by Edward Brydalski
March 11, 2020
I just got an email from RIT stating that Spring Break had been extended to the 22nd in response to the spread of Covid 19. I had heard that Corona had spread to the US and was already a major problem in China and Italy, but I hadn’t expected New York to have been affected so quickly. I’m always happy when a good reason to be lazy presents itself, but I don’t think this bodes well in the long term.
March 16, 2020
I just got an emergency statement from RIT urging students to stay home after extended Spring Break ends. Classes and events are either going to be postponed, canceled or moved online.
It looks like everyone who needs to learn on campus is going to get a raw deal.
Wait, am I able to get my stuff? Most of my clothes and video games are there; not to mention the other stuff stored off-campus. And the skateboard too. Damn it. I’m going to have to take a ride out there for a personal snatch-and-grab. Maybe this weekend will work…
March 18, 2020
RIT officially postponed commencement until further notice. What a shame for anyone graduating this year; especially my friend Kaye. Her plan was to graduate and immediately fly to England to live with her boyfriend and get a job working in a museum. I can’t imagine how she must feel about this whole situation; things are so uncertain and don’t seem to be clearing up any time soon.
In brighter news, I’ve got a dorm pickup date set for this Saturday. The school set a limit of 20 students cleaning out their rooms at once, so they’re clearly attempting to minimize potential exposure. I’m glad I was able to grab a slot before they all fill up.
March 21, 2020
I’m heading back into the fray with my mom. We’ve borrowed my brother’s girlfriend’s Jeep for extra storage, but I’m unsure it will be enough. Only one way to find out.
I heard there were two students on campus who were in a high-risk area recently. Luckily, they’ve been self-quarantining for a while, so I should have no problems. Not like that would keep me from my stuff. No way am I letting that go.
March 22, 2020
Yesterday’s campus expedition was largely successful resulting in the recovery of all of my personal effects. All except for my bike and mini-fridge; there just wasn’t enough room in the Jeep to fit it all. Oh well, it should be fine coming back for the last load next week.
It’s kind of funny seeing this room this empty, this early. This sudden displacement feels wholly unnatural. It’s like how people say “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” Well, here it isn’t.
All my stuff got piled up in my bedroom, blocking access to my work desk. I’m going to have to find a separate space to work from, because that room is just not conducive to a productive attitude. This haphazard merging of home and work will spell disaster; I can feel it.
Work resumes tomorrow through online means, and I’ve got to say, I’m nervous. Productivity and diligence at home have never been my strong suit, so this will be a challenge.
Oy vey.
March 23, 2020
I worked with my mother to prepare a suitable workspace in my sister’s old room. The sky doesn’t seem as grey as I now have a space to work. But no matter how I feel, reality presses on and so must I.
After a couple video-classes, it’s good to hear that I’m not the only one left dismayed and uneasy. Despite the inevitable butterflies and long breaths, this seems doable.
March 24, 2020
The routine of college-from-home has not been as different as I expected, but the effects of social isolation is starting to make itself apparent. This is ironic since my new quarantined lifestyle nearly matches that of my previous one.
Yet something feels off. I’m not sure if it’s simply the active realization of my lonesomeness or something specific to the state of the world right now, but I just don’t feel right.
March 25, 2020
No, I have no right to complain right now. Between my family and support network, entertainment, and basic necessities, access to my work and entertainment, and nearly every facet of my standard life have either been given to me or have been so easily attainable that they don’t even count as legitimate gripes.
At least our generation has had the privilege to experience the disease that will have rappers saying, “I’m sick like CoronaVirus” for the next 10 years.
Wish the public luck; we’re going to need it.
