Hello, this entry will be a short message for future posts. As you have been aware that I have been documenting events on campus for my Global Dynamics course at the University of Kentucky, I have been selected to continue my blog for at least a year. This news means that you will get to relive my life that I will live in the 2021 Spring and Fall semester. For the upcoming blogs, you will get to visualize the way of life in Eastern Kentucky as I head to Elliott County (my hometown) for Winter break. I am excited to continue this journey with the ones that are remaining on my blog. Thank you for reading this far and, hopefully, you will continue. The image below is just a simple "selfie" of myself that I have taken to help you readers of what I looked like.
Covid History Project
Monday, November 23, 2020
Friday, November 20, 2020
End of Semester Reflection
As the end of November is approaching, the sigh of relief to complete the semester is sounded. With all of the stressful moments and spike in cases, the ability to attend in-person has opened doors for students so far. For the last three months, I have got involved in the University of Kentucky's Dental Society (as previously mentioned) and made some outstanding friends through a religious organization known as Cru. Despite the precautions and mandatory masks, the campus staff has spent extensive amounts of time to help benefit the students while being safe. My friends and I finally ventured out of college premises and went to local coffee shops, one known as Chocolate Holler (definitely the best!) The library has also become a localized hangout for our study groups, which has been the most rewarding choice that I have made since being on campus. Although I was full of anxiety and nervousness when first arriving on campus, this experience has been life-changing. My independence, confidence, and joyfulness have increased drastically from being surrounded by friends again. 2020 has changed the world's gratitude for not just physically but life itself. I am very thankful for this semester and the opportunities that I have been given. I pray that 2021 has a more positive outlook on Covid-19.
Semester reflection and last day of online class for BIO 148 |
Completing the last bits of homework before returning home for Winter Break in the William T Library |
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Semester Lockdown?
As the state of Kentucky increases the number of cases of Covid-19, Andy Beshear enabled new safety precautions. The new rule of no in-dining participation for restaurants has been enacted. This new addition to the re-evaluation of the Covid-19 reopening plans has taken a step backward. The fact that the Governor had to reverse plans is starting to scare the general public, fearing that there may never be an end to the madness of the pandemic. The University of Kentucky has also revamped its dining facilities to account for this new guideline. The 90, located on Central Campus, has closed all indoor eating for the rest of the fall semester. As shown below, all possible seating options are restricted and closed to the students.
One of the few remaining tables (originally removed at the beginning of the semester) cut off from use after the new guideline of restricted indoor dining is enacted. |
Posters in The 90 that address the issue of restricted indoor dining. |
As the semester is drawing to an end and the cases in Kentucky are rising, the Spring semester is looking non-existent. Will the University of Kentucky be able to house students for the 2021 Spring Semester? Or will 2020 be relived as the cycle of Coronavirus cases recirculates?
Friday, October 23, 2020
Does China Reign Supreme?
With a race to find the most effective vaccine for the global population, countries are cracking down on the plausible benefits that could attribute to doing so. For this prompt, the scenario that China distributes the most applicable inoculation than the rest of the world is processed. China has made quick advancements with the production of a viable vaccine after completing research in the laboratories of Beijing. However, the United States and China are fighting for the top spot, as if it's the race for the moon landing. After signing a trade agreement with China to help aid tensions during an election year, Trump is reportedly accusing Beijing of mishandling the coronavirus. Trump has also threatened to cut funding for the World Health Organization for being too "China-centric.' With such an indifference between two flourishing countries, what could this mean for the second-ranked in vaccination production? If China promotes the first effective dosage, will it "share" with the western globe? It has been reported that China is promoting vaccines to win users in Asia and Africa. Countries like Bangladesh and the Philippines have pledged billions for the usage of this Chinese vaccination. There is also a pledge to early shipment of masks and ventilators around the world. Would China share with the United States after the pulling tension? Or will America reign supreme in this race?
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
The Media's Response
As the date for Election Day becomes closer, the most popular news anchors start shifting their focus to the debates. Donald J. Trump, contracting Covid-19 himself, tells the country not to be scared of the virus. However, the media bashes him under the assumption that he's telling the population to not submit to safety guidelines. Joe Biden presents an 18-month lockdown if he wins the election, though, with the circulation and production of 6 available vaccinations, this lockdown may not be necessary. For a moment, it felt like the pandemic had graciously subsided, yet that doesn't seem to be the factor. When the presidential and senate campaigns aren't on, which is practically always, there seems to be little talk of Covid-19. This year is a very unpredictable time in America, not just the pandemic, but the media is covering topics of little importance. With so much hate that's been piling in 2020, this presidential election could revive some of it. I hope the future is much brighter than what it is at the moment. I hope whoever is reading this gets to have an actual life that isn't chained to a mask.
