Senioritis

One of the major revenue streams and aspects of social life in the U.S. that has been shut down nationally as the result of COVID-19 has been the world of sports. The NBA, MLB and NHL are three major organizations that have had to curtail their seasons indefinitely. Across the nation, college athletes who participate during the spring semester have had their schedules cut short. This was the last opportunity for some of these players to participate in the game they love.

In response, the Division I Council voted to extend the eligibility by a year for student-athletes who have been affected. They have also adjusted financial aid rules to take on more members on their teams. As a result of the ruling, seniors have been plagued with a tough decision: Come back for an extra year and be able to partake in a final season or to take the next step in their respective lives. Some don’t have the liberty to make a decision and will have these crazy circumstances be their lasting memory on closing out their athletic career.

Across the country, fields remain empty where they were once filled with excitement

At SUNY New Paltz, there’s a myriad of spring semester athletes that have had to face this situation head on. The teams that have been victim to the current climate are women’s tennis, equestrian, softball, baseball, women’s and men’s lacrosse. From those teams there are 117 players and from those 117, 22 are seniors. While that may not seem like a significant amount, 22 individuals are stuck in an uncertain circumstance. Matt Warshaw, a senior baseball player is amongst those 22.

The senior had everything to prove coming into his last season. He always felt that his height had made his journey even harder. Constantly being overlooked and having to put in the extra work. Hands aching sore with every passing rep in the batting cage. Washaw doesn’t focus on that pain but rather the next ball coming his way, putting that fully recovered hamstring to good use. If he’s not swinging the bat, he’s in the gym, steadily pushing his limits with each workout, exerting all 5’4” and 155 pounds on a daily basis. Others considered him to be the hardest worker on the team and it’s clear why.

“Whatever the situation was, it didn’t matter. He was going to outwork everyone even if it didn’t pan out for him” said Bobby Ramsey,  junior relief pitcher for the Hawks.

Warshaw has a deep passion for baseball  and said what he loves especially is the “quiet intensity.” He goes on to elaborate, “It’s hard to put into words, but a game can go from being silent to so loud and intense. I also liked playing baseball because it made it feel like I was living in the moment.”

His love for the game has translated into a potential career path for Warshaw. He plans on starting a baseball recruiting business called Allsportsproductions in the near future. He plans on recording and editing highlight tapes for high school athletes to send out to colleges. “I plan on starting with baseball and softball then hopefully expand to other sports.” Warshaw has also gathered former collegiate players and coaches to offer hitting lessons and pitching lessons for the company. “It's been a lot of work to set it up and try to network but I'm excited.”

Warshaw, back leg bent, hands diving down, preparing to meet the ball with the barrel of the bat.

Warshaw has been on the team since 2016 and in his time there he’s made plenty of great memories. His favorite was “When we won our first playoff game in 17 years against SUNY Brockport. We came back to win the game in the bottom of the 11th inning in an elimination game.” He smiles and continues, “It was absolutely crazy.”

Unfortunately the 2019 season wasn’t the best for the Hawks, finishing 13-19 overall and a 5-13 record within their conference but still managed to make playoffs. Despite the underwhelming performance, Warshaw kept high hopes for 2020. “My expectations for the season were to return to the playoffs and play for a conference title. I also wanted to help the younger guys get experience.”

Bad news came for all athletes in the form of a pandemic but nothing was finalized or even put forward concretely, so for many players the thought of not having a season was pushed to the backs of their minds. “I heard rumors but I never thought it would be true,” said Warshaw. He continues to describe the scene after receiving the news, “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, it was just a terrible feeling for all of the players and coaches. We were a really tight knit group, a family, so it was really hard for all of us to deal with.”

Ramsey in his windup, staring down his opponent as he prepares to keep the batter guessing and deliver his pitch

The junior relief pitcher Ramsey, a member of that “tight knit group,” has plans to take advantage of his extra year of eligibility at New Paltz where he will begin his master's program next spring. He admits that while he’s frustrated about the season he knows it pales in comparison to what the seniors are enduring and specifically sympathizes with Warshaw. “I thought he was going to have a huge year. He never really got a fair chance because our best players were always in the outfield. If he played a different position all these years he would’ve probably started and been a solid lefty hitter.”

“I thought that he had an opportunity to be a real impact player. He finally gets his chance, plays four games and then that’s it, his season’s over.” Ramsey continues talking about Warshaw, “He even got the first hit of the year for us.”

“I wanted to go out on my own terms” is a common phrase for an athlete at any level that is ending their career. Players like Warshaw don’t have the luxury of uttering this phrase. It wouldn’t be unfair for someone in this position to become bitter because of this experience. Even though the wounds are still fresh, he tries to maintain an optimistic outlook on the circumstances. “I think about it a lot and it really is upsetting to deal with. I still look back on the last four years with pride and happiness that I was blessed to have such great teammates and coaches. It sadly happened and I lost baseball and many other things, but I have been staying positive and thankful that I had my time here at New Paltz.”

“I think about it a lot and it really is upsetting to deal with. I still look back on the last four years with pride and happiness that I was blessed to have such great teammates and coaches. It sadly happened and I lost baseball and many other things, but I have been staying positive and thankful that I had my time here at New Paltz.”

Modern Day Heroes

Closer look at how the coronavirus and protective measures have affected NYS nurses and health care professionals in and out of the battlefield.

Photograph of Unity Hospital, an affiliate of Rochester Regional Health

Modern day heroes do not wear capes: They wear protective gear and work in hospitals.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, health care professionals have taken on the call for help. The surging number of cases has pressured front-line workers and put them at a high-risk of contracting the disease that has resulted in over 73,000 deaths, according to the CDC.

“It has affected every nurse’s routine,” said Registered Nurse Jose Perez.

The 26-year-old Rochester Institute of Technology graduate passed his National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) this past winter and has been working as a RN for three months. Originally from Washington Heights, Perez decided to stay upstate, where he landed a job at Rochester Regional Health’s Unity Hospital.

Before becoming a nurse, Perez dedicated most of his time to his fraternity, Lambda Sigma Upsilon (LSU). He has been an active member of the Latino-oriented, Greek lettered organization since spring 2012 as an undergrad.

“As an undergrad, I wanted to spark a change. Joining LSU gave me that opportunity by allowing me to help those in need. I will continue to do so for as long as I can,” said Perez.

The organization’s philanthropy heavily focuses on HIV and AIDS research and awareness. Despite being a graduate, Perez still advocates for these issues and helps those who are struggling, through community service.

Ordinarily, Perez works 36 to 40 hours a week and has maintained the same schedule with greater risks. It's highly uncomfortable for Perez to wear N95 masks for 12 hour shifts. Before coronavirus, Perez emphasized nurses were not required to wear face masks at all times. They have become the new normal.

“N95’s are supposed to be fitted around your face. I used to have a beard. Now I don’t. Otherwise, I'll be at even more risk,” Perez said.

In order to protect nurses and other healthcare professionals from becoming ill, the CDC set standard and transmission-based precautions to be adhered to in hospitals and clinics. Health care professionals who enter the room of patients with known or suspected COVID-19 should use a respirator or facemask, gown, gloves and eye protection.

According to the FDA, N95 respirators are different from surgical face masks because they are designed to provide a tight facial fit and block 95 percent of airborne particles. They are used more commonly by healthcare professionals than the general public. Despite its heightened protection, Perez shared that after a long day, N95s leave marks on your face, nose, cheeks and chin. He also added that its tight fitting makes it hard to open your mouth fully and talk clearly unless you shout.

Aside from tackling the uncomfortableness of personal protective equipment, nurses like Perez also have to deal with the stress of treating patients suspected or infected with the virus.

Rochester belongs to Monroe County, which currently, according to Rochester Regional Health, has 1,735 confirmed cases. Unity hospital has the second most cases. Even though Monroe might not be seen as a coronavirus hot-spot, the STAT News Covid-19 Preparedness Tool predicts that the county would be poorly prepared to handle a surge of cases with a preparedness score of six out of one-hundred.

“The days where I do not come in contact with COVID-19 patients I feel much safer,” said Perez.

He explained that when you are admitted into the hospital with flu or corona like symptoms, you would be placed under enhanced isolation precaution. To his advantage, Rochester Regional Health now offers in-house testing that provides results within 14 hours. If you test positive, you would be placed into an air-pressured room with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. To enter these rooms, health care professionals are supposed to wear a surgical mask with a N95 underneath, a face shield, gown and gloves.

If a patient tests negative, he or she is transported to another room.

John Hopkins nursing ethics expert Cynda Rushton says nurses are “grappling” with questions like “Am I potentially causing harm to my family by coming home from work everyday?” and she is certainly correct.

In order to keep his roommates from becoming sick if he does contract the virus at work, he takes measures that might seem extreme. Every time Perez comes home from work, he strips butt naked at the front door and jumps right into the shower. He washes the clothes the very next day.

“Healthcare workers feel more pressure because they have to practice social isolation more heavily, especially after work. It gets very lonely,” Perez said. As a nurse, Perez not only has a responsibility to treat patients, but to protect himself so that he does not infect others.

Being a healthcare worker has affected him mentally because he can’t hug anyone, give a handshake or any other physical touch at all. Professor Ralf Nickel, director of the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy in Wiesbaden, Germany says that touch and sense of closeness creates a feeling of comfort and well-being. Touch increases the level of dopamine in the brain, which is associated with feelings of happiness.

Perez has taken this lack of touch personally because he hasn’t been able to hug his mother and father in months. Despite being six hours away, he would occasionally drive down to New York City on his days off to visit and be with his family.

The American Nurses Association is currently offering various mental health help for nurses as they are considered at high risk for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.

To keep himself sane and entertained while at home or after a draining shift, he plays Call of Duty or watches netflix on his PlayStation 4. Perez also tries to get as much sleep as possible and video chats with his friends and family through Whatsapp.

“Sometimes as a nurse, you are taught to tough it out, so eventually you learn to deal with it” said Perez.

The Cutting Edge: The Effect of COVID-19 on WFNP Radio

WFNP - The Cutting Edge of the Hudson Valley, is a SUNY New Paltz-based radio station run by students on campus. The Edge originated back in 1971 when a group of students worked to create the radio station. The studio was set on the fourth floor of the Student Union Building back in 1973 and still stands there to this day. Things are a little different than they were back in the 70s. Today, we are facing some of the scariest times in decades.

Coronavirus is like nothing most people have ever seen before. Many people are being affected by the virus and are confined within the walls of their own homes. Same can be said for The Edge. A radio station that has roles assigned to many different individuals to ensure things run smoothly is now being forced to function without access to the studio. How can you produce segments remotely? Are things more difficult or easier from home?

The outside of the studio on the fourth floor of the Student Union Building.

Teavon Allen, second-year digital media production major, is the production director for The Edge. In his role, he is responsible for all pre-composed audio elements that go on air. What this means is that he is responsible for the creative side and development of public service announcements and various station identification elements that they play on air.

What is your podcast about?

“As a production enthusiast, I am also a host of The Culture Report, a show on The Edge which is also podcasted.” said Allen. Allen’s podcast is about “The Culture,” with each installment of the podcast Allen and his two co-hosts try to discuss an array of topics and issues relating to the Black and Latinx community. The goal of The Culture Report is to produce an entertaining show that still has a sense of substantive value. Allen says they focus on "race relations and the development of minorities." He explains that they look locally and worldwide, and at "pop culture as well.” They also try to spread awareness to up and coming artists and entrepreneurs within the community.

Is the podcast still being produced?

“At the current moment, we, unfortunately, are not still on the air. Due to the sudden disbursement of students from campus, we have not been able to continue to produce the program.” said Allen. Production of The Culture Report has come to a halt since classes and extracurricular activities were shut down on campus. Coronavirus has ruined the rest of the semester for The Culture Report but Allen still remained hopeful for the future saying, “...we are working with technical staff at the university to see if we can continue to produce the program remotely over the summer.”

How would producing after the semester ends work?

“The goal for over the summer is to produce the show remotely. We plan on using a third party calling system that allows us to all be on a “call” together. Allowing us to have a conversation and record it at the same time.” said Allen. This would allow for Allen and his co-hosts to practice social distancing during the pandemic while still producing The Culture Report. Allen is hopeful that this will occur because he is eager to get back in the studio.

Taevon Allen in studio working on production.

Does the podcast not being produced affect your grade at all?

“The podcast hasn’t had any effect on courses as it is independent from my studies. It counts in the realm of an extracurricular.” said Allen. Allen made it known that school work is the main focus at the moment and that is one of the reasons that The Culture Report is on hold for the rest of the semester.

Are any of the stations shows still running/being produced? If so by what means?

“Yes. Because we have full-time university staff members who assist and advise with the station, they were able to receive special access to record special news segments to go on air. Besides that, the station has been running on automation. This means that a computer is in charge of broadcasting music and legally required station identification elements rather than an actual DJ or host being in the studio.” said Allen. WFNP has still been able to air certain messages and music even without much studio access. The automated system allows for things to run smoothly without a DJ in the studio.

Many radio stations across the nation have had to move to remotely producing their shows. It has been done so what’s the hold up with New Paltz? Some other schools have been able to keep production alive while being away from the studio. Susquehanna University, a private school in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, has been able to keep their student run station alive through a software called Zetta which allows them to voice track audio from home. Allen made it known that WFNP does not have that same software but he would love to start working with it. New Paltz should look to invest in a software like Zetta or something similar so if The Edge ever needs to broadcast remotely again they would be able to do so with no problems.

Catholic Worship in New Paltz changed dramatically.

Many students who are in the Catholic Campus Ministry group are lamenting both the cancellation of graduation and Catholic mass services due to COVID 19.
“I think that it is good at the moment,” said Nick Alfiero. He is an Adolescent Education major in Biology from Greenlawn, New York. “There needed to be prudence. If this will help people not to be sick and die. This is the best option the school can take.” Alfiero is a member of the Catholic Campus Ministry CCM, and Alpha Pi Delta fraternity.
“I mean obviously, it’s not ideal, especially for us seniors,” said Andrew Powers. “I would personally feel terrible if I unknowingly played a role in passing along COVID. I’m not really bothered by no graduation, as I actually wasn’t going to attend anyway. But I am disappointed that I’m missing out on my last semester with my friends on campus, though I understand.” Powers is a fifth year senior History major from Poughkeepsie, New York, and is involved on campus through the Catholic Campus Ministry group. He leads the group as President on Wednesday nights and even has a faith sharing group. Powers even moved the Faith Sharing Group to Thursday afternoons on ZOOM, so he could be with his fellow club members.

“I think it’s a good response to an unprecedented crisis,” said John Gavin, SUNY New Paltz Class of 2019. The members of the Catholic Campus Ministry club are awaiting the time that they can reunite on the fourth floor of the Student Union Building.
Campus Minister Hank Grimsland is in charge of the group, and shares videos of live mass and other services offered. Grimsland is hoping the members of the group can come back to New Paltz for Pentecost, in a few weeks. Three members of the SUNY New Paltz student body will be completing the Rites of Initiation, making them officially Catholic.
In the weeks before the pandemic took its boost, several churches took out holy water. Whenever a Catholic walks into his or her church, they bless themselves with the Sign of the Cross, to signify that their baptismal vows are renewed.
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, who is in charge of the New York Archdiocese, decided to cancel public mass when Dutchess County decided to cancel all events that had 20 people or more. “It is also intended to provide clarity and consistency throughout the ten counties that comprise the Archdiocese of New York (Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess),” said Dolan.
The Archdiocese of New York stretches from Tottenville, at the south shore of Staten Island, in New York City, to just north of Kingston, New York, in the Village of Saugerties, making it one of the largest dioceses, geographically, in the United States.
Fr. John Koelle, a Catholic priest here in New Paltz, said that people started to arrive for the Saturday evening anticipated mass, at St. Joseph’s for the next day, and some did not even know mass in the Archdiocese was cancelled.
“Well, I wasn't here when people were arriving for the Saturday 5:00 pm Vigil,” said Koelle. “However, what I understand is that people were very disappointed, but understood. We have a very patient and generous parish community.” Several priests have left their churches open for private prayer during the day, on the basis that people will practice safe social distancing.
Slowly, other dioceses, around the country, and previously around the world, had started to close public mass, and transition to an online format for their faithful parishioners.
Local and state governments have now been banning Catholic clergy, and other religious leaders from entering places where those with the coronavirus are. This has left the clergy and parishioners upset that their loved ones will not get the proper rites of funeral burial. “It’s kind of sad these days,” said Fr. John Koelle. “We are not allowed to give the sacrament of last rites.”
“My reaction to the ADNY decision to suspend mass was, of course understandable,” said Fr. Koelle. “We didn't know the virus and how it's transmitted well enough to go on with limited people in the building and so, the decision to suspend was the obvious choice. That being said, we should have been back at least two weeks ago. Albeit limited, I think we can have mass with social distancing and a limited number of people.”

Fr. John Koelle is an assistant priest at Saint Joseph’s parish in New Paltz. Photo is courtesy of Fr. Koelle’s facebook.

Fr. Koelle now uploads videos of himself proclaiming the readings of each day and giving a summary on his personal Facebook page. Student John Gavin, who was mentioned earlier in this story, takes delight in watching Fr. Koelle preach. “Concerning the live streaming: people are satisfied that there is something in which they can participate prayerfully despite only viewing the mass,” said Fr. Koelle. The overwhelming majority, in my opinion, is they all want them to be back in church and receive the Eucharist.” At some hospitals, Catholic chaplains and other religious chaplains are not even allowed to go to give last rites to the hospital they are assigned to serve by their bishop.
Several CCM members talk at weekly meetings, how they enjoy the online mass with their families.
At mass, the most important point is the transubstantiation. This signifies Jesus’ turning bread and wine into his body and blood at his Last Supper.
The Catholic Church holds the truth that the Eucharist, a Wafer of bread, is the fully human and divine Jesus Christ. Whenever people receive this, it strengthens them to live out the message of Jesus Christ, and is the focal point of the whole religion. Without this people have feelings of despair, not being able to truly receive the Lord into their lives.
Regular funeral masses are not even allowed now. When a person dies, a priest at the cemetery will say the prayers, and the graveside burial is done with only ten people allowed other than the priest and funeral directors, considering the social distance protocols are followed.
This has left people in more agony, than the actual death itself, of a family member.
Every church in the Archdiocese will have several memorial masses to take place, in light of the fact that the proper burial was not performed at the time of the person’s passing.
Fr. Koelle described how he does not even know when someone has died. It sometimes has to wait until someone calls the rectory and lets them know a loved one has passed.
This despair was truly felt during Holy Week, and on Easter Sunday. Some people were not even allowed to see their family members in person, let alone attend mass. It was a truly different type of Easter. For those who are strongly Roman Catholic, this was a shocker to them.
Fr. Koelle was ordained in 2019, at a rather older age, because he had trouble discerning the priesthood at a younger age. He expressed his once eagerness in hopes to spread the word to others at Holy Week, however he was denied that opportunity.
It's possible Christmas will have to be as awkward as Easter has been. That would mean scaling back in-person worship. People will probably have to watch mass online, and spend the holiday with only with family. Leaders of the New York Archdiocese have expressed not wanting to reopen mass until all four phases of the plan have been completed in every county of the Archdiocese.
They do not want just some counties opening, and some not. For example, they would not want people from a county like Manhattan, where there are tons of cases, travelling north to Orange or Ulster, where there are not that much. They fear as it is, cases will spike again if that happens.
As it is, when mass returns, there will be strict protocols put into place to practice before there is a vaccine. Even before the cancellation of public mass, many church leaders had decided to cancel the sign of peace. The faithful would shake hands with one another as a sign of helping each other to salvation. Masks and gloves will be strictly enforced.
States like Montana, and some dioceses in Florida, where there are no longer a high number of cases, are doing this.
Many Catholic groups have been looking to eradicate the sign of peace for years. It is a distraction to the Eucharist, the most important part of the mass. The sign of peace was introduced by Vatican II. These practices can cause spread of infectious symptoms.
What Catholics do believe is that people will be more grateful for the sacraments they just took for granted. There will be a better appreciation for the faith, and people will not live lightly their responsibilities of the Catholic faith.
Many are praying for a quick return of the public Catholic mass and the Eucharist.

Cuomo's Cuts to CUNY threatens the City's most disadvantaged Students

With New York State preparing to cut billions of dollars in spending due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students and faculty are fighting back against cuts to CUNY.

Many studies have found that across the country, COVID-19 has disproportionately affected minority groups, more specifically, Black and hispanics. Queens, which has been dubbed the ‘epicenter of the epicenter,’ is the not only one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the United States, but also in the world.

Enrique Peña-Oropeza, a college student from Queens, has first-hand experience struggling with the virus. The 22-year-old and his father both lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and they both ended up contracting the virus. Enrique spent five days in the hospital, while his father spent 21 days there.

Peña-Oropeza was able to speak about this on a Zoom conference hosted by CUNY Rising Alliance, a coalition of students, workers and communities fighting for a free and quality CUNY. Unfortunately, the call had to be cut short due to it being hijacked by what seemed to be neo-nazis.

CUNY CRISIS DURING COVID-19 press conference happening now!!! Our allies in our state legislature are standing with the CUNY Community to not cut funds, and to invest in our university!! Thank you @Sen_Gounardes @HarveyforNY for being on the front lines with us pic.twitter.com/mvzUKOycyW

— CUNY Rising Alliance (@CUNYRising) May 6, 2020

A voice interrupted the call, asking if one of its members, Assemblymember Harvey Epstein had any relation to the infamous Jeffrey Epstein. Swastikas and the words ‘Trump 2020’ were being drawn.

While this is the first time Peña-Oropeza has had a Zoom call hijacked, it hasn’t been the first time he’s faced opposition towards his advocacy.

“When you’re in my position, you kind of prepare yourself for hate that could come from anywhere,” said Peña-Oropeza. “I’ve gotten insults from people on the internet a lot of times because as an immigrant, they don’t feel I have a right to speak up about this country.”

A lot of the advocacy Peña-Oropeza has been focused on funding for CUNY. Even before the pandemic started, many students were upset with how Governor Andrew Cuomo has treated CUNY. While tuition and fees are going to increase by $320 per year, aid for students will remain the same.

This is referred to as the TAP gap- the difference between the cost of tuition and the amount the school charges TAP eligible. In the past, the amount of money New York State allocated towards colleges to provide financial aid to TAP eligible students covered the entire cost of tuition. However, while tuition has increased through the years, the funding allocated to colleges has remained the same. That means colleges have to pay out of their own pocket to provide students with full financial aid. This causes strain on the colleges, and leaves them with less money in their budget to fund clubs or courses. In fact, Brooklyn College has announced that they are considering a 25% reduction to course offerings for this upcoming Fall semester. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made matters worse for CUNY and its students. Due to declining revenues, CUNY has announced that the state funding cuts applied to CUNY could be as high as $95 million. In addition to that, Mayor de Blasio has proposed $25 million in mid-year funding cuts to CUNY.

These cuts to CUNY affect the school system’s large minority population. According to the CUNY Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, of all the senior colleges, Black students make up 23.1% and Hispanic students make up 26.2% of total students, compared to 27.1% White students.

Peña-Oropeza, along with many other minority students, live in neighborhoods that have been hit hardest by the virus. Peña-Oropeza lives in Corona, Queens. In Corona, for every 1,000 people, there are 36 positive cases of COVID-19. 73.6% of the population in Corona is Hispanic and many of the house-holds are mixed-status households. This is a household in which someone files their taxes with a spouse that does not have a social security number. Mixed-status households were not eligible to receive the $1,200 stimulus check that was issued by the federal government.

In addition, many of the neighborhoods that are being hit the hardest are also being helped the least. When the City announced that they were going to be giving away free masks, some were quick to notice that areas with some of the highest rates of positive COVID-19 cases didn’t have easy access to these distribution sites.

Not one location in the Bronx portion of District 16.

10469 has the second most cases per 1000 people in the entire city. https://t.co/ebWSaVw7Sd

— Andom Ghebreghiorgis (@AndomForNY) April 30, 2020

Many students are already suffering due to the virus, and believe that their education should not take a toll due to it as well.

Kasson Colon-Mangin, a student at City College who spoke at the CUNY Rising Alliance Zoom call said, “Though I understand CUNY is facing unprecedented revenue loss, it’s unethical for CUNY to raise tuition and fees during this time,”

What everyone in the call seemed to agree on was that Governor Cuomo had to increase taxes on the ultra-rich to fund the CUNY system.

“We need a billionaires tax, a multi- millionaires tax, a pied-a-terre tax. These people have money to pay. Albany has the power to tax them.” said Michael Kink of the Budget Justice Coalition.

Into The Unknown: College Seniors Talk About Graduating Into Record Unemployment

Julie Pumarejo, a senior business analytics major at SUNY New Paltz, was ecstatic when she learned that she had gotten the management trainee position that she applied for at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, only a few months before she was due to graduate. The job came with a comfortable salary, benefits, paid time off, plenty of opportunities for advancement, but most importantly to Pumarejo, the job came with a sense of security. 

The regional manager had called her specifically to tell her about how she had impressed him during the interview process, and that he would be sending her a contract via email that coming Friday. “I felt like everything was starting to fall into place, Pumarejo says. 

Pumarejo outside of her college apartment in New Paltz. Photo by Abigail Foster

That Friday, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the WHO, and Pumarejo’s contract was never sent.

The number of unemployed Americans has risen to 33 million since mid March, and that number stands to grow larger as millions of college seniors prepare to graduate into an impending recession. During the 2008 financial crisis, the unemployment rate for recent college graduates was 10.8%. Currently, that figure stands at 17.2%, and the future for recent graduates doesn’t look too bright. According to a report by The Atlantic, millenials that came of age during the 2008 recession were underpaid and are still struggling to pay off their student loans. 

Pumarejo says that her sister, who is a millennial, was unemployed for six months after her graduation. Bouncing around from job to job, she received meager salaries and poor benefits before deciding to go back to school years later. “I saw a lot of tears and a lot of misery,” Pumarejo says. “So that’s definitely making me a little fearful.”

Pumarejo’s parents work for New York State, and have never experienced unemployment. “They’ve always pressured me to get a government job because of the security,” says Pumarejo, whose dream is to be a business administrator. She expects them to apply even more pressure now that she is due to be an unemployed graduate. “They are always sending me postings for MTA jobs in Long Island, but that’s not what I want to do,” she says.

“I saw a lot of tears and a lot of misery,”

— Julie Pumarejo

LinkedIn, the popular professional networking platform, lists several essential industries that are still hiring during the pandemic. Walmart is looking to hire 50,000 workers for their distribution and fulfillment centers, Amazon needs 175,000 people for their fulfillment centers and delivery services, and Instacart is looking for 300,000 contract workers for the next three months. Other employers on the list include CVS, Pizza Hut, FedEx, Lowe’s and Dollar General.

But those jobs aren’t what most college grads are dreaming of. For instance, in early March, Paola Ortiz, a senior business major, had an offer of an internship with Atlantic Tomorrow’s office in Newburgh. That job with the IT firm was set to turn into full-time employment in May, when Ortiz will graduate. Looking forward to the work, Ortiz started shopping for her very first car, something she didn’t need in Queens where she is originally from, and an apartment around Newburgh to share with her best friend.

But Atlantic Tomorrow’s had to pull the job from Ortiz, along with 100 other employees. She reacted by quickly applying to 20 different essential businesses in the Hudson Valley before finally hearing back from a warehouse in Newburgh. For the next year, as per the contract she was required to sign, Ortiz will be loading supplies into trucks bound for grocery stores from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.. A bachelor’s degree was not one of the requirements needed to get the job. “I feel like all of the hard work I put into my four years at college was for nothing,” she says. 

Ortiz and her two year old cat Milo. Ortiz and Milo are currently looking for an apartment near the warehouse where Ortiz will be working for the next year. Photo by Abigail Foster

Ortiz’s goal was to work for an environmental company that cleans waste out of the ocean. “I found a company down in Florida that does that, but I can’t pack up all of my stuff and move there right now,” she says. Until she could afford the move and apply for that job, a full-time position at Atlantic Tomorrow’s would’ve been a good place holder.

“I was told by my boss that they don’t think they will be hiring anyone for a long time,” says Ortiz. “I felt so hopeless.”

Ortiz, who has recently started training for her job at the Newburgh warehouse, says the work is physically demanding and that she is one of only a few women working on her crew. 

Mark McFadden, the director of SUNY New Paltz’s Career Resource Center, says that there are still opportunities available to seniors despite the state of the economy. He urges students to regularly check the school’s job posting board, HawkWire, which has averaged 100 new job postings a week since the pandemic started. 

““I was told by my boss that they don’t think they will be hiring anyone for a long time,” says Ortiz. “I felt so hopeless.””

— Paola Ortiz

McFadden also recommends using sites like Candor and The Muse to stay up to date on which companies are still hiring. He notes that New York State is looking to hire 17,000 people to help trace and support those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. 

McFadden says that, while seniors are searching for employment they can still gain new skills through micro internships or volunteer work. “We know this isn’t what most seniors are looking for, but such an experience will not only allow you to make a significant difference in your community, but also develop those professional skills that employers look for,” he says. 

It is unclear when the number of Coronavirus cases in the United States will recede, or when businesses will be financially stable enough to start hiring again, but Pumarejo remains hopeful. 

“I’m not too worried about it. The economy has to bounce back at some point, and even before that happens, I’m going to keep applying for jobs until I find one,” she says.

Ortiz on the other hand, feels that her dream job is farther away than it was before the pandemic. “I was only planning to work at Atlantic Tomorrow’s for a year or two to save up money, and then I was going to move to Florida and apply to that environmental company,” she says. “Now, I feel like my life has been put on pause and I don’t know when it will start up again.”

Unemployed People Inconvenienced by COVID-19

From lay-offs to furloughs; the impact unemployment has on people’s lives.

Photo of unemployment graph courtesy of Fortune.com

“My initial reaction was just a little bit of a panic. How am I going to pay all my bills moving forward?” said Sarah Dawson, a 29-year-old designer from Brooklyn. Dawson is among the millions of U.S citizens who are unemployed due to the Coronavirus pandemic and are faced with the worries of having no pay. 

Sarah Dawson posed with her sewing machine.

She worked for a swimwear company from late August 2019 until the crisis affected “nonessential” companies in March, 2020. Dawson was used to having a routine that allowed her to stay active and create. Her days would begin at 5 a.m when she would get up and go to the gym. After about an hour of exercising, she would go home to get ready for work and had a 30-45 minute commute to Manhattan. Her workday would start with at least two or three meetings and then she’d be able to get into her cycle. 

She has her own brand creating intimate apparel called Sada by Sarah, so working for a swimwear company was new and exciting to her. “There were different things that I had to keep in mind in regards to fit and fabrication,” said Dawson. When she got off the clock from her job, she went home to either meet with clients or work on orders for her business. However, those few months of being busy for a majority of her days changed abruptly. 

According to Market Watch, 26 million Americans have filed for unemployment due to COVID-19, as of April 23. People who don’t have “essential” jobs such as; healthcare, news media, telecommunication, and food services, are unemployed, on furlough, or they’re working from home. “There has been massive waves of unemployment but never has a crisis caused such an accelerated and rapid decline,” said Zoe Fanzo, senior associate at The Bachrach Group recruiting agency.

Shortly after COVID-19 caused a pandemic, Dawson received a mass email from HR at her company stating that all employees would be on furlough with no pay and no guarantee of being rehired. “I just felt like the company was very irresponsible initially because I knew that it was nothing that I had done and it was out of my control,” said Dawson. Fortunately, she has her own business and she had some money saved up in her emergency funds to hold her up for a few months. 

According to Newsweek, furlough, is a mandatory suspension without pay. However, there is uncertainty about whether companies will be able to bounce back from this crisis. About 90 percent of the people that Fanzo worked with are currently unemployed.

Brandon Beltran before the pandemic.

Dawson’s disappointment from losing her job due to this crisis is shared by many people across the nation. This includes 26-year-old Brandon Beltran who lives in Maryland.

A typical day for Beltran consisted of working for 12 to 14 hours. He served as the branch rental manager at Enterprise where he was in charge of managing the number of cars the company needed for the week, payroll, and employee hours. “I was responsible for my own growth and pay, so the better I did, the more I got paid and the faster I got promoted,” said Beltran. He was working at Enterprise for three years and the mobility of his job kept him motivated to stay there.

Unfortunately, Beltran was furloughed in March. At first, there was a possibility of returning to the company because it was just a suspension. But a week later, he heard he’d be fired. “A majority of retail businesses at the time were laying off a lot of people, so I expected it to come from my job as well,” Beltran said.

Beltran still had unused vacation days, so he is getting paid for those. His life hasn’t changed from a lack of income, however, he has been affected mentally. “You start to think what if they never wanted to keep you as an employee or if they were already trying to get rid of you and this is the perfect excuse to,” said Beltran.

The New Normal

Dawson and Beltran are both used to having busy schedules and spending a lot of their time at work. Now that they aren’t working, there has been a shift in the way that they stay productive. While that thought of losing his job weighs on his mind, Beltran is occupying it in another way. He is using his newfound idle time to take free online classes from Harvard. He lives with his girlfriend, so they’ve been spending more time with each other. 

Dawson is utilizing her designing skills to help keep people safe by making masks and selling them. She also taught her sister how to sew and they collaborated on creating masks.  “I usually have no time to spend with my family because I’m so stuck in my routine of work,” said Dawson. While being unemployed has its downsides, Dawson found a new way to make money and be more present with her family at once.

Masks designed and created by Sarah Dawson.

Looking towards Future Employment

Ever since Beltran became unemployed, he has been actively searching for a new place to work. Beltran applies to about three or four jobs a day. He’s had an interview lined up just a day after being laid off. “I would be looking for job security,” said Beltran. He is hoping that his future establishment does better at communicating with employees. 

Dawson has a different set of expectations for her future employment. Even if she got rehired, her former company no longer serves her interest. “I realize how much I don’t want to go back and how much I don’t want to be complacent again at another big corporation,” said Dawson. Before she received her position at the swimwear company, she was working for her own brand, and she plans to expand her business more. She’s looking into part-time jobs for instructional work that will allow her to teach people.

Dawson and Beltran both share a common concern about jobs after this lockdown: preparation. While this pandemic had a bigger effect than anyone would’ve expected, many companies were not ready for any crisis at all. “I felt like as a big corporation, you should be prepared, not for this exact situation, but for unforeseen loss of income,” said Dawson. 

Many companies were not prepared for a crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Institute of Public Relations, 52% of the companies they reached out to said that the crisis has a “moderate” or “major” impact on their business operation and 83% are “moderately” or “extremely” concerned about the impact it will have on their companies as a whole. 

“I think a lot of companies need to just figure out what plan they will have in case of a situation we’re going through right now,” said Beltran.

Fanzo, the job recruiter, was used to working in an economy where most candidates were employees and having mobility to jobs with higher-paying salaries. Now she is faced with candidates who are more interested in finding work than finding their dream job.

Post- Quarantine Positivity

Fanzo suggests that when looking for work in the future, it would be best to ask employers about the way they treated their staff in response to COVID-19. According to Market Watch, COVID-19 has caused almost as much of a strain on unemployment as The Great Depression did in the 1930s. However, Fanzo assures that people facing job loss like Dawson and Beltran should stay hopeful. She has colleagues who have been recruiting for decades and have seen the way unemployment fluctuates in times of a crisis. “Though it is difficult right now, I would encourage unemployed people to know that things will bounce back, hiring will resume, and there will be opportunities to rebuild the economy,” said Fanzo.

Although Dawson and Beltran are forced to go looking to the job market again, this crisis has allowed them to see what they want in a future job. Dawson plans to take notes on the way companies are handling this situation to help with her own company’s growth. “Can I plan ahead to have funding for my employees that if we can’t work for months I can still pay people’s salaries?” said Dawson. In Dawson’s case, companies’ response to this crisis is an eye-opener for her own business plans. 

“It’s not necessarily what I’m looking for in other companies, but what I want to do with my own company moving forward in case of a crisis.”

Play Cancellation and Online Learning: How the SUNY New Paltz Theatre Department Is Dealing With The New Normal

The possibility of online classes continuing into the fall semester will cause some to give their future plans in the theatre department serious thought.

Posters of previous SUNY New Paltz productions hanging off of Parker Theatre. The poster for Spring Awakening got obscured by the wind. Photo by Nick Califra.

Senior college student Maddie Coffey’s day is consumed by theatre. As stage production manager on SUNY New Paltz’s production of Spring Awakening, she meticulously organizes everything and makes sure the cast and crew involved with the play knows where to be at what time. She makes and sends out schedules to the cast, and organizes meetings with set and costume designers as well as with the director of the play. 

Six nights a week, she watches rehearsal from 6-11 p.m. and then sweeps and mops the stage, sets the props and makes sure everything is ready to repeat the same process the next day.

“Even when I’m not at rehearsal, I’m like always on the clock, answering emails and keeping everyone organized,” said Coffey. “The stage manager is kind of like the middleman that holds all the other aspects of the show together.”

However, there was nothing Coffey could do about the coronavirus pandemic completely shutting down schools, workplaces and any semblance of normal life, including the production of Spring Awakening. 

“I lost it. I just broke down. I was so upset,” Coffey recalled when she found out about the school closures through the news. “Even though no one officially told me yet, I knew that the show wasn’t going to continue.”

Coffey immediately cancelled the production meeting set for 6:30 p.m. on March 11, and instead scheduled a mandatory meeting for the entire cast and crew.

Kaz Flood, the production’s female lead, walked into McKenna Theater that night with a couple of friends to find everyone sitting and not prepping for rehearsal. She knew the inevitable had happened.

“It was really sad because the night before we had literally just finished the show,” said Flood, who recalled performing the whole production in rehearsal. “We could have done a really rough run through the next day, but instead [it] got cancelled.” 

“Somebody said the other day that the year 2020 was kind of like you looked both ways to cross the street, and you start to cross and you get hit by an airplane,”

— Catherine Doherty, Director of Spring Awakening

The pandemic doesn't just affect New Paltz’s theatre department, but also New York City’s Broadway as all shows are postponed until at least Sept. 6. According to NPR, the 2018-19 Broadway season brought in $1.8 billion in gross revenue and contributed $14.7 billion to the city’s economy. 

Due to the closures caused by COVID-19, Broadway could lose anywhere from $250 to $500 million, according to Variety.

For Flood, a junior majoring in theatre performance, the disappointing cancellation is not as upsetting as she will have another year of roles to perform at New Paltz.

For the seniors involved, their final collegic performance may have already happened.

Kaz Flood standing in a mask outside of Parker Theatre. Photo by Nick Califra.

Spring Awakening was supposed to be William Hennessey’s first mainstage production and senior show. He was set to portray multiple characters, including Herr Stiefel. 

Acting in a mainstage play is a goal that every actor at New Paltz sets their sights on. So much so, that Hennessey would reconsider his future if he did not get there.

“I kind of made a bet with myself that if I didn't get into a mainstage then maybe this wasn't for me,” Hennessey recalled.

There are different tiers of shows at New Paltz, but everyone auditions for the mainstage. The people who are not cast in the primary production are put in either the practice shows or stage readings.

“Faculty always insist that practice and stage readings are just as big a part of the theatre department as the mainstages are,” said Hennessey. “But among the students, emotionally, I don't think it's treated as such because the mainstages are such big parts of the season.” 

Due to the coronavirus, the theatre department has moved online just like every other school in the United States. Only now, students find themselves performing to web cameras and writing essays instead of preparing and performing in front of an in-person audience of people.

For Catherine Doherty, the director of Spring Awakening and theatre professor at New Paltz, the whole online curriculum has been challenging.

“I think it's challenging for both the faculty member, and for the student,” said Doherty. “Somebody said the other day that the year 2020 was kind of like you looked both ways to cross the street, and you start to cross and you get hit by an airplane.”

Doherty feels COVID-19 could not have come at a worse time in the semester. For instance, her Period Styles acting class, which relies heavily on ensemble cooperation, and focuses on culture and theatre from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, was just starting to get to a productive place. 

Her students, Doherty says, were just getting comfortable in critiquing and giving critical feedback on each others monologues from the Greek and Roman period. That class chemistry takes some time to develop and can be difficult to replicate through video chat.

For all the confusion and newness the online curriculum has brought, it has also produced some surprising results as students have found ways to perform to a web camera in some innovative presentations that a classroom would not allow. 

For example, one student performed a monologue as Death from the play EveryMan with red fabric over his face which turned into his hood and a humidifier running to give the effect of smoke in the room. 

“It was a really impactful, imaginative piece of theatre,” said Doherty. “And now they're finding ways to theatricalize a two dimensional presentation, which would normally be three dimensional...the creativity and the focus and the diligence with which a lot of this work is coming in is inspiring.”

Hennessey has been able to appreciate the camera practice that comes with acting through a computer. “If you're planning on also translating into television and film and in short films, it's very integral that you know how to work with a camera.”  

Some students have even started to participate in a Virtual Theatre Collaboration Facebook group where students create, act in and edit productions completely online in quarantine.

Hennessey is one of the video editors for the group and thinks it’s a good creative outlet. Although it comes with uncertainty, the final products have proved that the risk can pay off and the process can be fun. 

Virtual Theatre Collaboration’s Facebook group logo.

But for all the silver linings and different approaches the online medium has brought to the theatre department, it just doesn’t seem to substitute for the in-person experience. 

“I probably won’t continue going to school,”

— Kaz Flood, SUNY New Paltz Theatre Student

Hennessey says that theatre doesn’t really work the same online as there is no receptive audience to see if the performance is working.

The online medium has been especially challenging for Coffey’s Scene Design course, where she would have to make a model box of a theatre set.

“It's hard not being in class and seeing what other people are doing,” said Coffey. “You could see someone's project and be like, ‘that's a great idea’ and it could spark an idea for you.”

Before coronavirus, Flood would take vocal lessons in her Musical Theatre course where professor Katya Stanislavskaya would work on songs with her to bring into auditions. The sessions allowed for helpful one-on-one time with Stanislavskaya along with constructive criticism and feedback from her peers.

Now, Flood has to send recordings of her vocals to her professor and work on the songs by herself due to the lag and poor audio quality that online video chat provides.

