Covid-19: A Students Perspective
Item
Title
Covid-19: A Students Perspective
Description
Question 1: What is your earliest memory of the COVID-19 virus arriving in the Niagara area? How did you initially feel? How do you feel now?
My earliest memory of covid-19 in Niagara happened the day before the lockdown of Ontario. I remembered I had a night lecture/seminar. I remember when the class ended I asked my professor if covid-19 was going to affect my graduation ceremony in June. The next day it was announced that we were entering lockdown and I had a feeling that my ceremony was going to be cancelled/postponed. Unfortunately it was, and to this day I am hoping that we can still have our university graduation ceremony. I initially wasn’t scared of the virus. I actually enjoyed the first lockdown as the city was quieter and cleaner. Now I am still not scared of the virus but I am worried about the variants.
My earliest memory of covid-19 in Niagara happened the day before the lockdown of Ontario. I remembered I had a night lecture/seminar. I remember when the class ended I asked my professor if covid-19 was going to affect my graduation ceremony in June. The next day it was announced that we were entering lockdown and I had a feeling that my ceremony was going to be cancelled/postponed. Unfortunately it was, and to this day I am hoping that we can still have our university graduation ceremony. I initially wasn’t scared of the virus. I actually enjoyed the first lockdown as the city was quieter and cleaner. Now I am still not scared of the virus but I am worried about the variants.
Question 2: How long did you expect the pandemic to last in those early months? What are your thoughts now?
In the beginning, I thought the pandemic would only last a few months. Now I believe the pandemic itself will last for about two years. However, I believe the long term effects of the pandemic such as feelings of isolation, working from home, etc will last for about five or so years.
In the beginning, I thought the pandemic would only last a few months. Now I believe the pandemic itself will last for about two years. However, I believe the long term effects of the pandemic such as feelings of isolation, working from home, etc will last for about five or so years.
Question 3: Twelve months in, what have been the most challenging aspects of the pandemic? What could have been done better?
The most challenging aspects of the pandemic is the social isolation. Although I live with my partner, I have been isolated from my friends, family, and classmates. Another challenging aspect of this pandemic is seeing the businesses that I love permanently close down, such as the YMCA. I believe if proper border restrictions and adequate lockdowns were put into place earlier we would have a better chance in containing the spread.
The most challenging aspects of the pandemic is the social isolation. Although I live with my partner, I have been isolated from my friends, family, and classmates. Another challenging aspect of this pandemic is seeing the businesses that I love permanently close down, such as the YMCA. I believe if proper border restrictions and adequate lockdowns were put into place earlier we would have a better chance in containing the spread.
Question 4: Silver linings - What positive experiences had you had that may not have happened without the time at home due to the pandemic - new hobbies, home renovations, new relationships, etc.?
This pandemic has definitely allowed me to grow as person and experience new things. I have gotten closer to my partner and animals. I started learning a new language. I started painting and drawing more. I also started to cook more and try out new recipes. I started to workout and go on long nature walks. I started researching and visiting Ontario’s hidden nature gems. I started watching new international films and television dramas. I decided to start a Masters program and a new job.
This pandemic has definitely allowed me to grow as person and experience new things. I have gotten closer to my partner and animals. I started learning a new language. I started painting and drawing more. I also started to cook more and try out new recipes. I started to workout and go on long nature walks. I started researching and visiting Ontario’s hidden nature gems. I started watching new international films and television dramas. I decided to start a Masters program and a new job.
Question 5: Have you had direct experience with COVID-19 either as a patient or a caregiver? Describe the experience while honouring confidentiality.
N/A
N/A
Question 6: Vaccination programs have begun. Will you get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity? Why or why not?
Initially, I did not trust the vaccine because I felt that a year was not enough time to develop a safe and efficient vaccine. Now I am registered to get the vaccine, however, I am still having doubts about it due to the side effects that some people are experiencing. I believe I will still get the vaccine because I might catch covid-19 anyway so I might as well be prepared.
Initially, I did not trust the vaccine because I felt that a year was not enough time to develop a safe and efficient vaccine. Now I am registered to get the vaccine, however, I am still having doubts about it due to the side effects that some people are experiencing. I believe I will still get the vaccine because I might catch covid-19 anyway so I might as well be prepared.
Question 7: What are your biggest concerns for the upcoming year?
My biggest concern is that Canada will still be far behind in the vaccination rollout program. I am also concerned for the children who are growing up and experiencing these difficult times. I think the mental stress and anxiety of this time period will take years to fix.
My biggest concern is that Canada will still be far behind in the vaccination rollout program. I am also concerned for the children who are growing up and experiencing these difficult times. I think the mental stress and anxiety of this time period will take years to fix.
Question 8: What are you most excited to do when the pandemic is formally over?
I’m excited to travel and to hopefully partake in my graduation ceremony. It has been a long and stressful time period and it has definitely taught me to be grateful for my status in society and health.
I’m excited to travel and to hopefully partake in my graduation ceremony. It has been a long and stressful time period and it has definitely taught me to be grateful for my status in society and health.
Date
April 2021
Spatial Coverage
Niagara Falls
Item sets
This item was submitted on April 3, 2021 by [anonymous user] using the form “1 Year Q&A” on the site “Documenting COVID-19 in Niagara”: https://exhibits.library.brocku.ca/s/COVID-Niagara
Click here to view the collected data.