Friday, October 16, 2020
Covid Vaccines and Global Cooperation
As Covid-19 is still thriving throughout the world, the proposal of a plausible vaccine is formulating in the medical industry. The largest pharmaceutical vaccine producer, Serum Institute, is working towards a functioning form of immunization. However, the process of producing and distributing the vaccine is challenging. From proper incubation of the medicine, the actual cost and excessive demand, to the general effectiveness of the vaccine, intricate drawbacks filter into the process. Living in a modern, money-craving society, will the coronavirus vaccination be perfected for efficacy, or will it be rushed to meet the undying needs of the public?
In an address to the problems that are circulating, the main factor is the proper shipment of the medicine. Serum Institute, located in India, is the largest immunization manufacturer for the world's population. Vaccinations are mainly composed of weakened strands of a virus or bacteria. To keep the strands active, they must be stored and transported at frigid temperatures. In the developmental stages, Covid-19 vaccines need preserving at -80 degrees Celsius, or -112 degrees Fahrenheit. For appropriate shipment, glass vials must withstand the frozen temps. Trucks, planes, and warehouses also need to be of beneficial temperature for storage. However, there is a vast shortage of carbon dioxide to compose into dry ice. With a higher demand for vaccines, the supply to make and transport the needed materials is scarce.
As the demand for vaccinations is increasing, pharmaceutical companies are striving to make the most-effective vaccine. Based on "Find a Vaccine. Next: Produce 300 Million Vials of It." from the New York Times, more than two dozen different companies have already proposed immunization programs to develop a vaccine. With a shortage of materials, countries are shutting down their exports regarding their people. Amidst a pandemic, "at least 69 countries have banned or restricted the export of medical devices, medicines, and protective equipment," the article also reads. Through competitive business and a "rush" to hit the market, will the vaccine be effective? According to the Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, the phase 1 trial introduced 36 safe vaccines. However, the number reduced to 6 in the "limited" phase, approved for limited usage. The effectiveness of a poorly tested vaccine is risky for the public due to activating problems within an individual. Vaccines, if not tested properly, can cause seizures, paralyzing, or other severe ailments. When the country is desperately in need of a solution, sometimes the risk outweighs the possibilities.
When receiving your vaccine, whether it be the coronavirus or influenza, be thankful to be able to receive it and for the obstacles that many foreign companies have had to overcome to help ensure quality health and overall wellbeing.
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
The Effort to Stay on Campus
To account for the thousands of students that are currently residing at the University of Kentucky for the fall 2020 semester, several organizations have moved their events to an online format. The campus is still vibrant with life as we begin October and, hopes of finishing the semester are looking fortunate. Community Gatherings with LLPS (Living Learning Programs), college tours/information, and classes are held through Zoom, a commodity that has become a way of life for multitudes of individuals.
Poster depicting a Virtual Paint Night hosted through Zoom, standing outside of White Hall |
Posters standing outside of the William T. Library about a GYT Testing Clinic, application for an organization, and Zoom inspired Bingo night. |
The initiative that the university continues to keep intact to ensure the safety of the current students. Recently, it was regarded that all current students had to get a mandatory flu shot to help detour the spread of Covid-19. A statement was also released confirming that all returning students had to receive another covid test before stepping back on campus. It may seem dreadful, but the idea of potentially deferring the spread of the coronavirus is motivation to proceed through the testing. However, this semester turns out I am grateful for the time that I got to experience my first year.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Is Covid-19 opening opportunities?
Friday, October 2, 2020
Online Education - Covid Edition
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Reflection on Life
Friday, September 25, 2020
UK Core Issue: How Do We Distribute Covid Vaccines?
