Embedded Files
Gray Thoron:
Boy oh boy has it been a time. Today I read a New York Times story about Jack McMorrow, a 14 year old who got coronavirus and had severe symptoms. I also listened to an episode of The Daily from last week. When the host becomes overwhelmed by emotion, it's hard not to stop what you're doing and just listen to the silence that follows. Some days it's unbearable. Other days it's not. This is the nature of the calamity for the majority of us. I'm taking it one day at a time with the knowledge that when this is all said and done our brains will compress this monotony into a short time frame and it will have felt like a year just slipped through our fingers. I wish I had something inspiring or at least not depressing to say. But here we are. What has been getting me through this is upbeat songs. Strangely, the songs Electric Car, Why Does the Sun Shine?, and Why Does the Sun Really Shine? by They Might Be Giants are highlights. Effectively written for kids, they fill me with such joy.
Lillianna Hammons:
I never thought I'd say I miss the Crown dining hall, but I do just because it was so convenient; making my own food takes so much time. I miss the company of friends and fellow classmates, but my dog is becoming a great conversationalist. Unfortunately, I have been watching way too much Netflix; however, the schoolwork still manages to get done. The hardest part has been staying motivated to work out without the help of my teammates to push me to work harder. Despite not having the beautiful Santa Cruz scenery, I have found some beautiful hiking spots nearby.
Ryan Wang:
Life is a 6/10. I am freed from the presence of my roommates so I can finally get some peace and quiet and indulge in bad decision-making in private. I've found that attending lecture is futile because I'll be distracted so I might as well just watch the recording when I need to. I've given up all extracurricular activities and I'm just hoping to crawl over the finish line but even then, I'll be taking summer classes so it'll just be more of the same. The past few weeks have all blended together because the lack of any meaningful interactions makes it hard to gauge the passage of time so it feels like I'm just stuck in a cycle. I hope that's not what adult life is like. I've lost weight probably because all my muscles have vanished. I still go outside for walks, but people are annoying so I only go out when it's late. Home cooking was nice for get groceries as often as before so there are a lot of repeat meals and it's gotten a bit stale. Even though the food there was mediocre, I miss the dining hall. I took for granted the ability to acquire whatever sustenance at any time. Someone call an ambulance.
Alan Castillo:
I haven't really been doing much besides staying at home, but I've been able to spend more time with family. Regrettably, I haven't been able to see many of my friends except for one instance where I went on a bike ride with one of them. Overall though, allergies have taken control of my life for the time being. Thankfully, I don't know anybody that has COVID-19, and I hope that is and remains to be the case for each of the other students.
Brian Cheng:
As for my life during this time, it’s been pretty depressing. A few weeks after I returned home, my father passed away, and now everybody in my household has to deal with a lower household budget, the ongoing virus, and a loss in the family. For schoolwork, at least for me, it’s been difficult trying to effectively manage my time for each course’s quizzes, homework, and study time.
Teresa:
I decided to make the best of this time I have now. It’s not everyday I get to spend 24 hours at home with nothing to do. Aside from catching up on some light reading, I redecorated the house and am currently learning to make different articles of clothing. I believe this is a great time to pick up some new hobbies and improve oneself. Anything to keep busy! Stay safe and good health!
Our son, Philips, our daughter Sonya, and I went out for a hike in an open-space preserve for Mother's Day. What better gift could there be? My life is pretty good: taking care of three grandchildren, working with five students on independent studies, gardening, and cleaning. However, most of the people I know are NOT doing well, either financially or emotionally. There is so much uncertainty, too! My heart goes out to all of you wonderful students and alumni. I'm thankful to know each one of you!
Marilyn Patton
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse