Prompt 4
Jasmine Inthabounh
Junior
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What do you think about the historic nature of what is happening on school campuses around the world? Do you see yourself as a part of history? This could be your generation's defining moment, how will you be a part of that? Is this a defining moment in your life and how so? How will all of this change the world?
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I think it’s crazy to think of this possibly becoming apart of history in the years to come. I absolutely feel apart of history but can’t help but think about the first-year students and their lives the past year. I want my generation to be the ones that get through this pandemic and for my school to be an example. I think this pandemic puts things into perspective and proves that education is a luxury that even through a pandemic most of us are fortunate to have no matter the struggles. I don’t think this is a defining moment in my life, I think that has to do with the fact that maybe I’m not a senior in college so it’s not as important? I say that with hesitation and lightly due to the scarcity of internships. I can’t help but feel like I should be doing more and with the pandemic it didn’t help.
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What you say will be a record of our times! Think about your children, grandchildren, your friends down the road, who will ask you what it was like during this pandemic.
Kendall Hunt
Sophomore
I think this pandemic is historic and a defining aspect of our generation. Never before have we not been able to interact with our closest friends, be forced to wear masks outside, or follow precautionary requirements such as restricted eating hours, store capacity limits, and six-feet-apart markers. I truly believe that this pandemic will shape in the future in how we interact with others, how we value our normal lives, and how we maintain sanitation and health. I, personally, see myself as being part of history as I will no longer take for granted the ability to interact with others, take classes in person, or go outside and play my sport. I also will forever be more conscious about what I am touching and the state of others around me. I think others will likely follow these lines as well, changing the next generation’s mindset about social interaction and health. I hope everyone remembers the pandemic and its impact on our society and use it as an example in ways in which we failed – such as with mask wearing and social distancing protocols - and ways that it revealed weaknesses in society – such as with supply regulation and shipment and enforcing rules.
Everett Mullican
Senior
I certainly believe that we’ll refer to our experiences frequently, but I don’t think it’s something nearly as daunting as the Great Depression or a world war. Though I do worry for those with weaker immune systems such as the elderly or children, so my experience with trying to stay clean and healthy for my peers and those around me is always important, and it always had been. I do feel that my generation will take self-care into account more than less in the future, but I see this time in history as only adversity that many will overcome. For those who lost many opportunities to better themselves or go on into the real world, I feel for them, and it’s those people who are a part of their own defining moment. I really feel that our world will change our relationship with international travel, import and export goods, and our view of cleanliness. In some cases, I feel this may shape us positively, but in many ways, I could see it as negative too.
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Lucy Panfil
Junior
I definitely think that what is happening now is going to be an important part of history. There are so many things going on now that are impacting people’s lives in a number of ways. Everyone is being impacted by the pandemic in one way or another. I definitely think that this pandemic is a defining moment for my generation. We are missing out on what are said to be the best years of our lives. I personally have not had too much impacted, but I feel bad for people like my brother who missed out on his college graduation, or people who missed out on their senior prom. Even though these times are hard, it is so important to stay positive. I try to find the bright side even though things are tough and different at the moment. For example, even though classes are online, at least we are still able to have classes at all. I think that this is a defining moment in my life because it is teaching me how to adapt to change, something that I am usually not good at. I think that the world will be different after this for sure. I think that even when things calm down and we no longer need to social distance, people will still be more conscious about germs. A random example I thought of is blowing out birthday candles on a birthday cake. I feel like that might not be a normal thing after this pandemic because it is someone literally spitting all over a cake that other people are about to eat. This pandemic has for sure had an impact on us all, but I think that it is going to continue to have an impact on the world long after the pandemic is over.