“It's difficult, it's a challenge to teach yourself a song,” said Flood. “It's technology that is the problem...learning a song is just slower when you can’t be there with the person.”

The possibility of online classes continuing into the fall semester will cause some to give their future plans in the theatre department serious thought.

“I probably won't continue going to school,” said Flood. 

“So much of the theatre department is being in person,” agreed Michael Risio, who has only one semester to go before graduation. “I’d really have to think about it like maybe I take a semester off and come back in the spring and finish strong.”

Doherty acknowledges the frustration students are experiencing with the online format, but realizes that classes needed to continue in some way. 

“I believe it was imperative that we found a way to continue as best we could to move forward and keep working in any way we could and can,” said Doherty in an email. “Theatre has faced throughout history shutdowns and challenges...and it came back in new, fresh and inventive ways.”

The lasting impact from the virus on the theatre industry as a whole is yet to be seen, but Doherty anticipates there will be a ripple effect.

“I think that there’s going to be, in general at New Paltz, a bit of a dip in enrollment in the fall,” said Doherty. “But we’ve been very pleased with the individuals that have reached out to us. They’re proceeding business as usual, reframed.”

As of right now, the theatre department plans to put on Spring Awakening in the fall with everyone who was previously involved to be welcomed back in the roles they were originally cast in. 

Promotional poster for the 2019-2020 mainstage productions. Photo by Nick Califra.

“If it means that we have to disinfect the theater after every show or before every show, then let's get a team of people in there and get that theater, as safe as we can,” said Doherty, of precautions that might be necessary. “We want to see what we can do because that's the whole premise of the live theater experience, the operative word being ‘live.’”

For the seniors, who are about to enter the workforce into an industry that is completely shutdown, their future is uncertain. 

“I’ll probably try to find a job at a Starbucks because they’re always open. They’re even open right now,” said Coffey if her internship set for the fall at Disney World in Florida ends up being cancelled.

“There’s not much to be done,” said Hennessey, of trying to audition and work in the current state of the theatre industry. “I mean you can't hold live theatre with an audience at a time like this, it's just too risky. Other than producing content online there isn't really much you can do.”

Kaihl's Final Feature Draft

WFNP - The Cutting Edge of the Hudson Valley, is a SUNY New Paltz based radio station run by students on campus. The Edge originated back in 1971 when a group of students worked to create the radio station. The studio is set on the fourth floor of the Student Union Building back in 1973 and still stands there to this day. Things are a little different today than they were back in the 70s. Today, we are facing some of the scariest times in decades.

The Coronavirus Pandemic is like nothing most people have ever seen before. Many are being affected by the virus and it has caused us to transition our everyday lives to be lived confined within the walls of our own homes. Many are being forced to work, learn, teach, and do pretty much everything else at home. Same can be said for The Edge.

Teavon Allen, second year digital media production major, is the production director for The Edge. In his role, he is responsible for all pre-produced audio elements that go on air. What this means is that he is responsible for the creative side and development of public service announcements and various station identification elements that they play on air.

What is your podcast about? “As a production enthusiast, I am also a host of The Culture Report, a show on The Edge which is also podcasted.” said Allen. Simply put Allen’s podcast is about “The Culture.” With each installment of the podcast Allen and his two co-hosts try to discuss an array of topics and issues relating to the Black and Latinx community. The goal of The Culture Report is to produce an entertaining show that still has a sense of substantive value. “We often ask some big questions with respect to race relations and the development of minorities within this country and around the world, usually relating topics to pop culture as well.” Allen stated. On the show they also try to use their platform to spread awareness to up and coming artists and entrepreneurs within the community.

Is the podcast still being produced?

“At the current moment, we, unfortunately, are not still on the air. Due to the sudden disbursement of students from campus, we have not been able to continue to produce the program.” said Allen. Production of The Culture Report has come to a halt since classes and extracurricular activities were shut down on campus. Coronavirus has ruined the rest of the semester for Allen and his co-hosts but Allen still remained hopeful for the future saying this, “...we are working with technical staff at the university to see if we can continue to produce the program remotely over the summer.”

How would producing over the summer work?

“The goal for over the summer is to produce the show remotely. This means being able to have a show with each host being in a different location. We are still working out how we plan on doing this but in a general sense, we are going to use a third party calling system that allows us to all be on a “call” together. Allowing us to have a conversation and record it at the same time.” said Allen. This would allow for Allen and his co-hosts to practice social distancing during the pandemic while still producing The Culture Report. Allen is hopeful that this will occur because he is eager to get back in the studio.

Does the podcast not being produced affect your grade at all?

“The podcast hasn’t had any effect on courses as it is independent from my studies. It counts in the realm of an extracurricular.” said Allen. Fortunately for the hosts of the podcasts there is no effect on their overall grades; but Allen made it known that school work is the main focus at the moment and that is one of the reasons that The Culture Report is on hold for the rest of the semester.

Are any of the stations shows still running/being produced? If so by what means?

“Yes. Because we have full-time university staff members who assist and advise with the station, they were able to receive special access to record special news segments to go on air. Besides that, the station has been running on automation. This means that a computer is in charge of broadcasting music and legally required station identification elements rather than an actual DJ or host being in the studio.” said Allen. WFNP has still been able to air certain messages and music even without much studio access. The automated system allows for things to run smoothly without a DJ in the studio.

Forgotten Essential Workers

For many of us, life is currently on pause. We are stuck at home, often without jobs, or friends, or sometimes even family. But there is a group of people whose lives have been pushed into overdrive. You’re probably thinking of healthcare workers. But that section of the workforce has been getting plenty of positive feedback, with neighborhoods coming outdoors to bang on pots and pans once a week. The more overlooked laborers are those working in the only place most of us still leave our houses for nowadays: grocery stores.

Grocery chains like Tops, Price Chopper, and Stop & Shop have experienced huge surges of people panic buying food to stock up throughout the stay-at-home orders put into place by nearly every state and nation on Earth. Shelves of many needed goods such as eggs, butter, and the heavily memed toilet paper, have either been completely emptied or restricted to only a certain amount per person. According to Evle Llu from Barron’s Financial, a business newspaper following the markets since 1921, grocery store chains have been some of the few businesses to actually gain in stock value while the rest of the market has crashed by 20% or more. As many companies lose money hand over fist, Walmart, Krogers, and Price Chopper are still making steady and growing profits. This increased demand has been felt most by the employees inside of these stores. Chains that were previously open 24/7 now close at an earlier hour, but there are still workers inside busily restocking shelves with orders that come in every night.

A busy grocery store in New York after Gov. Cuomo’s mandatory mask law. Photo by Takura Sophia-Blaise

A proud Amy in her one bedroom apartment. She plans to get cats and more furniture soon. Photo by Takura Sophia-Blaise

One of those employees is a young woman named Amelia Roth. Known to her friends as Amy, she is 22, and has been working at a Tops in New Paltz for almost a year now. The job started as a part-time gig to pay for renting a room with her brother in a house miles from her parents. The freedom from home is what allowed them to start expressing more of their true selves. Amy used to be known as Zach, and has been transitioning slowly over the past six months. After briefly working part time, Amy was offered a full-time position. The hours would be during the overnight shifts, eight hours a day, six days a week. 

Many people might avoid working the graveyard shift, but for Amy it was perfect. “I’m an anxious person in general.,” says Amy. “In the overnight shifts I could just chat with coworkers and restock without too much pressure.” The 48 hour work week also gave her enough financial stability to rent a single bedroom apartment and move into it while still paying the final month of her room-share house. The new home and the job with late shifts allowed her to transition at her own pace without too many critical eyes. “It was great to be able to really be alone and independent for the first time in my life. I could learn who I really am.”

But this perfect equilibrium didn’t last long. After working the full overnight work week for a month there was a sudden change in the number of shoppers at all hours. “Normally after midnight there would only be a handful of customers until 6 a.m. Suddenly the store was full of panic buyers at all hours of the night.” COVID-19 had finally reached the United States. For some, like Amy, who don’t pay much attention to the news, this was a surprise. But there were a few people who knew that things were likely going to be bad.

Another grocery store laborer, who will go by the name Jane in this article to secure their anonymity, has also been feeling the pressure of working during a pandemic. They have been employed at a grocery store since graduating from UAlbany in 2018. Because Jane’s sister is a nurse, she learned that the spread of the virus was getting serious quickly from firsthand accounts. According to a recent New York Times piece, the virus may have been spreading in major cities undetected for an entire month. In the cities of Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Boston, there is assumed to have been as many as 28,000 cases by March 1, 2020. The official count of confirmed cases by then was only 23.  

Some of Jane’s family members were begging them to quit their job, but they had the obligation of paying student loans. To make matters worse, Jane believed management in their store was downplaying the severity of the upcoming virus surge. “When it came to safety precautions, like a plastic wall between cashiers and customers and free gloves, management really dragged their heels. If it wasn’t for the union my store has, we might never have gotten those things.”

Jeannette Meade’s EV is hardly a Tesla. Photo by Michael Frank.

The COVID-19pandemic has caused many of us to re-evaluate the position of grocery store workers in society. What was once thought of as only a dead-end job for the high school and college age demographic, has now fallen under the category of “essential” job in society. According to the Economic Policy Institute, unemployment has risen to a whopping 15% from its pre-COVID-19 levels of 3.5%. But unlike other businesses, it was impossible for grocery stores to either have employees work from home or close. For Amy, the new reverence that came with being labelled essential was mostly amusing. “People come up to me now and will just say ‘thank you’ out of nowhere. I think it’s funny. I'm just happy to have a job at all.”

But for Jane the change in tone is a bit mixed. “Some people just say thank you as lip service. Like management now plays a clip of the CEO calling us ‘heroes’ for working through the pandemic. But they didn't want to provide us extra protective equipment until forced to.” Even the customer’s kindness can feel forced. “Some of the customers make an extra effort to stay away from us. Almost as if they think we’re dirty. Just because we’re still out working.”

“Some of the customers make an extra effort to stay away from us. Almost as if they think we’re dirty. Just because we’re still out working.”

There are many grocery store workers who aren’t in a union of any kind. Places like Walmart and Amazon fulfillment centers have actively tried to hinder unions forming in their businesses. A recently leaked memo published by Vox, shows Amazon executives planning a smear campaign against a worker trying to organize worker protests due to unsafe working conditions. In the memo, Amazon called the organizer “not smart, or articulate” and that they already explained “for the umpteenth time” that they are trying to protect workers.

It is unclear if the new positive and thankful tone that grocery workers are starting to receive from customers and management during this epidemic will stick. “There are still people that act like everything is normal. I think those people are real jerks.”

Amy and Jane aren't counting on any large changes going forward. They plan to keep doing what they've always done: keep their heads up and work. As many of us have discovered at one point or more in our lives, dreams are not free. And in today's world, they aren’t cheap either. “Personally, I’m trying to save up to get my own cats,” says Amy. “Gotta pay for shots and a pet fee my apartment charges. And I don’t think I’ll be able to stop at one cat!

---

Service Story Template for Final Feature

Ways for Women to Use the Quarantine for Hair Care

DEK: Regimens, Products, Hairstyles and Remedies Right at Home

Photo of artwork with hair extensions found on Instagram @_tiffysbeautybar_

“The aftermath of actually looking at yourself and seeing how good you look will make you feel better.””

— Alisha Damon

Lede including source/expert: The lockdown does not have to interfere with your hair care according to a natural hairstylist of nine years from Brooklyn, Alisha Richards. The rapid spread of COVID-19 has caused salons such as Damon’s to shut down. “It has allowed me to be more proactive about advertising and connecting with my clients during this time,” says Damon. She has been creating more instructional videos and posting them on her Instagram stories. Hair is Damon’s passion and she has ways to help you, especially if you’re struggling with your own.

Create a Regimen, Cleanse those Tresses!

In the wake of quarantine, you may not have the energy to cater to the process of doing your hair. However, a natural hair enthusiast on Youtube, Natural Niche, suggests that developing a regimen and having a set day for washing and styling your locks will help make it healthier and more manageable. The process and time for washing your hair will vary depending on its texture. 

“Washing consists of shampoo, deep condition for 15 to 30 minutes depending on hair damage, detangling and styling it however you want,” says Damon.

A wash day routine recommended by a natural hair blog site, The Lavish Beauty Palace, includes washing your hair in the shower with shampoo or co-washing (using conditioner only), depending on what you feel more comfortable with. Secondly, prep your locks for air drying by using a t-shirt or microfiber towel and then part your hair down the middle and then part each side of your hair into three more sections. Next step is to detangle and deep condition using your favorite conditioner and detangle your hair by starting at the ends of your hair and move upwards with a demi brush; after detangling you should braid every section of your hair and let it sit for an hour, then rinse the conditioner out of your hair. Finally, you will need to air dry for 10 hours and after the time has passed you can oil your scalp and take out the braids!

Treat Yo’ Scalp!

Aside from hair washing, the next step of hair maintenance is moisturizing your scalp. Damon suggests that oiling your scalp is necessary, especially if it is dry. According to Healthline, dry scalp occurs when you have too little moisture which causes the skin on your scalp to become irritated and flake off. If you do not have a dry scalp, Damon recommends that you can oil your scalp every other day or twice a week. If you have a dry scalp, you should oil it daily. According to an article on a beauty website, Byrdie, you should stay away from petroleum-based oils because they tend to clog pores and weigh your tresses down. Instead, you should to natural oils, which include but are not limited to jojoba, coconut, Jamaican Black castor, argan or avocado. According to Naturally Curly, if you use shea butter, your mane will glow thanks to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Essentials!

The products you use are an essential part of a successful regimen. According to Damon, Shea Moisture is a good brand for hair care that can be used in your routine. As previously mentioned, Jamaican Black Castor oil was suggested by Naturally Curly to treat a dry scalp. An article from the Natural Club says “It strengthens, nourishes, moisturizes, and structures your hair and, it prevents breakage, hair loss, and infections.” Damon uses Shea Moisture’s JBCO line on her clients. The line was highly recommended by Youtube naturalista, Brandi Christina when she made a video using the shampoo, conditioner, treatment masque, and leave-in conditioner. Shea moisture has more collections centered around other organic ingredients. HQ Hair made a list of various products from Shea Moisture’s other line. Some products on the list are; their Coconut and Hibiscus curl enhancing smoothie, shampoo, and curling gel souffle, Raw Shea Butter deep treatment masque, and retention shampoo, Jamaican Black Castor oil leave-in conditioner and edge treatment, and their Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewal System Hair Masque. 

Braids, Twists, Styles to make you Smile -- Perfect your CRAFT

The free time you have from quarantine will give you plenty of time to explore new hairstyles. Damon suggests protective styles because they are styles that don’t require you to perform your regimen and helps with hair growth, such as, twist outs, cornrows, box braids, Bantu knots and more. “You have the time. What I would do is try out styles that I’ve possibly done before and had a hard time doing it,” says Damon. Natural Niche also mentioned that you could use the quarantine to try out new styles that you might have been hesitant to do from being busy or from having a potentially bad hair day.  

Range of protective styles from Frizzoff.com

Unbelievable Remedies

Eggs, avocados, bananas?! They sound like ingredients for a healthy feast, but they are actually great supplements for your mane’s maintenance. Damon listed rice water to help with growth and smoothening out the hair. Honey to help with the shine. She also listed peanut oil because it softens your hair, reduces and controls flakiness which is beneficial for your lock’s upkeep. According to Byrdie, eggs have lecithin and protein, therefore eggs give it the ability to strengthen and heal the strands and it can get rid of dandruff. According to the hair company, Hairfinity, bananas help with your hair’s manageability and moisturization. Hairfinity also says that avocados lock moisture into your hair cells and strengthens your roots. You can use these ingredients on your fro by watching DIY videos from naturalistas on Youtube and make your own. You can repair your hair in the comfort of your own home!

Take Advantage of Your Free Time

You have the ability to become your own natural hairstylist in the midst of this crisis and cure the boredom of social distancing. “The aftermath of actually looking at yourself and seeing how good you look will make you feel better,” Damon says. 

Albany’s Eye of the Storm: The Hardships of Nurses at St. Peter’s Hospital

With a majority of media outlets focusing on the struggles of New York City’s nurses fighting COVID-19, those on the front lines in the Empire State’s capital face similar battles and trauma.

It’s seven o’clock in the morning. Medical surgeon nurse Alicia Lackey arrives at work and puts on her gown, gloves, mask and face shield. 

A male patient was medevaced in from New York City two hours ago and is laying on a stretcher in the emergency room of St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany. Lackey doesn’t know if the patient is COVID-positive yet, but she knows it’s best to act like he is. 

All of a sudden, something goes wrong. The man needs emergency dialysis. His kidneys are failing, which is an increasingly common complication associated with COVID-19 patients, even without prior kidney issues. Lackey tries to insert a catheter into his neck, but he’s bleeding everywhere and it’s not stopping. Simultaneously, the patient’s blood pressure is dropping and the IV line needed to stabilize him is far from his bed.

The air conditioning in the room is broken and Lackey is standing there with a doctor, covered in blood and overheating in layers of protective gear. She’s overwhelmed, feeling like she’s going to pass out at any moment.

This was a harsh reality for the 36-year old in a hospital receiving overflow from clinics in COVID-19’s global epicenter.

“I've never experienced anything like that,” Lackey said, weeks later.

Nurses at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, despite not dealing with nearly the same number of COVID-positive patients as New York City clinics, share similar mentally and physically taxing experiences as their counterparts in America’s biggest city.

St. Peter’s is a large urban hospital with a 482-bed capacity, the largest in the area behind the 748-bed Albany Medical Center. The area they primarily serve, Albany County, has 1,367 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of May 12. Of those, 61 have died and 210 have been hospitalized.

“I had a patient that was going to pass away and I had to hold up an iPad for the family to say their goodbyes [over video call], because we weren’t allowing anybody in.”

— Sara Tessitore

According to Stat News, the state capital has been underprepared during the outbreak, with an overall “low” preparedness score of 23 out of 100. The website says that the score “takes into account a number of different factors, including residents’ access to care, their risk for severe COVID-19 infections and a county’s overall vulnerability.”

The relatively nearby District of Columbia has a higher preparedness score of 38, with 234 critical staff for every 100,000 residents. They also have the advantage of a young population, with only 12% of residents over the age of 65, who are often considered the most vulnerable people to COVID infection.

Yet Albany only has 94 critical staff for every 100,000 residents and a deficit of over 6,200 intensive care unit (ICU) beds for a theoretical peak of infection.

Close to the current peak of New York’s curve in early spring, St. Peter’s was operating two ICUs: one exclusively for COVID patients and one for standard admittance. As the number of local cases climbed, this arrangement was abandoned as the two ICUs began caring for both types of patients. At one point, the hospital was the host to as many as four ICU floors.

More ICUs meant more nurses were needed to staff them, which presented another unsolved issue. 

America’s nursing shortage that has persisted for years has only been worsened by the pandemic.

The World Health Organization reported that in 2018, there was a worldwide shortage of nearly six million nurses. That same year, an RN Network study reported that 91% of nurses surveyed felt their hospitals were understaffed.

This sentiment was echoed at St. Peter’s, with various types of nurses being called upon to assist on the most severe of COVID cases.

Instead of a critical care nurse overseeing just one or two patients, the short staffing now forces them to oversee two medical surgeon nurses in addition to two patients. Often, the “med surg” nurses have little to no experience in treating COVID patients.

“Some of those nurses have been doing this for maybe 10 years or more and adapted a little bit better,” said 31 year-old night shift ICU nurse Molly Tozier at St. Peter’s. Yet Tozier also said that some of those nurses graduated only four months prior.

The increasing demand for nurses also places an increasing demand for personal protective equipment, or PPE. The government’s Strategic National Stockpile of PPE has been almost completely drained of supplies. Prices of N95 masks have increased from $0.38 per unit to $5.75. The scarcity and price of them meant reusing the masks was an acceptable method of protection.

Tessitore graduated from Hartwick College’s nursing program in 2015. (Photo by Sara Tessitore)

“They were saying the masks you could wear five times and then you had to get a new mask,” Lackey said. “You had to put the masks in a paper bag after use, and there were guidelines on how to properly put them in the bag so you contaminate them the least when you’re taking them out.”

The CDC recommends checking the manufacturer guidelines for how many times an N95 can be worn before replacement. They also advise throwing away masks that have any tangible traces of bodily fluids on them and desanitizing masks between uses.

“A few weeks ago, management said you can't use UV light to disinfect N95 masks because it breaks them down,” Tozier said. “Then they retracted that statement. If the UV light really does degrade the mask, then what kind of protection is that for me?”

As the outbreak spread further, the CDC continually changed their guidelines of how to wear N95s. In late March, the devices were only recommended to be used during “aerosolizing events,” including procedures such as intubation. Days later, the CDC recommended that all healthcare workers wear facemasks, including the more basic and common cloth surgery masks.

This forced hospital management to constantly shift their mask policies without much warning, leading to frustration with some of their staff.

“I worry that when we are not protected or have the adequate protection that we will be probably dropping like flies,” Tessitore said.

The combined stresses of inadequate staffing, lack of PPE and number of COVID patients has a negative effect on the mental health of those in the confines of St. Peter’s.

“I’ve been thinking about leaving. You can make a lot more money doing less stressful things.”

— Molly Tozier

A survey conducted by Nursing Times in April revealed that 33% of the 3,500 nurses who answered the poll listed their mental health as “bad” or “very bad.”

“I had a patient that was going to pass away and I had to hold up an iPad for the family to say their goodbyes [over video call], because we weren't allowing anybody in,” Tessitore said.

The stresses of traumatic experiences with patients and quickly adapting to new treatment methods pushes some nurses to the edge.

During a busy weekend shift in the ICU, Tozier’s unit was down one med surgeon nurse after they refused to work with COVID patients. She quickly found a replacement, yet while the experienced ICU nurse was teaching the rookie a new task, the med surgeon nurse suddenly burst into tears.

“She was so overwhelmed and she felt like she was such a burden,” Tozier said. “She felt worthless being there because all she had was questions. I feel so bad for them because they’re just being thrown into this with no idea what’s going on.”

Those surrounded by inexperienced nurses in a rapidly-changing environment during a seemingly endless pandemic leaves many RNs questioning their career choice.

“My husband asks me to quit my job every day,” Tozier said. “I’ve been thinking about leaving. You can make a lot more money doing less stressful things.”

The Daily Mail reports that one in every 30 nurses have left their job over COVID stress and three in five nurses have strongly contemplated unemployment.

“You come home and you're like, ‘I made a difference, I saved a life today,’” Tozier said. “Or should I go work for an insurance company where I'm going to be bored out of my mind, but not be stressed and make better money? That’s definitely an internal dilemma that goes on.”

Yet the stresses of work follow St. Peter’s employees to and from the sanctuary of their home.

“There are days where I come home crying,” Tozier said. “And it’s like, how much of this can you take?”

Before the days of coronavirus, coming home from work was as easy as opening the front door, taking off their shoes and plopping down in a kitchen chair to decompress. Yet that routine has changed.

“I get home and I immediately go into the shower and I keep my [work] clothes in like a plastic garbage bag until I wash them,” Tessitore said.

At home is her husband, a fifth grade teacher doing distant learning with his students. 

“You're worried that you're bringing the virus home to your loved ones,” Tessitore said. “I've had really vivid dreams about it, too.”

Avoiding news about the health crisis isn’t easy, either. A Pew Research Center study showed that seven in 10 American adults feel overwhelmed by coronavirus news and need frequent breaks from it.

Lackey (far left), a graduate of Binghamton University and Siena College, was forced to adapt to an ICU nurse role due to their high demand at the peak of the outbreak. (Photo by Alicia Lackey)

“For example, I read two articles about it and it was enough to get me on edge and I was like, ‘Alright, that’s it,’” Tozier said.

Yet others prefer to be well-informed about the situation.

Lackey says she watches up to an hour of news daily and checks updates nightly. “I actually watch way more news now than I ever have,” the med surgeon nurse said. 

Regardless of how the nurses handle their mental burden, finding solace is difficult, even with a return to pre-COVID days on the horizon.

This month, the Governor’s office outlined seven metrics all state counties must abide by to begin the reopening process. These include having 30 percent of both a hospital’s standard and ICU beds being vacant, providing readily accessible testing areas and recruiting numerous contact testers.

Their job will be tracking down every person who interacted with a COVID-positive patient in the 14 days prior to their diagnosis and have them self-isolate to contain any potential small outbreaks. 

Fortunately, Albany County has met six of the seven requirements to begin reopening. Yet with St. Peter’s still remaining short staffed, keeping enough nurses, beds and even contact testers available to fulfill Cuomo’s reopening requirements could prove difficult to maintain.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Donald Trump’s infectious disease advisor, warned on Tuesday that opening states too soon has the potential to turn small spikes of COVID cases into more full-blown outbreaks.

This fine balance between slowly reopening while simultaneously preventing another dramatic rise in hospitalizations leaves many wondering when the light at the end of the tunnel will get brighter.

“We saw a little surge, we're going down, we're going to plateau, and then we're going to surge again,” Lackey said. “I feel like it's just going to go on for a while until they have a vaccine.”

With the Albany hospital running multiple ICUs, relieving the pressure of arriving inpatients is a crucial step towards reopening. (Photo by St. Peter’s Health Partners)

Final Feature Story Template

We all know the things you should avoid doing during the pandemic. Here's the things you should avoid saying.

 It’s probably safe to assume that you’ve heard the tips that everyone needs to practice to stay physically safe during the COVID-19 pandemic — wash your hands, stay six feet apart from others, self-quarantine if you are feeling ill, wear a mask if you’re going outside. Oh, and wash your hands. But the mental and emotional health of people during this virus is also urgent and a significant thing to keep in mind. 

A 2004 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) chronicled the mental health of 129 people who had been quarantined due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. About a third of these respondents reported symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

The way we discuss the pandemic will undoubtedly impact people’s mental health and in a larger scale way, the way it is discussed defines who we are as a society and our humanity. Needless to say, the language we use defines us, as well as has the potential to either uplift or destroy us. Choose carefully. And note that what follows is as much about what leaders are saying (and shouldn’t say) as well as messages that, conversely, have been circulating that are positively impacting our society.

As the Queen of England said in her address on April 5, “If we remain united and resolute, [then] we will overcome it. I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge.”

Avoid Downplaying the Amount of Deaths

You may  have taken to reassuring yourself  that “only” a small percentage of people who are infected with the virus will face fatal results. A few weeks ago a Columbia University doctor who specializes in cardiology at New York Presbyterian, who prefers to not be identified, deconstructed some of the issues with nonchalantly waving these numbers around: “The issue is people don’t understand statistics. You have a 0.2% chance of dying if you’re under 30. But millions are exposed, of which tens of thousands will get infected; that means hundreds of young people will die.”

Young to middle-aged people are also getting the coronavirus, despite the common idea that non-elderly folks are immune. In fact, patients between the ages of 20-54 compose 40% of hospitalizations, according to a New York Times article. 

As of April 5, the United States has already lost over 8,000 people to COVID-19 and is predicted to lose up to 240,000 more precious lives even with shutdowns and shelter-in orders in place, according to an article by Business Insider.

Needless to say, the fatality rate of the virus is certainly nothing to downplay.

Stick to calling it “COVID-19” or “the coronavirus”

For some time, President Donald Trump as well as some of his staff members and colleagues referred to COVID-19 as “the China virus” and the “Wuhan virus.” These blatantly xenophobic and racist titles come with  major consequences for Asian communities. 

In fact, a couple of weeks ago an FBI intelligence report predicted a surge in hate crimes towards Asians as the pandemic worsens. 

The report also included the story of the murder of three Asian-American family members in Texas. The murderer allegedly believed that the people were Chinese and spreading the coronavirus. Among those killed were six-year-old and two-year-old children.

Boro Park Jewish Community Council CEO Avi Greenstein who governs the region of Brooklyn is quoted in an article by The Jerusalem Post that the Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn has also been experiencing some unwarranted anger and blame.

“The vast, vast majority of our community are abiding by guidelines,” Greenstein says. “But since we dress uniformly in a certain way, sometimes different things stand out, as opposed to when you would see thousands of people celebrating in concerts or bars and parks that are full.”

The easiest way you can be an ally to the Asian community right now? Just call it COVID-19. Don’t verbally abuse Asian people.  Show proper respect. Don’t be racist. It’s obvious. 

Remember that high productivity levels can’t be expected

Wait. You haven’t spent your quarantine becoming the next top chef, writing the next King Lear or becoming a musical genius? Guess what? Most of the world aren’t. That’s okay, even despite what others may be telling you or what you may have been telling yourself. 

Finding time to just be okay might look like taking time to practice new breathing exercises to cope with newly arising panic attacks or intentionally setting time to watch a movie and distract yourself from the stress that might accompany you when thinking about the state of the world. This time spent focusing on your mental and psychological well being is of paramount importance to coping with this quarantine and deserves due respect. 

Chris Bailey, a productivity consultant and the author of Hyperfocus: How to Manage Your Attention in a World of Distraction, is quoted in a New York Times article saying, “It’s tough enough to be productive in the best of times let alone when we’re in a global crisis. We have much less attention because we’re living through so much.” It’s difficult to make productivity a primary focus when you simultaneously need to focus on getting through a global crisis. 

In other words, the standard of maintaining or increasing productivity during quarantine is unrealistic. Expecting it is immoral. Try to avoid filling the minds of others with the idea that they should accomplish an overload of things while indoors. Instead, try to ask your loved ones what they have accomplished to feel emotionally strong. Ask how they’re feeling and offer ideas like those mentioned above.  

In an essay in The Outline, called “There’s No Such Thing As Productivity During A Pandemic” Drew Millard writes, “It’s not that none of this [work and productivity levels] matters; it’s that what matters right now is staying sane and safe.”

Show Love to Healthcare Workers

If there’s one group of people we can deem to be our heroes right now, it’s our healthcare workers. These brave professionals are caring for our sick population -- our neighbors, friends, community members and family -- in quantities that are unheard of since the Spanish Flu in 1918. Further, the nationwide shortage of proper protective equipment nationwide means many times they’re risking their own health to care for others. Their requests from average citizens seem clear: show empathy and stay home. 

Sydni Lane, a registered nurse in Iowa, took to Instagram to describe the breaking point she had faced that day of “exhaustion and defeat” and her response to countless people then saying, “Isn’t this what you signed up for?” 

 She responds, “Just no. I signed up to take care of sick patients, yes. I did not sign up to be unprotected by their sickness. I did not sign up to be yelled at by angry patients because our government failed to be prepared. I did not sign up to risk mine and my family’s health and safety because people wanted to go on their vacations after they were told not to.”

 Nobody signed up to handle a worldwide pandemic. But for those who do, we must express profuse gratitude, as many New Yorkers are doing each night. Another request from healthcare workers? Do what it takes to flatten the curve. By staying indoors and social distancing as much as humanly possible, people can help ensure that COVID-19 doesn’t spread any faster than it already is.

Or, as Lane writes in another post, “Dear America, I stay at work for you. Please stay the f*ck home for me. Love, Syd, your ER nurse.”

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Baptism by Fire: Nursing Students Prepare for an Unseen Challenge

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The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the United States, with the respect of nurses skyrocketing in every facet. A current nurse describes the turmoil, two students try to virtually learn, while another student takes on the frontlines: what does this mean for them?

Ashley Valentino, third-year nursing student at Western Connecticut State University, stands alone in her scrubs and mask in Cold Spring, NY.

You walk through the sliding doors at 7 p.m. and pick up the scrubs the hospital began to wash for you. The calmness in the parking lot does not carry over inside, and the chaotic 12-hour night shift you’ve worked twice that week begins once again. You already have on your general mask, and you tie your hair back in a bandana to keep it out of your face. You haven’t even walked into a COVID-19 patient’s room yet.

You begin rotation: N95 respirator mask, check. Another surgical mask, check. A face shield, check. You slide on a pair of gloves, your gown and another pair of gloves. You put on booties over your shoes and turn the door handle – “you’re a nurse, you can do it,” you remind yourself.

Lauren Mansfield, Intensive Care Unit RN at Hudson Valley Hospital in Westchester, NY for the past two years, decided to become a nurse because she enjoys learning new things while caring for people who are sick. However, our current pandemic has adjusted her normal routine.

“Myself and my co-workers are working extra shifts just to help, because we need to right now,” Mansfield said. “The progressive care unit has nurses that aren't trained in the vents and the drips that we use.”

Mansfield says that only once in her two years has she had all 12 rooms in the ICU full. Once the rooms were full, patients began to spill into units that lacked necessary equipment usually needed for critical care.

Mansfield, along with other ICU personnel, must oversee nurses who are simply not comfortable with the course of treatment for COVID-19, forcing them to take on extra patients to ensure the best possible care.

“These poor nurses have been thrown into critical care nursing overnight, and it’s terrifying for them,” she continued. “Some have transitioned well, some are struggling and some are afraid.”

Nurses who are unfamiliar with hospital practices during this pandemic are being pushed into understanding. Nursing students, on the other hand, are being asked to step up into roles that are otherwise foreign to their normal practices.

What does it mean to become a nurse?

Samantha Bruno, third-year nursing student at Adelphi University in Long Island, NY, wears her scrubs given to her by Cortlandt Healthcare.

Samantha Bruno, third-year nursing student at Adelphi University in Long Island, NY, is a prospective nurse who has transitioned to helping others in the best way she can. For Bruno, Cortlandt Healthcare, a nursing home and rehabilitation center, was the best place to start.

Bruno began as an administrative clerk, assisting with the creation of COVID-19 policy and infection control binders, completing FaceTime calls with patients’ families to connect with them when they cannot visit, teaching hand hygiene to residents and passing out supplies as needed.

Since Cortlandt Healthcare was aware of Bruno’s upcoming graduation with a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing this December, they asked if she would be willing to transition to a nursing assistant, due to high demand.

“This was about three weeks ago, when COVID-19 first hit the facility, and the virus was spreading its wrath,” Bruno said. “Since starting, other staff members in the building have gotten sick, creating even more of a demand for the help.”

Bruno is exposing herself to a virus of unknown strength, while receiving no college credit to show for it. With risky work like this, she at least is receiving patient care hours that are required for her physician’s assistant program acceptance.

Ashley Valentino wears her surgical mask along with her Western Connecticut State University scrubs, which she would be wearing for her hospital rotations prior to COVID-19.

“I want to become a nurse because I have a strong passion to help people,” said Ashley Valentino, third-year nursing student at Western Connecticut State University. She noted she’s always had a nurse’s intuition. Growing up, she was there when someone got hurt holding BandAids, and her dad consistently told her she would become a doctor. After attending the New Visions Program at BOCES in Westchester, NY, where she shadowed doctors and nurses at Hudson Valley Hospital, she solidified her decision.

Healthcare workers who are constantly tending to people can be a selfless job. A global pandemic however, seems to be the something that snaps us awake and forces us to understand the need for people like Mansfield, Bruno and Valentino.

How can nurses' lives be made easier as they save ours?

The American Nurses Association has begun a fund for healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of the pandemic to “enable the public to support and thank nurses.” This fund’s mission is to provide them with financial assistance, help with their mental health in the present and the future, and resources containing vital safety information.

“They do not have family, so you do your best in order to ensure they at least had someone to care for them in their last moments,” Bruno said.

Although this allocation of money is supposed to assist nurses during thecurrent situation, their student debt is insurmountable, and they are currently putting their lives at risk to save others, without saving a penny.

Elizabeth May, a writer for The Intercept and a fourth-year psychiatry resident in New York City, says that basically every person who is admitted for COVID-19 “will be cared for by a team of professionals who, theoretically, have over $1 million in combined student debt.”

Constantly, with nurses on the frontline of this health crisis, the question of what can be done to help is on the minds of non-hospital workers. More than half of nurses graduate with $40,000 to $150,000 in student debt.

Bruno kneels down holding her stethoscope. She has a personalized ID tag on it saying “It’s a beautiful day to save lives,” from ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy.

On May 5, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., introduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act, which would absolve all federal and private student loans for healthcare professionals who are working closely with COVID-19.

ABC says that the debt forgiveness would also limit stress of passing away from coronavirus, as medical professionals’ families would no longer be left responsible to pay off loans. Nurses, in particular, are in debt because they were learning the necessary skills to save people, which is needed now more than ever.

“When nurses are called soldiers and told to fight a war, we should wonder what is being overlooked,” May said. “Speak up, Uncle Sam. Support the troops.”

Are our healthcare workers safe while fighting for Americans?

Registered nurses earn a 86.1 out of 100 for a COVID-19 Risk Score, compared to dental hygienists receiving a 99.7. On May 7, nurses placed white shoes (typically worn by RN’s) on the brick path in front of the White House, protesting for better personal protective equipment and working conditions as they put their lives at risk. On April 27, these nurses read off 44 names in protest, but now that number has doubled with over 80 passing away.

Bruno holds her N95 respirator mask. She is wearing the shoes used in multiple White House protests defending the safety of American nurses.

Samantha Bruno, new nursing assistant at Cortlandt Healthcare, explains that a majority of the staff at the assisted living facility have been using the same masks for about three weeks. The only way to get a new one is if they break, as Bruno finally replaced hers a few nights ago.

Even with protests surrounding the White House, states are still begging for more PPE to defend frontline responders.

The ANA says that nurses may choose not to respond to a call to assist if they are in a high-risk population group, if they feel unsafe due to lacking PPE, not enough support for a nurse’s family or they are uncomfortable with ethical and legal protection during COVID-19.

Nurses shouldn’t risk their own lives to save others, while working to maintain quality of care, says The Provisions of the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements.

“You try not to let anyone pass away in a room alone, and you never know when their last breath will be, even as their condition declines,” Bruno said. “They do not have family, so you do your best in order to ensure they at least had someone to care for them in their last moments.”

Although not on the front lines, how is this pandemic affecting future nurses?

Ashley Valentino, nursing student from Western Connecticut State University, rolls over at 7:30 a.m. to open up her computer and sign into her Webex class. She grabs a cup of coffee, moves her laptop to her desk and prepares for the lessons of the day. She starts by reviewing assignments that were due before switching over to her other courses.

A clinical, or a time in a nursing students educational track that allows them to apply skills learned in lab and classroom lessons directly to the hospital environment, is now virtual for students. Valentino signs into Webex for a short 30-minute period, just to go over work given and future deadlines. She watches a video of scenarios in obstetrics, reviews case studies and care plans. She now lacks a vital component of her OB nursing rotation – in-person assessments on a mother and her baby.

“I have been waiting so long for [it], [and] it really sucks that I don’t have that in person experience working with this different population of patients,” she said.

Valentino and her fellow classmate, Kim Brower, have lost their labor and delivery rotations in the hospital, putting any potential hands-on experience out the window. During this semester’s OB rotation, the pair would have worked with pregnant women and in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Valentino (back) and Bruno (front) wear their PPE while sitting separate from ongoing foot traffic in Cold Spring, NY. The pair feel isolated from others, especially in their scrubs.

As of March 9, hospital clinical rotations were canceled for students at Western Connecticut in order to stop the spread of the virus. As classes went online, so did most of the experience nursing students would gain. Brower thinks the online clinicals are a waste of time, but her professors are working their hardest to give virtual experience.

Jennifer Ort, an RN and now an assistant professor of nursing at Western Connecticut, still thinks that virtual clinicals are valuable to her students. She could be incorrect, as an overseeing body on education requirements for nursing programs admits not every student is going to find the same level of education during COVID-19.

“Because of the COVID-19 outbreak that is causing practice facilities to limit or refuse clinical experiences, just when we need more nurses in the pipeline, many nursing programs are struggling to find ways to meet students’ clinical experiences,” the National Council of State Boards of Nursing wrote on April 28.

Aside from academics, the question on every nursing student's mind is: Did I make the right decision?

Brower and Valentino agree that they would have chosen the same path, as this turbulent time is something that will pass. “Being a nurse is my ultimate goal in life and it is very hard for me to change that, even now,” Brower said.

Valentino holds her stethoscope and looks into the sunlight, hoping for brighter days. Valentino graduates from her nursing program in the spring of 2021.

The World Health Organization agrees, as in early January, they designated 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse.” This shows people’s appreciation for nurses, as a Gallup poll says that 85% of the U.S. believe nurses have high levels of honesty and ethics, rating them higher than doctors.

“Without the rigorous work that nurses are doing, and soon to be me, we would not be able to get through hard times like this,” Valentino said. “Healthcare workers are the backbone that is keeping this virus from killing a greater population of Americans.”

Linda Aiken, director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, says that hospitals that employ more nurses have lower patient mortality rates. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing believes that if a hospital were to increase their nursing staff by 10%, the rate of patient deaths would decrease by seven percent.

“I personally believe this situation should be very eye-opening to nursing students, as they see you cannot choose when to go to work or when to stay home,” Ort said. “Nurses must work regardless of the illness or disease.”

“After this pandemic, the nursing world will be changed forever and I believe that it will be for the better,” Valentino echoed.

Service Story Template for Final Feature

Subhead: The Institute for Disaster Mental Health is offering advice on how to relieve stress and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic.

Health Alert posters in the windows of small businesses across New Paltz. Photo by Nick Califra

The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the way you live your life. You are stuck in self-quarantine alone or with your family. Going out to the grocery store to stock up on essential items is a risky and caution-filled endeavor. You have become over-protective of your supply of toilet paper and disinfectant wipes, and run away from anyone who gets within six feet of your social distancing buffer zone.

COVID-19 has consumed the news as infection cases and deaths rise everyday. However, the added stress on you and others in the U.S. is being somewhat lost in translation in the current media frenzy.

According to the American Psychological Association, 62 percent of Americans say they are stressed out about their financial situations and 63 percent of Americans are nervous about where the country as a whole is going in the future. These numbers will most likely rise due to the job and economic insecurity caused by the virus.

The self-quarantine element of the pandemic can also add to your possible stress as the thought of being stuck in a small space with your family, or by yourself, for weeks on end is enough to make anyone go stir-crazy.

However, this matter has not gone completely unnoticed. The Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH) at SUNY New Paltz has released a tip sheet to help manage stress during the coronavirus pandemic. The document gives advice like how to identify the exact thing you are anxious about, how to reflect on it in a healthy way and how to focus on things that you are in control of.

