So far, the world is ending. Stores of all kinds are either wiped empty or closed. Everyone is on the hunt for any toilet paper or disinfectant that they can get their washed hands on. Classes for the rest of the semester here at Delaware are now online. For me, this is my first semester at UD and in college in general. This could not have been a worse first impression but, at least the semester is interesting. During the fall, I was training to become a Military Policeman for the National Guard. I’ve been involved with Delaware’s National Guard for only over a year and I did not imagine I would be getting involved with quarantining the spread of a virus. With the Coronavirus speading, the idea of no involvement in our communities is the first we have heard and is very crucial. Recently, my mind has been racing not if, but when. Will the Governor ask for me to pack my bags and help where they need me most? The sad part is my least concern is the Coronavirus. I am more worried about how my classes will be affected by being activated by the State. So far I have been preparing by finishing as many assignments that would have been due these few weeks since “spring break” has been pushed up. The stress and confusion among the whole student community is common right now. Students are forced to leave campus and even a petition for a refund of this semester’s tuition at UD is currently out. We as students know Coronavirus is not the University’s fault, but we are still upset with the way the virus has been affecting our semester with our classes, living arrangements, and even sports.
While waiting for the quarantine season to end, here are some important things to do in the meantime.
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WASH YOUR HANDS: This is not the first time you have heard this and it won’t ever be the last. The virus should not change this and you should not stop.
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RELAX: I feel this is the best way to say not to panic because who would feel panicked in bed with a facemask on and some Netflix?
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BREATHE: Go outside (preferably not with others) and get some sunshine while the weather is warming up. Take a walk, reflect, and get away from the crazy world while appreciating nature.
Right now, for us Blue Hens it seems a lot and even ridiculous but we are a strong community and these circumstances will get better as long as we stick together… at least on our phones for now.