Kylee Macke
Senior
As far as the historic nature around schools and college campuses, I really do think that this pandemic could be a key piece into making education more accessible and has really shined a light on major flaws that schooling systems have. Obviously, online school and zoom is not the most engaging and interactive form of learning and is really draining for a lot of students (myself included). However, the one benefit of it is that it can be accessible (given you have a computer or wifi), but it also could allow students to be more flexible in the future or allow students to not be tied down to their college campus and can go travel or live life while still in school. I say this also because as a student athlete, I think this will change the game for athletes missing class for games. Hopefully, teachers and professors will realize this and still have an online function available for use or even recorded lectures. I don't think many people understand how stressful it can be to miss one or two full classes due to travel. So, if athletes could even be in class while at thier hotel or on the bus, it could be a game changer. Another thing I think this pandemic has shined a light on as well is how a lot of professors run their classrooms. Not that I think of all of them have classes set up in a poor way, I really appreciate the work that a lot of professors have put in to accommodate students during this pandemic. However, I do think there is a fair number of professors that have not changed the amount of assignments they give out or the type of learning environment they provide. I also think that the mental health of students has come to the surface throughout this whole pandemic. From talking to other students and myself personally, I know that many are struggling with the fact that they are all online, but still supposed to be fully engaged, and complete all the coursework and projects, tests, etc. that they would be doing as if everything was normal. I think we can take this specific piece and really learn from it as a society.
I do see myself as a part of history, but at the same time I do not. I know this experience will be something I can talk about for the rest of my life. I have learned a lot about myself and how I personally operate as an individual. I think the biggest take away that I've gotten is how much I took everything in my life for granted, whether that is in person classes, or being able to go to a restaurant or any public space without the fear of this virus. As far as my generation goes and how it will change us, I think not taking life for granted will play a huge factor into how we operate afterwards. Especially since many of us are in our prime years in life, college or newly graduated, once this is all over, I do think this generation will strive to live life to the fullest. I intend to fully be a part of that, and to really take a step back and be grateful for everything that I have been offered in my life.
Do I think this is a defining moment in my life? Yes, I absolutely do. Patience is one thing the whole entire year has taught me, and god knows I am not a patient person. But, like I said earlier, not taking things for granted in my life. Without volleyball this semester, I have been able to go home and do stuff with my family and my grandparents more than I ever have been able to in my life as well. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed spending time with my family before this pandemic. One thing that scares me however is my future and finding a job. I know the job market is terrible right now, so my plan of getting my own apartment and having a job and living in a city might be put on hold. But patience and realizing that this could be a sign will have to come into play if my plan does not work out.
As far as how I think this will change the world, I think that the way a lot of things operate will change. One thing that I think will hopefully change is cleaning. Now that I really think about it, we really used to touch spaces or items that had been touched by hundreds if not thousands of people in the day without even thinking about it and then probably touching our faces or mouths. It honestly freaks me out that I had done that who knows how many times for 21 years of my life which is disgusting. I also hope that the health care system changes and this pandemic shines a light on the seriousness of how many people don't have access to basic health care. I mean, I think there are a lot of other ways the country if not the world will change like education, the workplace, athletics, etc. But I haven't done enough of my own research to talk more in depth about it.
In the future, when my children or grandchildren ask me about this pandemic, I think I will tell them about how much they can't take anything for granted and how it felt like life was a happening but that it also felt like we were paused in time just waiting for someone to press play again. I mean I'm sure I'll tell them about athletics and how college was and all of that, but I am going to be sure to try and get the point across about appreciating everything that you are able to do in a normal functioning society.
Rachel Hartley
Junior
I do see the pandemic as being a part of history. We are in the middle of one of the, if not the most, important elections of our lifetime, unemployment rates are at a high, and COVID has ravaged the country with over 200,000+ deaths (more than any U.S. war combined). Our entire lives are basically on hold right now. Looking to the future, my generation is going to struggle. Physically, we are going to have a hard time finding jobs, and I worry about the effects on the economy and what that means for the middle and working classes. Emotionally, many of us are in mourning right now. I’d say almost everyone at this point knows at least one person who has had COVID. I’d say all of us are mourning the loss of our normal lives, but there are many mourning actual lives who were lost during the pandemic. Mentally, I also believe the pandemic had a significant influence on our mental state. My generation is already know in some contexts as the “anxious” generation, but having this time away from people and living in fear of getting sick, I truly believe social anxiety will only get worse for many. However, I do think COVID has taught us something, and maybe that’s a turning point for my generation. It has taught us to not only adapt, but I think it’s taught us to be grateful. For example, my mom had Covid a few weeks ago and she got sicker than I have ever seen her or anyone to be honest. It was extremely hard on my dad and I, but the experience overall did act as a reminder to be grateful for the life I have. Even though this absolutely sucks, I can’t help but think everything happens for a reason. Life can be cruel and my heart aches for anyone who has lost someone during the pandemic. I don’t think we will ever fully recover from this, but I think it does remind us not to take the everyday things we used to do for granted. I miss studying at Starbucks, I miss trying on clothes at a store, and I even miss working my customer service retail job. I think if I were to tell my kids or future generations one thing, I would want to share my gratefulness and to remind them that life is more than just success. Success to me now looks different because I can’t be successful without knowing I prioritized what’s important to me. That’s my family, my friends, and my education (my ability to grow). This is a challenge no one was prepared for, but we will adapt.
