"Covid Inn" - Living in the Isolation Dorm

 

After a month of staying at UK, I finally tested positive for Covid-19. When I tested positive for the coronavirus, I was not able to go home due to Chicago's restricted travel ban. My parents would not be able to quarantine due to their jobs, which meant that I had to stay at University Inn, a designated Covid positive isolation dorm. My stay there was honestly the worst part about having the virus. The virus itself wasn't bad; the fever and chills ended after a day, the cough and shortness of breathe lasted about a week, lost my taste and smell for 2 weeks, and generally felt tired for a little over a week. Having Covid felt like having a bad head cold. Staying in the isolation dorm was lonely, depressing, and constricting. Understandably, I was not allowed to have any contact with anyone. I know that this was to prevent the spread of the virus, but it gets extremely lonely when you don't see another human for 10 straight days. The dorm itself was slightly depressing; there was a single sheet and pillow on the bed, an extra bed that was empty, and only one lamp that worked. My window was locked shut to prevent me from opening it. I was not allowed to sit outside to get fresh air and vitamin D. There was no choice on what food you got, or when it got there. Your only other option was to use DoorDash when the food wasn't appetizing. Once I was feeling better, I got extremely restless and irritated that I was confined to the same 4 walls every day. By the end of my isolation, I was going crazy and needed to get out as soon as possible. I will never forget the feeling and excitement I got when the Lexington-Fayette Health Department finally released me from isolation. Who knew a little letter in an email can make you feel so alive.

City of Chicago's Quarantine Effects at UK

Since May, the city of Chicago has implemented a new policy that states if you visit a "red state", you must self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to your daily activities and work. These red states are the states who've had outbreaks in the summer and fall season, Kentucky being one of them. Because of this, my parents have not been able to come visit me since they dropped me off on August 10th. I have also not been able to go home, both for visiting my friends and family and to isolate when I had Covid. College is already challenging without a global pandemic. On top of this, I am 5 and a half hours away from my family, and haven't seen them once in 2 months. I didn't even have the option to go home when I had Covid due to the travel ban. I would have to quarantine for 14 days, which would extend the amount of time I was in isolation, as well as require my parents to quarantine. I do understand Lightfoot's reasons to have a restrictions on movement for Chicago residents, but I do hope I can give my parents a hug soon.

Second Week with Covid

Saturday 9/12 - Today has been extremely boring. I haven't had much energy to do anything (which there's nothing to do). I've spent the entire day watching movies, and occasionally, watching tv show instead. I decided to order dinner through DoorDash tonight as as treat, but ended up losing my taste today. My mom also sent me Insomnia, which did brighten my mood slightly. 

Sunday 9/13 - I still can't taste anything, and now my smell is gone too. My cough is getting better, and I am starting to get a little more energy. This week is exam week, so thankfully I will be busy during isolation. 

Monday 9/14 - My cough is improving, as well as my ability to breathe. I still can't taste or smell anything. That feeling is the strangest feeling. If you gave me orange juice without me knowing, I could tell it was orange juice based off the acid when it hits the back of my throat, even though I can't taste it.

Tuesday 9/15 - I am starting to feel like myself again. I now pace back and forth in my room for hours to try and get exercise. I asked the CRM (Covid Residence Managers) if I could walk around outside for a little bit to get some fresh air, and they said no. They even locked my window, so I am stuck with my AC for the rest of the time here. These isolation rules are honestly the worst part about having Covid.

Wednesday 9/16 - I am feeling 100% myself today! I still can't taste or smell anything, but most of my other symptoms have passed. Hopefully, I will get out this weekend, since isolation lasts for 10 days after your first symptom.

Thursday 9/17 - If I don't get out tomorrow, I might lose my mind. Not being able to go outside and walk around is driving me crazy. It dawned on me today that I haven't seen an actual person in a week and a half. 

Friday 9/18 - I WAS RELEASED TODAY! I still can't taste or smell anything, but apparently this can last for a while after you test positive (UPDATE! I ended up not being able to taste or smell for another week and a half). I moved out of the isolation dorm, and am officially back to my own bed, sheets, and dorm room! WOOHOO!!

Covid's Affect on the Classroom

The main effect the pandemic has had on my life is the way our education system works. Since March, I have been zooming into my classes from the comfort of my home, rather than seeing my teachers and professors face-to-face. This all sounds luxurious; not having to get up from bed, staying in your pajamas, turning your camera off and zoning out when you wish. But, the truth is, online learning is not beneficial, and is creating a large gap between those who can easily access internet, and those who can't. There are some individuals who just can't afford high speed internet or a computer, which are 2 resources needed for online learning. These students who simply can't afford the technology needed for class now are suffering with failing grades, and even are dropping out of school all together. In today's world with the pandemic, your socioeconomic status directly correlates with your future. Students no longer have the opportunity to attend school, since they don't have the resources to join in on the online servers. I believe that there should be a hardship clause for students who truly cannot complete their coursework due to the pandemic. If students are able to prove that they do not have access to internet or a laptop, extensions should be granted by teachers, or even a "gap year" should be allowed to be taken until classes are in person again. Personally, I do not think I am as prepared for my future as the previous years. Online learning is difficult; it's easy to get distracted, challenging to learn concepts on your own, and difficult to keep track of when assignments are due. Students are now expected to learn and grasp a concept without much interaction or discussion. Online learning takes out the application part of our learning, which ensures that students truly grasps the concepts. Because of this, students will either have a harder time in the upcoming years, or the job market and education system will shift due to a whole generation losing so much time in school.

UK Core Issue: How Do We Distribute Covid Vaccines?

I would start by distributing the vaccine to those are at the highest risk. These people should no long have to hide from the disease, and should be able to get some resistance without having to get the disease. Next, I would distribute the vaccine to all front line workers, like teachers and healthcare workers. This would be to help move the process of in person learning along. Most schools are still participating in e-learning because of staff fears of contracting the virus. If the vaccine was distributed to the teachers, as well as healthcare worker who are at the front lines, we can hopefully move from online meetings to larger groups. The students at UK would not be given the vaccine. Most of the students at UK are not in a position of need of the vaccine. It would benefit the community for others to get the vaccine first, and let UK students pass the virus to other UK students. Even though this will increase the amount of cases, I personally think the vaccines should be used on those that need it most, and people who are in direct contact with the virus.

Covid-19 in the 21st Century Pop Culture

The pandemic has not only been the main topic of the news, but also many pop culture references as well. The picture above is my favorite meme concerning the pandemic. Wearing face masks is a new social barrier that many are not used to. The awkward moments riding in the same elevator, or passing someone in the grocery store isle can no longer be softened with a quick smile. Over the summer, I worked in a dental office, and had to wear a mask for the entire day. I quickly realized I had to rely on my eyes, and the tone of my voice to greet patients rather than my smile. The picture below is a meme my high school French teacher sent me. It says "The first word that you find is your vacation destination" and every word on the board is "maison" or "house" in English. The French take their vacation periods very seriously, and often go on extravagant vacations. This meme was very appropriate for the pandemic, while they were on strict lockdowns. This is applicable in the US as well.