the late Fall 2020 semester. These instrument coverings were intended to be used to minimize the risk of COVID transmissions during outdoor in-person rehearsals that were to begin shortly after their arrival. They represent some of the steps taken by the band to protect students as they worked to facilitate a more normal style of band rehearsal.
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  2020-08-11

  The St. Mary's Wind Ensemble and Online Rehearsal

  This is a series of emails between the music department head and St. Mary’s residence life discussing a way for band members living on campus to practice their instruments without disturbing other residents. These emails are significant as it demonstrates the lengths the music department was working to find ways for band members to continue regularly practicing their instrument even in the midst of COVID.
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  2020-03-02

  The St. Mary's Wind Ensemble returning for the Fall 2020 Semester

  A series of emails from the university president explaining university policies for the upcoming fall 2020 semester. What is significant about these emails is how it demonstrates the university and the music department’s steps to try and maintain the ability to hold in-person events on campus when COVID was at its height in 2020.
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  2020-03-12

  St. Mary's Wind Ensemble and St Marys university policies at the start of COVID

  This is a collection of emails between the music department chair, other members of the music department, the University President, and members of the band program. These emails represent the initial steps taken by both the university and the music department during the first few weeks of covid. It gives us insight into where their priorities were and exactly how they intended to protect members of the band.
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  2020-09-01

  St. Mary's Wind Ensemble & In-Person Rehearsals

  These are a series of emails sent out by the band director at St. Mary’s University regarding whether or not members of the band wanted to try to begin in-person rehearsals again. COVID-19 was slowing down at the time and virtual band practice left much to be desired so there were hopes that if enough people were in favor of in-person rehearsal that something could be worked out.
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  2021-04-07

  St. Marys Spring Wind Ensemble Concert Poster

  This image is advertising the spring 2021 wind ensemble concert at St. Marys University. The location of the performance was in the Pecan Grove, one of the outdoor areas at the university. This is a sign that the band is trying to return to normal. However, there are several indicators that precautions are still being taken. The outdoor location tells us that the band is trying to protect both members of the band and those in the audience. The included zoom link also tells us that the band is considering those who might be uncomfortable with attending in person. So the band is clearly in a transitionary period, where they are trying to move back to normal but haven’t quite reached it yet.
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  2021-08-16

  Fall 2021: Another Semester of Transition

  Returning to campus in Fall 2021 after three semesters at home has been interesting, to say the least. It has been a semester of transition and relearning for students, faculty, and staff. Fall 2021 semester has required learning to be away from family again, living in dorms, being in a classroom, etc. As a first-time resident assistant during this time of great change and uncertainty, there has been a learning curve. Being a resident assistant and working for the office of residence life has made it clear that covid-19 changed the way students experienced college. It's evident that the current student population (first-year students to fourth-year students) do not share a “normal” first-year experience. Fall 2019 first-year students never experienced a complete spring semester on campus. Fall 2020 first-year students had the option to live on campus but all classes and all or most campus resources were virtual. Fall 2021 first-year students are the first group to experience St. Mary's as it is now with its current policies. As a resident assistant during this time, it is imperative to take these unique experiences into account when serving as a campus resource. Covid-19 has also required the implementation of policies to keep the community safe. For the dorm halls, resident assistants are the ones to uphold and enforce policies that require residents to wear facemasks outside of their personal living spaces. So, in an already complicated and uncertain time, resident assistants must hold each other and their peers accountable.
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  2020-03-14

  Sarah Uhlig Oral History, 2020/03/14

  During this interview, I am talking with my classmate Sarah Uhlig about our experience in the program of Empower: Ecuador, since we were both on it together. The main purpose of this interview was to get an insight into what it was for another student like me, to have missed a trip to Ecuador due to COVID-19. Just to clarify, this was not any trip. This was a missionary trip for which we were preparing ourselves to go for most of the semester. As the trip was canceled, we recognized that the program was much more than just traveling to Ecuador. Rather, the program was about our personal lives and the way in which we relate to others around us that are in different seasons and circumstances in life. Another very important thing, was self-reflection into how we were utilizing our gifts and field of interest to not only serve others but be present with others. Many things were learned from this course and Sarah, will be sharing with you her experience despite the challenges and messiness that COVID-19 brought.
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  2021-10-04

  Support during the pandemic

  This photo shows support that was available during the pandemic for those who were needing that extra support or developing coping skills. I'm sure it was a great feeling to know that these services were available for those who were needing this extra support during COVID-19 pandemic.
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  2021-11-17

  Stop Coronavirus!

  This particular photo makes me feel like we're taking every effort to help eradicate the spread of covid-19. Although the photo is cartoonish I think that it still sends a great message to get the word out to help stop covid-19 virus. Also letting us know we can all do it together by taking the proper precautions. To help eradicate the spread of covid-19.
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  2021-10-18

  Looking Back to Look Forward and Adapting to Overcome

  This screenshot shows an Instagram post from St. Mary's University. The screenshot is in regards to the University's annual marathon for the neighborhood, depicting an in-person event with evidence of masks and other restrictions/changes due to COVID-19. Seeing as the event is back to being held in person, it has both clear similarities and clear differences in respect to the years before, further proving the fact that the pandemic is ongoing and continued adaptation is necessary before we will be able to overcome.
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  2020-10-15

  Looking Back to Look Forward and Adapting to Overcome

  This screenshot shows an Instagram post from St. Mary's University. The screenshot is in regards to the University's annual marathon for the neighborhood, announcing a virtual marathon this year, that participants can do from anywhere. This is different from the years past, as well as from the years to come, further proving the fact that the pandemic is ongoing and continued adaptation is necessary before we will be able to overcome.
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  2019-10-06

  Looking Back to Look Forward and Adapting to Overcome

  This screenshot shows an Instagram post from St. Mary's University. The screenshot is in regards to the University's annual marathon for the neighborhood, announcing a virtual awards ceremony. Seeing as this event is clearly being held in-person, with little social distancing and no evidence of masks, it is different from the years before, further proving the fact that the pandemic is ongoing and continued adaptation is necessary before we will be able to overcome.
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  2020-06-30

  Living on COVID

  It is Summer 2020 and students nationally, and even internationally, are preparing themselves to live on campus. For some, it is their first time, and for others, they are returning to their home away from home. However, it is a new experience for both as they adjust to the new rules and regulations of living on campus. This email from the President of St. Mary's University was sent to all Rattlers and is symbolic of the changes students had to adapt to in order to live on campus.