Madeline Kedrowski
Sophomore
I think we will look back on this time and tell stories to our kids and even maybe grandkids. This is a big moment in history and nothing like this has ever happened before. I do think I am part of the history as I am on a college campus during it and I think that it is a cool story to tell. I think one amazing thing that has come out of this is that we have all learned to appreciate small moments in life and not to take anything for granted. I hope that the new attitude many people have will stick around even when all of this blows over.
Charleigh Reinardy
Sophomore
I think that COVID has been a very powerful experience, in different ways for everyone. Personally, I have tried to view this pandemic in a positive light. I believe that though COVID-19 has taken many things from people around the world, God has also given us so many blessings. I would like to think I not only speak for myself but for others across the world when I say that I have been reminded to appreciate all that life has given me and all that the world has to offer. We have seen first hand how easily and how fast things can be taken away from us. Not only have we lost simple luxuries such as going out to dinner, attending large gatherings and hanging out with friends, but we have lost some of the most important people in our lives to COVID and we have lost the opportunity to visit our loved ones. This pandemic has taught me to live in the moment, to appreciate every day God decides to give me and to appreciate what I have. Being in isolation for so long will take a toll on anyone, in times like this we have to stick closer than ever before to the people we have. In a certain way I see this pandemic as a God given gift to help remind us of what is truly important in life, not the luxury material goods we surround ourselves with but the people we spend our lives with and how we live our lives.
Lauren Igbanugo
Sophomore
Personally, I am always thinking about how what happens in today's world will eventually be a part of someone else’s curriculum; every once in awhile, I take a moment to register the fact that what’s happening in our lives right now will be a historic phenomenon that I was a part of. What I do to be a part of these defining moments is by trying my best to inform those around me on all the universal issues, while keeping myself informed and keep pushing myself to learn more. I think that it is a defining moment in my life and everybody’s life who understands the state of the world due to those in power. It really is up to the next generation to make an impact, good or bad.
Antonio Melendes
Senior
Yes, I do see my part as history. What is happening right now will be stuff our kids read about in school. From Covid, Racial Injustice, to the presidential debate. This year has been crazy and is one for the books. I am going to be a part of this and make a influence by just being me. I am going to try my best to do and be my best every day. From talking to people and telling them to have a good day, or to myself and loving myself, because that’s also important. This is all changing our lifestyle obviously, but everyone needs to focus on themselves and them helping the person next to you, even if you don’t know them. As far as covid specifically then we don’t even know how it’s goanna change the world because we are still living in the moment. This stuff will be cool to tell my family when I am older who didn't live in this because this all is truly crazy and is something that doesn’t happen every year. So many people have been affected by covid, so I am just blessed to be alive and to get through this day by day.
Sydney Skemp
Sophomore
I think that we are definitely living through history right now. It feels odd to know that what I am living through right now will be a major part of a history textbook someday. I see myself as history. This will most likely be our generations defining moment and I plan to be a part of that in a positive way. In this situation, there are definitely ways to be a part of history in a negative way. I plan to be able to say in the future that was a part of the solution, not the problem. I am excited to tell future generations that I lived through this period of time and wore masks and social distanced to help fight the spread of corona virus. I am also proud already to say that I am still on my campus because we are talking it seriously. This is a defining moment in my life because I have had to learn a lot about myself and who I am as a person and how to persevere through hard times. This is hard right now and will definitely change the world, and I think it will change the world for the better.
Cheyann Neades
Senior
I think that the historic nature of what is going on in the world, especially on college campuses, will help us know what not to do, in case there are any pandemics in the future. I hope that both the good and bad practices that are being done during COVID times are evaluated, considered, and help anyone trying to learn about infectious diseases and the spread of them.