After reading suggestions given by the IDMH, I had some questions that needed expert responses and was curious about other people’s experiences during the pandemic.

**

“I am the only person in my family who hasn’t lost a fair amount of income due to the pandemic so there is extra pressure to provide and pay upcoming bills,”

— Takura Sophia-Blaise, a junior at SUNY New Paltz

I feel I’m doing okay, should I be worried?

** The answer is no, says Dr. Karla Vermeulen, the Deputy Director for the IDMH and an Associate Professor of Psychology at SUNY New Paltz.

Reactions differ on a person to person basis due to personality traits and being in different situations. Someone who suffers from higher levels of anxiety might be feeling the effects of this situation a bit more than someone who does not suffer from high levels of anxiety. The same goes for people who are currently looking after a loved one who may be more worried for their health versus someone who does not have any dependents.

“I'm a relatively sedentary person who enjoys working out here and there, so the self-isolation isn't killing me too much,” said Jared LaBrecque, a junior at SUNY New Paltz.

However, these differing personality traits and reactions to the pandemic do not always live harmoniously. “There’s the camp of people saying ‘why are you freaking out?’ versus the camp of people saying ‘why aren’t you freaking out?,’” Vermeulen said.

This can cause conflict and could limit your ability to support one another. The tip sheet advises compassion and sympathy and to not judge yourself or others for having different ways of coping with the current situation.

**

What can I do to prevent going stir crazy?

** “Everything around me seems to reinforce all of the anxiety in my mind of how destructive this virus is,” said Amayah Spence, a sophomore at SUNY New Paltz.

The best thing you can do to fix this and keep your sanity is to do nothing. Limiting your news intake is absolutely critical for having good mental health during this time. “There is no reason to be monitoring news 24/7,” Vermeulen said. “It’s just a constant reminder of the stressors.”

The IDMH tip sheet urges you to choose what news you are absorbing carefully and to be aware of misinformation. The IDMH recommends the Centers for Disease Control website for accurate information and to only check for new information a few times a day.

Maintaining social connections, through things like video calls, is also quite critical to maintaining good mental health. “Just stay connected however you can with people,” said Vermuelen. “And don’t ruminate about the situation because it’s just not healthy or helpful.”

Watching a TV show or listening to music can help you deal with stress and potential insanity from self-isolation as it takes your mind off the current doom and gloom.

Lara Morales, a junior at SUNY New Paltz, has been able to mix maintaining social connections and entertainment by using the Google Chrome extension Netflix Party which allows you to watch a show or movie with your friends and web chat simultaneously.

Taking a walk around your block can also be very helpful just as long as you stay at least six-feet away from other people. According to Vermuelen, who has been baking cakes and breads in her free time, anything that changes your routine up a little bit is good.

And if you are someone whose hobbies and activities consist of depressing subject matter, fear not because you can continue doing that. According to Vermuelen, as long as that subject matter gets your mind off of the current distressing pandemic, continue doing it. This is referred to in psychology as Downward Social Comparison which is all about putting your current situation into perspective and comparing it with one that could be worse.

For example, the coronavirus may be infecting and killing more and more people each day, but at least the zombie apocalypse is not coinciding with it.

It may seem obvious and go without saying, but keeping a positive mindset is also quite important. This can be elaborated on through the use of PERMA, which entails keeping positive emotions, engaging skills, maintaining relationships, having a sense of meaning or purpose, and having feelings of accomplishment from work or hobbies.

According to Dr. Stephanie Blaisdell, the Vice President of Student Affairs at SUNY New Paltz, positive psychology can help people cope with adversity and help them flourish at the same time.

**

Could the United States have a collective mental snap?

** “I am the only person in my family who hasn't lost a fair amount of income due to the pandemic so there is extra pressure to provide and pay upcoming bills,” said Takura Sophia-Blaise, a junior at SUNY New Paltz who alleviates stress by playing video games.

The economic downturn caused by the coronavirus, which, according to Politico, has caused people to lose their jobs and file for unemployment, is very concerning. On top of that, The American Psychological Association in 2019 saw an increase in stress on topics like climate change and terrorism while anxiety about the 2020 presidential election has increased from 52 percent in 2016 to 56 percent in 2019. With all of that in mind, could the United States have a collective mental breakdown?

It’s impossible to say for sure at this time. That being said, it’s important to always keep things in perspective. That sentiment is especially true of younger people who maybe don’t have the life experience to put all of this stress into context, said Vermuelen.

For that context, Vermuelen thought back to living in lower Manhattan during the fallout from 9/11. “At that time, it felt like the world was ending and things would never feel okay again. And they did, ultimately, and I think that we’ll get through this in the same kind of way.”

If you are experiencing clinical levels of anxiety or depression please visit with a mental health professional. Tips on finding the right professional help can be found here. The SUNY New Paltz Psychological Counseling Center is offering services remotely and can be reached at 845-257-2920 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Netflix Documentaries That Will Resolve Your Quarantine Boredom

Are you bored of quarantine life? Are you sick of having the same conversations with your  family members on a daily basis? Are you tired of having bloodshot eyes from mindlessly scrolling and swiping through social media? In these trying times, we all need a good way to relax and zone out comfortably. Netflix documentaries are the perfect way to do so. Whether you’re trying to pique your intellectual curiosity or just venture off into a bizarre real life story you didn’t know existed, Netflix has a bevy of gripping documentaries that will be sure to inform and entertain.Nine of the 12 documentaries below were put on Esquire’s top list of Netflix documentaries. Those left off the list have garnered praise and attention from the public. The Staircase received an impressive score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Making a Murderer led to a petition for exoneration with over 536,000 supporters. Don’t F**k With Cats has been touted as “One of the most talked-about (and disturbing) true-crime shows in recent memory.” Stop watching The Office on a loop and indulge yourself in a new viewer experience. Don’t know where to start? Well luckily this list of documentaries based on genre will help you sift and select the documentary that’s right for you.

True Crime Documentaries

Law enforcement, the justice system and sinister characters. A true crime junkie’s heaven.

Making A Murderer

This documentary follows the story of Steven Avery, who in 1985 was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and the attempted murder of Penny Beernsten. After spending 18 years, attorneys for the Wisconsin Innocence Project at the University of Wisconsin obtained a court order for DNA testing. Following his exoneration, the big bearded Avery had become the face for criminal justice reform for wrongful convictions. However, in 2005, just two years after returning home, Avery and his nephew, Brandon Dassey were tried for the murder of Teresa Halbach and convicted of the crime in 2007. Avery had sued the county’s police department for $36 million after his wrongful conviction. He maintains that this was the reason he was being framed for murder, This series, like many others in the true crime genre, forces you, the viewer, to take a deeper look at the judicial process in the United States. Kathryn Schulz, a writer for the New Yorker highlights the portrayal of the justice system in the documentary, “The vast majority of misconduct by law enforcement is motivated not by spite but by the belief that the end justifies the means—that it is fine to play fast and loose with the facts if doing so will put a dangerous criminal behind bars. That same reasoning, with the opposite aims, seems to govern Making a Murderer.” See the story unfold in the two part, twenty episode series.

Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez 

This three part documentary covers the life of Aaron Hernandez, the former NFL player who was involved in multiple murders. This series brings you into the background of Hernandez and some of the major moments in his life that might offer an explanation as to why he had become a murderer. Hernandez’ private life, athletic career, mental health and public perception are all factors discussed extensively throughout the documentary. Despite being a documentary, Aja Romano in an article for Vox claims that the series focuses more on the juicier details of Aaron Hernandez, “Killer Inside opts for a more salacious approach. It works to present Hernandez as someone whose inherent darkness may have been exacerbated by his circumstances.” As a man that seemingly had it all and blew it all away senselessly, the story you thought you knew everything about has just become more compelling. Touch down on your couch right now and watch.

Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes 

This series covers one of the most notorious killers in recent history, Ted Bundy. His murders, arrests and escapes are broken down chronologically throughout four part series. You also get a closer look at Bundy on a more personal level through interviews and footage, whether it be his incessant lying and narcissism or his charm and intellect. The documentary had become popular following its release and had sparked an interesting debate in the general public:  is Ted Bundy handsome? In an article from Psychology Today, Dr. Katherine Ramsland said, “This hyper-fascination with killers like Bundy grows from media portrayals of him as a handsome, articulate man who could sometimes be gentle and caring.” Set your morals aside and figure it out for yourself (I personally don’t see what all the hype is about but then again, I’ve never been into sociopaths). 

The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann

This documentary covers an incident that made international news, the abduction of 3 year old Madeleine McCann in 2007. While on vacation in Portugal, Katy and Gerry McCann, went out for dinner while they left Madeleine and her two siblings asleep at the resort. Despite Gerry and Katy checking in multiple times throughout the night and remaining close by the resort, they discovered that Madeleine wasn’t in her room. An investigation ensued over the next few weeks and became the headline for major media outlets. Due to the lack of any credible evidence, the Portugal had labeled both Gerry and Katy as suspects with the theory that they used an abduction for Madeleine’s death but later deemed them not to be suspects. Stop doing your home workouts and check out the story of the eerie, unsolved case.

The Staircase

 Looking for a bingeable courtroom drama? Well The Staircase is exactly that. This series covers the story of the novelist Michael Peterson, who in 2003 was convicted of murdering his wife, Kathleen Peterson in late 2001. Michael alleges that Kathleen had a few drinks and fell down the stairs while he was in his backyard however investigators believed that Michael had bludgeoned  Kathleen to death with a blow poke. The trial is full of twists and turns, including a potential affair, falsified evidence from a blood spatter analyst, and someone in Michael’s past dying in a similar fashion to his wife. These are just a few of the details in the 13 episode series that will bring out your inner judge. Come to your own conclusion on whether Michael Peterson is innocent or guilty.

Documentaries That Are Too Bizarre To Be Fake

Hollywood wouldn’t be able to come up with these crazy stories

Tiger King

Ah, where to begin? I’m sure you’ve heard of this documentary, whether it be from a friend or through social media as Tiger King has been the source of a bunch of internet memes. Well if you are quarantining under a rock and haven’t heard of the documentary that’s captivated the general public since releasing last month, allow me to enlighten you. Tiger King mainly follows the story of Joe Exotic, the owner of a private zoo in Oklahoma, who was heavily involved in the trade and breeding of big cats. Exotic comes into a clash with animal rights activists and organizations seeking to bring legislation that would stop the breeding and captivity of big cats. Among these activists, none more prominent than Carole Baskin, Exotic’s biggest rival, whom he mentions his hatred for with every passing breath and eventually puts a hit out on. This seven episode series is filled with characters that, let’s just say, have unique backgrounds. Cult followings, a potentially unsolved murder, a “throuple” marriage, accidental suicide, and a tiger attack. Yeah, take that all in. All of those are included in Tiger King. 

Evil Genius 

This documentary brings you into the story of the wacky bank heist in 2003 that resulted in the death of pizza delivery man, Brian Wells. Wells was forced to rob a bank at gunpoint, armed with a cane gun and a bomb strapped around his neck in Erie, Pennsylvania.Yes, you read that correctly. Following the robbery, the police weren’t sure if the device was real and stood on pointing their guns at a defenseless Wells. The bomb went off and he died instantly. Shortly after the death of Wells, Brian Rothstein alerted authorities about a body in the freezer in the home of Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong. Police had a strong sense that these crimes were related due to proximity and time frame.The crew of characters will have you wondering the whole time, “Who do I hate the most?” Daniel Fienberg from Hollywood Reporter classifies them as, “Providing spice is an eccentric cast of suspects and tangential characters — an assortment of incarcerated henchmen, crackheads, prostitutes and self-described masterminds, seemingly all living in rundown apartments last cleaned in the '80s.” This four part series shows how law enforcement was able to string together odd circumstances around different crimes to find the perpetrators in the Well’s case.

Abducted in Plain Sight 

This series covers the shockingly true story of the Broberg Family and their neighbor Robert Berchtold, referred to as “B” and how he used their trust to get to Jan Broberg, the daughter of Bob and Mary Anne. The Brobergs had always thought that B and Jan had a loving father daughter type of relationship, however it became quickly apparent that B had been preying on Jan when he abducted her at age 12 and then again at age 14. The display put on by two of the worst parents ever seen in this documentary will leave you frustrated. I’m sure you’re wondering just exactly how he was able to get away with this twice. You’re going to have to text a friend and ask for their Netflix login for the answers. They’ll have no excuse not to text back, they’re in quarantine too.

Don’t F**k with Cats

Starting this out with a disclaimer, this three part documentary does include heinous acts to  animals and a human. This series will bring your emotions to surface the whole time. It'll have you in disgust while also wanting to follow along to see if justice will prevail. It follows the story of a group of regular civilians on the internet working together to try and catch an online criminal uploading videos of harming cats. However, they quickly realize just how far this criminal will go with his twisted crimes.  Tell your friends you need to get off your virtual happy hour zoom session and watch the Netflix thriller.

Celebrity Documentaries 

The good, the bad and the ugly, these icons are people just like us… well maybe not JUST like us

Miss Americana 

Taylor Swift, one of the most beloved celebrities with a massive following. Well …maybe things haven’t been all sunshine and rainbows for the 35 time Grammy nominated recording artist. Her struggles are shown, specifically with being the target of hate online due to her noninvolvement in her “feud” with rapper Kanye West and the backlash she received for stating her opinion in politics. In the film, you, the viewer get to see Swift behind the scenes and unfiltered from a young age through her formative years where she becomes an established artist. There’s a juxtaposition between seeing Swift’s live performances, surrounded by thousands of people and seeing her private life, where she comes off as somewhat of a loner. Whether you’re a Swiftie or not, this documentary will be sure to give you insight on the lives of someone in their youth being thrusted into stardom. 

Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce

This documentary was written, directed and produced by Queen B herself. It covers the events leading up to her performance at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival as well as the performance itself. This takes you into the creative process behind her concert where Beyonce captures the moments of rehearsal that reveal the difficulty of putting together the choreography and concepts for a live performance. It received high praise from Aisha Harris at the New York Times, The intimate and candid moments touted by Netflix are brief in comparison, appearing between long, uninterrupted musical segments from the show. Those moments will be enough to satisfy the overzealous Beyhive and probably more casual fans and admirers, too.” Dance your way over to the couch and watch Beyonce’s concert film Homecoming.

