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 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. 

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

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?