I do see myself as a part of history, not a large part, but at least something since I am experiencing this pandemic as a college student in the Midwest and specifically in Iowa. I think that I will be a part of helping create structural change in our city, state, and country in terms of laws, how they’re put into practice, as well as our healthcare system. This pandemic has overtly showcased the disparities and faults of this country and how the people within it can be better supported, and I want to use this experience has one that moves us forward, instead of completely allowing this country to take even more steps backward.
While I do find this to be a significant part of my life, I don’t feel that it’s very defining as I’m still living in it and struggling through this pandemic. I do think this will change the way I view the world and how I understand myself, my abilities, my work ethic, and much more.
I hope this will change the world by showing us how connected we are and how we can continue to be connected even if we aren’t able to experience things with others in a physical environment. I hope that this pandemic will allow us to be more kind, gracious, and understanding individuals. I hope the silver linings of this pandemic shine through and that their light remains for years to come.
Gracie Geist
Sophomore
Obviously, what is happening right now is kind of crazy. Not only is 2020 an election year, but we’ve had a pandemic, murder bees or something, Black Lives Matter protesting after the murder of George Floyd, Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, and much more. This year is most definitely going to go down in history, not just because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I definitely see myself as a part of history. I got sent home from school and had to quarantine, school was online, and I lost multiple jobs. I don’t necessarily want to have a big part in the history, but I want to be able to tell my kids and grandchildren that I helped stop the spread by wearing a mask, quarantining, and social distancing. Yesterday, I literally saw people working in a pharmacy without masks on. You work with medicines and people coming to pick up medicine when they are sick, how could you NOT wear a mask? In times like these, not wearing a mask is disrespectful. I will be the type of person to tell people to put on a mask when they aren’t wearing it. Even when this goes down in history books, COVID is real life. It isn’t just a story for the textbooks. I definitely think this will have an effect on how the world is run from now on. Hopefully people will be more cautious with their sickness. I think the thing that shocks me most is restaurants. Restaurants are telling their employees to stay home if they feel sick because of COVID …..they should do that anyway? If someone with the flu or a cold handles food, it could be passed through and make someone sick. I think this is another awakening for how we should be looking at sickness and medicine. I also will say this will change our world and how we look at science. One of the electoral candidates says they don’t trust science, but how else are we supposed to develop vaccines? While this prompt may seem hostile, it’s the reality of our world right now. I don’t think people are taking COVID seriously enough and it is making it stick around longer. No matter how many funny tik toks you make, that doesn’t make it go away. Following CDC guidelines and COVID precautions will. However, a lot of our country refuses to believe that will help unfortunately.
Taryn Ripple
Junior
I would definitely consider this time period to be an important turning point in history, and furthermore a defining moment in my own life.
I often find myself wondering if this is it, if this is how it will be for the rest of our lives. Part of me thinks that maybe that wouldn’t be so bad; after all, it’s been months on end and people seem to be slowly but surely adapting to the new reality. I’ve grown used to grabbing my mask before I leave the apartment, to keeping the predetermined distance of six feet from others.
I think it’s also important to consider, though, how difficult it could be to go back to the way it was. The pandemic has made me lazy. It seems that almost everything can be done from the comfort of my home. How do you revert to such a high-strung, bustling lifestyle after months of doing everything from one spot?
But then I reflect on the days before the pandemic, and I want it back. I miss being able to be in close contact with my friends and family and not having to worry about transmitting a potentially deadly virus to them. I miss not having to cover up my mouth and nose before going out into the world. I miss not having to think so hard about everything.
Sydney Clifton
Senior
This is definitely a historic time on school campuses worldwide. Coronavirus is causing new history to be made, while at the same time advancing our current society and technologies at a rapid rate. We would not have seen this kind of technological advancement for at least another 20 years most likely if the pandemic had not forced everything online this year. In this, I see myself as an important part of history being a senior in college and having gotten married during this time. It will be something I can tell my children and grandchildren-something they will not likely experience in their lifetime and something that will be equivalent to my grandparents growing up during the Depression. New generations continue to talk about how Depression kids have certain tendencies to save everything and are not good with technology, while future generations after me will talk about the Pandemic kids who clean like crazy people or something like that! This will change the world and what we thought of as our "normal." After this is over, we will be forced to create a new normal for our society and maybe that is a good thing. This time has been focused on loved ones, whereas our previous society was focused on busyness and success in a corporation and monetary stance. We will teach our kids a new normal than what we and our parents were grown up into. I think that is the scariest but also the most interesting part of the pandemic.