Reflection on Life

Although things may get rough during a pandemic, I am thankful that Covid-19 has not affected me directly. With fall settling into the campus, the weather can sometimes be gloomy. However, many students are doing the best they can to make this semester worthwhile. As for myself, I have ventured into the campus scene more and became active within a campus ministry, known as Cru. Through this group, I have been able to converse and befriend new students with the same aspirations. Of course, we have to follow campus community guidelines with social distancing and masks! So far, it has been a blast to get out and try new things. A few days ago, a couple of friends and I went to dinner in the pouring rain. I know what you are thinking, "Why in the world would you do something like that?". The experience was calming that in moments like those, you forget about the negatives in the world. The sky was a bright orange, nothing like I had ever seen before.

My friends and I also went to a nearby parking garage during sunset. Likewise, it was one of the most surreal experiences in my life. Sometimes people realize what they have until it's either taken away or in danger. That is my sincere outlook on the entire pandemic, to stop and look at life. To live the life that you are given, not out of fear, but caution. Take caution that your actions can affect other lives, but don't dwell and miss out on opportunities (especially the COVID protocol way).

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.

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. 

    As previously stated within this blog, social distancing guidelines are downplayed by students. A documented image below reveals that some individuals sit in multitudes while eating lunch. The distribution of the chairs displayed seemingly piled on top of each other. As we enter the later stages of the virus, everyone must still realize the potential threat that we are imposing if the "rules" for Covid-19 are tossed from the window. 

The remains of what looks to be like a lunch gathering, underneath a tent in 
the Woodland area courtyard.

Covid-19 Intertwined Into Pop Culture

As a pandemic is continuing to rise throughout the vast communities around the world, one thing is for sure. People from different backgrounds and cultures seem to enjoy implementing a new Covid culture into today's social media. In response to the pandemic, many companies are creating small fragments of Covid-19 information to infuse into media, mainly to increase awareness of the severity of the virus or to add a beam of hope for finding humor in everything. Growing up in the social media and internet age, I am well aware of coronavirus memes. These memes, originating from the United States, have reminded me that there is still a ray of light in a growing dark world.

National Hockey League winner "gets" bottle of hand sanitizer due to scarcity of it. 

Toilet paper is scarce in general stores

Eating quarantine snacks 

Not only is the United States making "propaganda" about Covid-19, but India is as well. Mumbai police have recently created a meme that promotes virus awareness. It depicts a Bollywood actor, named Nawazuddin Siddiqui, being asked, "Why do I have to wear a mask around my friends and colleagues? That's so stupid!". His response, "For the sake of science, Sir." This showcases that wearing proper masks at populous gatherings is crucial because of "science."

Siddiqui reiterating that masks are crucial for Corona virus treatment

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

     Although this pandemic and the restrictions placed on everyday life will not be disappearing soon, there is always a positive note for a new day. There is hope that a vaccine will eventually hit the medical distribution centers and help impact the future lives affected by Covid-19. Until this moment comes, the University of Kentucky, and all other colleges across the country, must take the initiative to improve the experiences of current students to ensure their health. 

Covid affects Food

 Food is a necessity. When Covid-19 made its debut in March, the Governor of Kentucky mandated a lockdown for residents. This meant limited trips to the grocery store, no in-person restaurant eating, and minimalistic life. In regards to my family, first eating at home was fine. We had more home-cooked meals and grew more together during the quarantine. My grandmother and father both started a mini "garden" with tomato plants while my mother tried keto. As March turned into April and then May, the lockdown requirements loosened slowly. More grocery trips, dining out, and junk food raged through the summer months. As Covid-19 remained, my family and I grew tired of being indoors. Every weekend through June and July, I would hang out with friends and we would eat out in the dine-in restaurants. Since the beginning, Covid-19 had no effect on my diet but towards the end of summer and college, I have gained an estimated 10 lbs. Not just myself but others around the world are affected by Covid-19 in the food accessibility aspect. Embedded here is a video that shows a small glimpse of life during COVID.  

Tomato plants created during quarantine (2020)

Little Bit of Life at UK

    Attending the University of Kentucky during a pandemic and getting to write about it is very interesting. What makes this blog so difficult is the task of importing visual documentation. I spend so much time in my room that I want to look at my surroundings. One time as I was walking back from my UK 101 class, I saw a discarded UK mask flattened to the ground. Looking back now, a picture would have been a thousand words. I have also seen couples holding hands with masks on, groups of friends with their masks pulled below their chins, and countless students with no masks chatting long after eating. With heat temperatures being in the 90s, it is very difficult to walk on such a large campus with a cloth mask over your face. It is a big understanding to know how these students want to remove their masks because I am one of them. A couple of weeks ago in the Campus Center, I was in the empty study section. During that time, I was hyperventilating and having heart palpitations so I took my mask off to catch my breath. A few moments later, a worker walked by and asked for me to put my mask on. Life on campus during a pandemic is interesting to say that least. Hopefully, the semester will last until November. 

