Marialisha
Covid-History Item Type Metadata
Age
42
Date
8/6/2020
Location
Cambridge, New York
When did the impact of COVID-19 first occur to you? How did your reaction to COVID-19 change between then and the first case in your town?
I saw in the news that people were clearing out toilet paper bleach and disinfectant long before they wore the masks. My reaction to covid-19 has changed because now I'm forced to wear the mask everywhere I want to buy goods.
How is your life different now than it was before the pandemic?
The way my life is different because of the pandemic is really gatherings and outings. I cannot enjoy the places I used to and I cannot hold the annual parties I that I usually throw.
How are you feeling? What are you doing to relieve stress?
I wouldn't say I'm stressed as much as I am angry and resentful. I'm angry by the way our governor has handled this and resentful for so many people not asking any questions or demanding answers.
What have you noticed has changed in your community since the outbreak? What has surprised you?
As a newcomer to this town I'm not sure what it was like before I got here and by April when I moved from Schenectady there was no change at all there just the status quo.
Are you an essential employee? What do you do? What precautions are being taken at your workplace? What precautions are implementing at home?
My husband works for center for the disabled and they have implemented many precautions before the state required them. Due to all the safety precautions they are taking at the house he handles there's no need for us to take extra ones at home.
Do you have children at home? How’s it going?
My children are teenagers so it wasn't a problem... Though I've always been a Hands-On parent so it's never been difficult to have my children at home.
If you’re a student, was school canceled? Were you able to complete your studies online? Do you think you’ll be back on campus in the fall?
My daughter was a senior this year with Schenectady High. I tried to have her transferred to the school here in Cambridge due to the situation of the online schooling they had her stay with Schenectady. Personally I don't believe those teachers should have you been paid. My daughter would have a question on her work on a Monday and what didn't get a response till Wednesday. The guidance counselor got my child confused with her sister who graduated the year before. And their graduation was ridiculous. I as a parent hated online schooling through Schenectady High.
Did you have to postpone any major life events? (e.g. Graduation, wedding, major birthday) What did you do instead?
We weren't able to have a proper graduation party for my daughter so we had a small intimate gathering with her father and I, twin sister and her best friend. We were unable to have a 18th birthday party for our twins. I made a delicious dinner and my husband got a cute cake. They deserved much more in both instances. These aren't exactly life events that you can recreate or postpone, another place where my resentment comes from.
Do you have animals? Did you adopt a pet? How have they impacted your day?
We have two dogs and a cat, not much has changed for them.
What positive things did you contribute to or notice take place?
I'd have to say the only thing positive I have found in this whole pandemic is the fact that people are actually washing their hands and cleaning surfaces which is something they should have been doing anyway. I have actually noticed more negativity that has come from this pandemic.
Did you or someone you know contract COVID-19? What was it like?
I have to in-laws that contracted covid-19 that lives in New York City. They got sick like the flu and got better, it was done.
What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?
Before the pandemic I wish I knew how fragile our social system was. It's been a shame to see everyone just doing what they're told without asking questions. It's also been horrible to see all these 'protesters' allowed to carry on as they choose but people aren't able to gather for their deceased loved one. Quite frankly that's disgusting to me.
What would you want future generations to know about the 2020 pandemic? How would you recommend they prepare for it?
I would tell future generations the same thing I raised my children with, wash your hands and don't be a pig. I wouldn't tell them how to prepare for it. I mean it's always good to be prepared when non-perishables and things like that for any situation. However covid-19 is one thing the politics of round covid-19 has been another. I don't like I would encourage them to ask questions and demand answers.
How do you think this pandemic will change how we behave going forward? What will the “new normal” look like?
I'm still waiting to see The New Normal. I personally feel that The New Normal we'll have more to do with what the politicians want and less to do with covid-19.
Dublin Core
Title
Marialisha
Subject
COVID-19 (Disease)
Publisher
Southern Adirondack Library System
Contributor
Southern Adirondack Library System
Rights
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Language
English
Type
Covid History
Identifier
11878531547
Coverage
Coronavirus Pandemic
Collection
Citation
“Marialisha,” Leaving Our Fingerprints on History, accessed December 3, 2024, https://fingerprints.sals.edu/omeka/items/show/191.