My ShCorona!
by John Dibert
Today is March 18, 2020, and I am not dead yet. I awoke from slumber due to my cat, Toby, nuzzling my hand. He’s an orange Tabby, as reliable as any alarm clock I could set. As I stirred, Sheba (my other feline companion—a mix of grayish hues with a white chest and boots—and the later riser of the two) yawned. In short order, we traveled as a pride toward the kitchen: for the usual morning routine. However, today is, in many ways, neither usual nor routine.
Covid-19 (aka Corona Virus) has spread worldwide, disrupting the usual activities of most people in some way. In my case, I would normally start preparing for the morning commute to Penn State; instead, campus is (to prevent viral spread) closed and I attend my classes online—through a service called Zoom. Originally, the date given for returning to campus was April 7, but new guidance (from Penn State) has decreed that the remainder of the semester will be conducted in this way. Penn State campuses are effectively closed for the remainder of the semester.
What Does Penn State Say?
Today’s edition of Penn State news gave an update on Corona which said the following:
Based on evolving federal guidance and statewide mitigation plans announced by Gov. Tom Wolf around the growing coronavirus pandemic and the global efforts underway to stop its spread, Penn State has extended the remote-delivery period for all classes through at least the spring semester. Examinations will also be administered remotely. Additionally, spring commencement ceremonies will be postponed while the University explores options for celebrating the achievements of our students. These decisions align with recommendations from the federal government that call for restricting of all gatherings of more than 10 people.
Whomever wrote the update (no author is given) also explains there are currently no cases of “coronavirus [sic]” (of which they are aware) at Penn State. Further, the update provides a link to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which contains more information concerning Corona status through The Commenwealth. This information is of keen interest to anyone who may be a student, faculty, staff, or otherwise a stakeholder in The Pennsylvania State University.
What Do Faculty Say?
Several news outlets have reported that (to address academic concerns associated with the altered semester) Penn State’s Faculty Senate has passed legislation asking that the University allow students to be graded on a pass/fail basis, rather than be given the usual letter grade. In the Centre Daily Times, Sarah Paez writes, “the non-binding resolution would allow students… to request some courses be graded S/U instead of by letter grade…” and “courses graded S/U will not impact a student’s GPA…” This information shows that Penn State faculty understands the learning needs and challenges that some students may face—given being forced into a learning style which may not be conducive to their individual styles of learning. This information is also of importance to many students who may have anxiety concerning their performance under contemporary Corona conditions.
What Do I Say?
To be completely honest, I have little fear of contracting the virus. At some point, I will likely be tested for it because I do have unrelated doctor appointments coming up, and new protocols from my medical provider require anyone attending the medical facility to be screened for the virus, but the idea of being ill is not what concerns me the most. As I enter my final year at Penn State, the potential reality that I may never again see some of the friends I have made or the professors with whom I have become acquainted is disheartening. I chose to physically attend a college campus (despite being a non-traditional student) because that was the experience I wanted. While I understand why campus must be closed, I am not sure I can convey and understanding of how much it hurts to have this final year—these final moments walking the campus—ripped away from me. And while I may be thankful to learn that I have the option for the dance class I took as an elective to not count against my GPA, I am most thankful for the people I have come to know—students, professors, and beyond—over the past four years. Truly, I am glad to have known each and every one of you. I fear that time will pass, and that I may never see you again
John,
Your insight on the CONVID-19’s impact towards our studies is both informative and as you stated, disheartening. I do consider the personal, face-to-face communication between students, their peers, colleagues, and professors as the most vital part of obtaining the level of professionalism college is meant to prepare you for during your work thereafter. As a junior, I cannot fully emphasize with your situation, but I can see how much importance is overlooked for seniors. I urge you to stay in contact with the connections you developed while attending the Pennsylvania State University of Altoona. On a lighter note, your opening garnered my full attention. Your ability to write with emotive language and paint a picture for the reader is outstanding.
John,
The title for your article drew me in, so well done. Your writing is on another level. The vocabulary, switching between passive and active voices, and high-level grammar skills help set you apart. You could be writing about COVID-19 or clowns at the circus, I am sure your writing would be just as captivating.
John,
I learned a lot from your post. From the university’s perspective, to the professors and even from yours. It is such a tought time and PSU is doing everything they can to accomedate us but it is not enough. Like you, so many seniors are unable to say their last goodbyes to the place and people that have shaped them throughout the past 4 years and it is heartbreaking. I hope you and your family (and your cats) are able to stay safe during this time.
Lainey,
My cats are doing well. It has been interesting to be at home during times when I am normally away from home. I see both of them do things throughout the day, and I am curious if that is what they do while I am not here.
John,
I really enjoyed the informative article considering all perspectives and how they are all reacting to the pandemic. After reading your perspective, I also came to the realization of the friends, professors, and even the campus I will most likely not see for a very long time. As for the faculty’s perspective, the grading system put in place for this semester I think was the right decision with many students being put at a disadvantage being forced to learn from home. All in all, I hope the collective effort of social distancing from everyone, will help return your last year at Penn State memorable.
John,
This was a really interesting set-up for your blog. Many universities are dealing with the same challenges as us. I have friends that are graduating this year, and with this abrupt change, I will probably not be able to see them before they go. I definitely have my fear of contracting the virus but I relate to the fact that we will not be able to see some of the people we have grown so close to. I hope you are staying safe!
John,
I really enjoyed your thoughts and others on the COVID-19 topic. Your display is awesome and was a great way to go about sharing information. Like many, I also am suffering from not being at school and not knowing when I will even go back! I, like you am also on my last ends with Penn State. It’s a sad thought with the possibility of not retuning again for academics and as well as reuniting with the friends I have made. All in all, I really enjoyed and related to your article. I hope you the best and stay safe!
Another fun article. I was glad to read the everything is okay and that you are safe enough to not contract the illness. I am also sorry for all the things that the pandemic has negatively affected. My brother was also meant to graduate this year and I have seen the stress it can put on a person. I hope you stay safe and that you can return to normalcy soon.