A "selfie" while walking 

in severe heat (8-16-20)

Who do you trust?

     Since the beginning of this pandemic, a lot of speculation is on the rise about what to believe. With several broadcasting networks covering different situations on the infamous Covid-19, it's very difficult to find quality information. As for myself, I tend to stay away from big-name news companies such as CNN or FOX. These networks are too politically biased and have no great hold on the virus. However, my father watches FOX news faithfully. He gets so worked up over the data that FOX presents that he has encountered many arguments, some with myself, others with my mother. If this is happening to one individual, think about all the viewers that commit to watching news through ALL network platforms. Throughout the beginning of quarantine, I have watched WSAZ, a station more locally known in Elliott. The information that the company displays affects my life a little more than something nationwide. As I became more adapted to the University of Kentucky lifestyle, I have shifted my focus to the campus' instructions. From March to the present, this college has been so confident and knowledgeable within providing its students and faculty with the most relevant information. An example of UK's precaution with Covid-19 is the wellness kits that they provided every student. I cannot bring myself to gather information from any unreliable source. With so much terror in the world going on at the moment, I believe that these faulty networks and news media rely on the fact that they instill fear within their users. That notion is more dangerous than the pandemic itself. 

Social distancing paws placed throughout campus

Social distancing sign placed for sidewalks

Wishing of Normal

   Throughout high school, the majority of students are excited about college. Moving away from home, meeting new people, and creating new memories are just some of the reasons why seniors want to attend college. I was one of the many that believed this, however, it's nothing like I've imagined. As I embark on my journey as a Freshman at the University of Kentucky, I have raised awareness for the Covid-19 situation. When walking to class, grabbing food, or hanging with friends outside of the dorm, all students must wear masks. As you're reading this, you may wonder "what was it like?", "How did the campus execute the education mission?" Since the beginning of classes on August 17th, 2020, the majority have been remotely online. Classes that were held online were either independent or held Zoom meetings (visual video) to help incorporate with students. However, with only being on campus for two weeks, the University has already called for the second round of Covid-19 testing within the fraternities and sororities. During the beginning weeks of college, these groups have recruitment days, in which students come together. With higher cases within these organizations than the campus itself, the question, "Will campus close before Thanksgiving break?" surfaces. Though this question still seems to cloud the minds of countless students (even across the U.S), I believe that UK will pull through. With extra precautions during community events and more awareness, the University of Kentucky's students will get to make experiences throughout a deadly pandemic.

University of Kentucky Campus (Aug, 2020)

     The usage of masks may help with the mitigation of the virus, however, I think that all students can agree they would much rather be without one. During the start of the school year, the weather in August is severely humid. Wearing a mask to and from class can create discomfort for many individuals, especially with breathing, as the majority of masks lack filtration. However, to attend college and live on campus, students must abide by the safety precaution.

Friday Morning Online Class (8-28-20)

     Online classes may have been portrayed as a "stick in the mud" type of idea but there are some highlights. For example, you can stay in bed and attend class at the same time (as shown above). Although I don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to walk to my 8 am math class, a part of me wishes for normal. I hope that the University remains open long enough for me to complete my Freshman year. College is supposed to be an important time of your life, why would you waste it in a dorm room?

Introduction

     Hello, my name is Tessa Prater. I am currently an eighteen-year-old Freshman at the University of Kentucky. Coming from a white, middle-class background in Eastern Kentucky, I have seen the effects of Covid-19 on my hometown of Elliott County. Primarily thriving on small local businesses, Elliott (before the pandemic) was thriving as well as its surrounding counties. However, after the March 13th, 2020 mandate placed on the state of Kentucky by Governor Andy Beshear, our success rate had to be halted. Although (and thankfully), my family nor I have experienced this horrible virus, others in our county have. Local businesses, schools, restaurants, and public places had to undergo mandatory lockdown for at least 2 weeks. Those two weeks have now turned into 5 months, with light releasement at a time. At first, it was difficult for my family due to constantly staying home to avoid Covid-19 and always arguing over the smallest things. However, I wouldn't change this coming together that has become second nature. Submitting this blog for a school project, I will be documenting my experience attending the University of Kentucky amidst the SARS-COV-19 pandemic.