With the winter months quickly approaching and a possible increase of Covid-19 cases, there is a race to create a vaccine. However, as the early trials begin testing, there will be a limited amount to use for proper vaccination. By introducing COVAX, the pillars in leading Covid-19 aids, facilities will be able to create successful vaccinations in the coming months. Although the COVAX website states that "Nobody wins the race until everyone wins.", specialists and doctors must start distribution somewhere. At first completion, there will only be enough sustainable supplies for one-third of the population in Fayette County, KY. According to a 2020 census, the county currently withstands 323,809 civilians. Based on the guidelines, only 107,936 people will be able to receive the vaccine, but who? The most effective plan of vaccine execution would be to distribute to the demographics that are most at risk in Lexington. Research on Covid-19 can conclude that Black and Latino Americans are the most high-risk for obtaining Covid-19. Both ethnicities make up the majority population of the working class but still lack economic growth. The introduction of the Covid-19 vaccine will mean that immediate supplies, according to The Economics of Vaccines (Wall Street Journal), will initially be free or at a reduced cost. To ensure the successful transportation of the vaccine, my medical team will construct a "pop-up clinic" in the low-socioeconomic area, to make the process more accessible to the public. The next step would be to endorse the vaccine within the second most at-risk patients, the older generation. I would continue advocation for the transportation "meds on wheels" where vaccines are administered throughout Fayette County, KY. From this step, the vaccine will become available to the younger population in hopes of increasing immunity. Although the supplies can only be rationed to one-third of Fayette's population, according to The Economics of Vaccines (Wall Street Journal) once production of the vaccine starts, it will become rampant. However, we must take into consideration the anti-vaxxers or the citizens that are physically incapable of attending medical opportunities. As the vaccine first makes its arrival to the medical market, it can not legally be required to receive due to the high ineffectiveness. According to The Economics of Vaccines (Wall Street Journal), during the introduction months of the vaccine, "66% of vaccines are failed." As we enter into a state of unknown, awareness for Covid-19 will be publicized everywhere. To summarize, vaccines will not solve the pandemic but, the current actions of the people of Fayette, and the country, ultimately answer the question as to what happens for the future.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Lack of Sensitivity of Students?
We all know that teenagers have a rebellious stage but does it still take place during a pandemic? With the requirement of masks mandated by the University of Kentucky, some students are not taking this protocol seriously. As a freshman that lives on campus, I see it practically every day. Students are walking with their friends while having their masks pulled below their chins. The anti-social distancing between friends, colleagues, and couples are repetitively taking place. Even a discarding of masks has become more prominent in recent weeks. Before this post, I explained that I walked past a face mask that seemed to be flat on the concrete. Thinking in my head, "I will never see a sight like this again.", It saddened me that I wasn't able to document it. However, as I have ventured more on the campus in search of the "blog-worthy" Covid-19 image, my camera roll is flooded with an abundance of discarded masks. Not just to show the apathy from students but also the increase in littering.
Friday, September 18, 2020
Covid-19 Intertwined Into Pop Culture
National Hockey League winner "gets" bottle of hand sanitizer due to scarcity of it. |
Toilet paper is scarce in general stores |
Eating quarantine snacks |
Siddiqui reiterating that masks are crucial for Corona virus treatment |
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
UK Takes Initiative
Being on campus for over a month during a pandemic can become a repetitive process. Wake up, get dressed, walk to class, do homework, and repeat. However, the University of Kentucky has made the experience more bearable, from events that coordinate along with social distancing guidelines to sights that make the campus less gloomy. As the new school year is starting to take flight, the majority of students are becoming naturalized to the mandate of wearing a mask. However, to the younger generation, wearing a mask is a statement that is now more so an accessory! Tie-dye mask events have been held at the University of Kentucky in the beginning weeks of classes. Fabric masks with floral, fruity, and monochromatic designs have popularized and now are being worn to match outfits.
Floral fabric mask is pictured, $2 at a Target near campus. |
The University of Kentucky has installed a green light in memory of those lost to the Covid-19 pandemic. These views are highlighted within the night and, though they provide a beautiful hue to the darkness, they impose an eerie reminder that countless victims are losing their lives every day to such a horrible virus.
Light poles are brightly lit with a green hue that lead from the Student Center at UK. This green light shines for the lives that are being lost for the untreatable Covid-19 |
Friday, September 11, 2020
Covid affects Food
Tomato plants created during quarantine (2020) |
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Little Bit of Life at UK
A "selfie" while walking in severe heat (8-16-20) |
Friday, September 4, 2020
Who do you trust?
Social distancing paws placed throughout campus |
Social distancing sign placed for sidewalks |
Friday, August 28, 2020
Wishing of Normal
Friday, August 21, 2020
Introduction
Advancement in Blog
Hello, this entry will be a short message for future posts. As you have been aware that I have been documenting events on campus for my Gl...
-
We all know that teenagers have a rebellious stage but does it still take place during a pandemic? With the requirement of masks manda...
-
As the state of Kentucky increases the number of cases of Covid-19, Andy Beshear enabled new safety precautions. The new rule of no in-dini...
-
Throughout my 14 years of schooling, my freshman year is the most interesting. Due to adaptations for Covid-19, the majority of classes are ...