Jim and Andy: The Great Beyond

Jim Carrey has always been … unique and that becomes very apparent when watching this documentary. It brings to light footage that had been unseen for 18 years, of Jim Carrey during the filming of “Man on the Moon” in 1999. In it, Carrey is portraying the late Andy Kaufman, a comedy hero to Carey. Even while off camera, Carrey remains in character. He reminds cast and production members to not refer to him as Jim and won’t respond to his own name. Carrey even starts accosting pro wrestler Jerry Lawler off screen due to the fact that when Kaufman was alive he and Lawler had a rivalry in the ring. Once done with the role, Carrey had to figure who he was as a person again and had even forgotten his politics and personal beliefs.

11 Ways to Get Free Content During the Pandemic

While the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the U.S., companies have worked to provide students with free platforms to keep up with school work, while also saving them from boredom in the process. 

Have you been stuck inside your house, home from college, attempting to deal with this downtime you never thought you’d have? Well, you’re in luck. COVID-19’s rapid spread across the United States has not only forced everyone to begin learning from home, but provided an opportunity for you to flourish.

Whether you have time on your hands for a new digital project, or you’re having trouble editing that video for your class, companies are handing you the tools to a more educated lifestyle for free – and yes, that is true.

Adobe, to name one, has offered their Creative Suite to you for free until May 31. If you check your email and search for John Reina, SUNY New Paltz Chief Information Officer, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to setting up your personal suite on your laptop. Don’t have a laptop? Well, you shouldn’t fret, as Adobe has also created certain apps to work on mobile devices – you can find that list here.

A recent study of 4,000 undergrads found that the more time and focused attention they have while online, the more superior their academic success. Overall, the more time a student would spend engaging with the Internet during their respective courses, the better their grades would be.

The upheaval of your life, as for many others, has been heart-wrenching, difficult and chaotic – you’re not alone.

“For me, a lot of my classes could transition somewhat seamlessly to online and could even be taught as such off the bat, but in reality, the process hasn’t been such a walk in the park,” said fourth-year creative writing major Mahnoor Ali. “For one of my classes I actually have a bit more work now added to the whole syllabus than I had in the beginning of this semester and I think that is just insane.”

Our digital age causes distraction, especially in distance learning, because social media is running rampant at our fingertips. 13 SUNY New Paltz students were surveyed, and their answers are not surprising to anyone who is working on their online presence. After selecting any app from TikTok to Tinder that takes up the most of their time, 12 chose Instagram and Snapchat, eight chose Facebook, seven picked TikTok and GroupMe, four chose Pinterest and only two picked Reddit and Tinder.

They also offered their daily average screen times (as recorded on their iPhone), with 7.7% using theirs for only 0-3 hours, 76.9% for 4-7 hours and 15.4% for seven or more hours. This data is clear, as students are spending most of their days at home on their phones as compared to when learning on campus.

While this time of uncertainty seems to have no end, and the light is just beginning to brighten at the end of the tunnel, try to focus and utilize your time. Different digital platforms have opened their usual gatekeeping to students and educators in order to give the most wholesome education online, you should grab onto the opportunity.

Check out just a few of your options:

Have you ever actually asked a librarian a question? It’s simpler than you think.

According to librarian Valerie Mittenberg, there has been digital access to the Sojourner Truth Library (STL) on SUNY New Paltz’s campus for almost 10 years, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, students are just starting to stumble across the different services they offer. 

One aspect of the library’s online assistance is a 24/7 virtual chat, where you fill out your name (an optional category), email address, your place in the university (if you are staff, alumni or current student) and your question. Interestingly enough, STL has librarians available 9-5, but if you need help after hours, you are in luck. “After hours it goes out to the National Co-Op,” Mittenberg explained, where librarians from across the U.S., as well as from English speaking countries around the globe, such as Australia or England, are available to help you. “We did participate in this for a long time, but I think it was just a service that didn’t receive as much attention.”

Two months of free cable? Unheard of.

You might also be worried about connecting to the web, but Spectrum Cable is here to help.  Fortunately, Spectrum is offering free internet access and WiFi to new customers for 60 days. Although the term “free” has a nice ring to it, this discount is only applied as a credit for your first two months with Spectrum, so be sure to set a reminder to steer clear of any surprises, as you’re billed as soon as the 60 days are up unless you call Spectrum to cancel.

Are you up for the challenge?

As you now know, Adobe’s Creative Suite is free, but they have also offered different tutorials as ways to stay connected. If you want to work collaboratively with the pros, check out Adobe Live. In addition to the live teaching aspects, Adobe is also offering “Daily Creative Challenges” within Photoshop, XD or Illustrator if you click on the app. These challenges are a great way to keep your creative juices flowing in an otherwise non inspirational environment, while also connecting with professionals, mentors and students who can give you feedback. Along with your Creative Suite, you then open up a door with tutorials bursting at the seams – all for free.

No, your research is no longer at a standstill.

JSTOR is an online library filled with journals, research articles and even books. With a JSTOR subscription usually landing at $199 a year, you most likely rely on SUNY New Paltz for access through STL. Now, with educators at home as well, JSTOR has allowed 100 free articles (a 94 article increase from their original six article limit). This is the perfect time for any type of research you’ve put off, whether it be for your pure enjoyment or not.

Quarantine can be lonely, but your friends are only a click away.

What do you use Zoom for?

13 Students from SUNY New Paltz were included in this survey.

Zoom is an application as well as an online service for video conferencing, including a chat window, screen sharing and presentations. Out of the 13 students surveyed, 11 said they used Zoom, with 61.5% using Zoom for social distancing hangouts as well as school, not just solely for academics. As many of you can agree, Zoom has become a normal application used in everyday life. From classes, work or club meetings, to job interviews and virtual time with friends, the Zoom app is opened at least once a day. Basic (free) users are usually constrained to a 40-minute time limit on meetings with more than two people, but now, there is unlimited time for collaboration. In addition to this unlimited time, Zoom is also offering informational and tutorial-like sessions in order for educators, students and any other professionals to learn Zoom easily.

Looking to spice up your LinkedIn?

LinkedIn Learning is an online extension through LinkedIn which offers video courses in different softwares, creativity, business and professional skills. As a SUNY New Paltz student, you have access to this service by just logging in using your my.newpaltz.edu username and password. This service allows you to set goals weekly for the amount of time you spend watching videos and gaining knowledge. After completing a course, you are also able to download your LinkedIn Learning certificate. This is especially helpful, as when you create or continue to update your LinkedIn profile, these certificates can be supplemented to help employers find you.

Get out of bed and try some of Nike’s free workouts.

The Nike Training Club’s (NTC) app was made to help its members to reach their fitness goals. The premium workouts include bodyweight-only circuits, yoga/meditation classes, training programs and full-equipment workouts, all with different intensities for every fitness level. Nike usually charges $14.99 a month for its Training Club Premium Workouts, but now they're free. The Swoosh says it wants everyone to be “playing as one team,” and their way of doing so is suspending premium membership fees. The NTC app is available in the Apple Store or on Google Play for Android users for free.

The media wants you to stay connected.

While COVID-19 wreaks havoc over the globe, people always need to stay connected. You definitely have a friend who checks the COVID-19 deaths daily, with case numbers climbing. Usually, paywalls keep curious people at bay, allowing only a few articles before payment is necessary. In light of the pandemic, many news organizations are taking a different route. The Wall Street Journal has offered 50% off of their one year subscription for full access, but has features for Coronavirus coverage that are free – live updates, symptoms to look for, who’s hiring, “you ask, we answer,” state lockdowns, daily life, testing, tech tips and daily briefing videos. The New York Times follows suit with free access to crucial and important stories on COVID-19, but a subscription is required to see all articles. Also, The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times will continue to provide daily live updates and how to handle the pandemic for free.

Your favorite bookstore is closed, what can you do?

On March 22, Apple decided to allow users an entire list of titles on Apple Books for free, calling it their “‘stay at home’ collection”. These titles range from mystery, romance and sci-fi to children’s stories, with audiobooks also available. Bradley Chambers, an editor at 9to5mac says that many of the texts are also a part of a larger series, allowing Apple Books’ users to get a feel for a plot line before purchasing it.

Turn off auto-mode and give your camera a REAL try.

Two men walk across the West Side Highway in New York City on April 6, 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 17, there are 123,146 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in NYC. 18,018 have recovered, while 12,199 have lost their lives. (Shot on a Nikon D610)

Nikon has begun to offer their Nikon School online for free throughout the entire month of April. This service is special, as during this down time you can take a minute to really master your camera. Nikon’s “mission has always been to empower creators. In these uncertain times, we can do that by helping creators stay inspired, engaged and growing. Let’s come out of this even better.” One online class, Photographing Children and Pets, teaches you to pull emotion from children and pets, how to stage natural-looking scenes, how to adjust your aperture for a more portrait-focused look, which lens to use and more. This class is taught by lifestyle photographer and Nikon Ambassador Tamara Lackey, but she is one of many professionals who can fill the voids of time in your life with Nikon.

Influencers aren’t the only one’s who can have a nice Instagram.

The Know-How Series from Frolic is now introducing their Instagram building and creative writing classes for free. The Instagram brand lesson is usually priced at $14.99, but now that this video series is free, it is a good opportunity to improve your social media presence. This lesson features top authors and influencers to help you create your perfect profile which mirrors your personal identity. The creative writing courses are on the more expensive side, $29.99 for the nine-video package, but this is the perfect opportunity to brush up on your writing skills. Specifically, this lesson package is perfect for anyone sitting down to write the novel during quarantine they’ve been putting off for weeks – authors and teachers show you the best way to “attack a blank page, set goals and get it done.” 

Hopefully, you can forget your TikTok “for you” page and try out some new things to fill the time, and well, grow your brain (remember –it’s free!).

Tips On How To Maintain Your Relationship During Quarantine

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the amount of physical human interaction has decreased, making virtual communication the new norm. The pandemic that has resulted in 12,064 deaths in the United States alone, as per the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, has spiked an increase in the use of online dating apps and websites. A survey conducted by dating.com found that 82% of singles have turned to online dating during the coronavirus outbreak. According to eharmony.com, a well-known dating website, 40% of Americans use online dating and 20% of current committed relationships began online. 

While maintaining a relationship through a screen might raise some concerns, it is still completely possible to keep your partner head over heels without having to see them in person. Whether you are away from your significant other or both under quarantine in the same home, here are some tips that will help keep things interesting while practicing social distancing. 

“I started dating someone right before the pandemic outbreak. How will I be able to keep them interested if we can’t see each other in person?” —Anonymous Junior at SUNY New Paltz

Getting to know someone you just met can be a very difficult task, especially if you aren’t able to see them in person. Quarantine calls for one thing: Creativity. Hold off on the restaurant and museum date ideas for now and focus on what you have at your disposal -- Which is your brain and electronic device, of course. To keep the person you just started dating interested while getting to know them, virtual icebreakers and dates are able to compensate for the lack of in-person interaction. 

Mindtools.com defines an icebreaker as an approach you can use to get conversation flowing and get rid of any shyness that might still exist between you and your crush. Two truths and a lie is a great example. For this icebreaker, you can prepare a list of three or more interesting facts about yourself, two of which must be false, and tell your partner to do the same. You both would then have to guess which interesting fact is true and which ones are lies. Simple games like these can go a long way in getting to know someone and establishing comfortability without having to be in-person. Other icebreaker ideas such as 21 questions can be found via your favorite search engine. Don’t be scared to give it a try!

Me and my partner are both quarantined together. What are some at-home date ideas? 

An article by USA Today revealed that forty-three states accounting for about 95% of the U.S. population are under stay-at-home orders. Additionally, 6.6 million of Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week according to the United States Department of Labor. `What does this mean? If you are stuck at home, you are not alone. If you are stuck at home with your significant other, and have been since the outbreak of the coronavirus, you are still not alone. The hysteria behind the pandemic and anxiety of trying to stay healthy from Covid-19 can be very stressful. If there are kids in your picture, particularly, not being able to have a night out alone with your partner can definitely cause a lot of pressure. Kids or no kids, there are a few at-home date night ideas that can help you and your cinnamon apple relax and distract your minds. 

“We’ve made a habit of making meals together everyday,” said New Paltz student Amayah Spence. “For example, she’ll make the eggs while I make the pancakes.” Spence and her partner have been living together at her partner’s home since her parents flew out to Florida to wait out the crisis a few weeks ago. Every night feels like date night.. “Every night we have dinner and watch a movie and sometimes include game night afterwards” Spence shared. 

A great date night idea that you might have seen in many romance movies is a candlelit dinner. All that you would need are a few candles, a nice home-cooked meal for two and your best outfit. Dr. Racine Henry, marriage and family therapist, emphasises the psychotherapeutic benefits of cooking. “It’s the most universal way of expressing and receiving love” says Dr. Henry.

Movie night is also another idea you can never go wrong with. Streaming platforms such as Hulu, Netflix and Disney+ have a wide selection of movies to watch at affordable membership prices. For increased relaxation and self-care at home, grabbing your favorite face mask and setting up a bubble bath would make the perfect spa night. This date idea would be beneficial to both partners physically and mentally. To get circulation flowing and muscles pumping, having a workout date is also another idea that works well at home during quarantine. Gyms across the country have closed, but this is no excuse to be inactive. Grab your partner, put on a free, online workout video and get those summer bodies ready. 

Having date night and spending time together is crucial in relationships, however one important thing to keep in mind is space. “We work separately for a period of time throughout the day,” said Spence. Licensed counselor Zubaidah Othman recommends “time-out” moments each day where you and your partner have time to do your own things and respect each other's individual space. Being together 24/7 can get highly overwhelming, so don’t be too clingy!

My partner did something I did not like and we got into an argument. How will we be able to resolve this virtually? 

It would be nearly impossible for your partner not to get on your nerves, so when they do, it would be best to learn how to resolve conflict effectively. Sorting things out in person is easier said than done, but the question is how will these conflicts be resolved over a video call or text message? While a lot of people might prefer electronic communication because it is less direct, Wharton School of Business professionals point out that electronic communication may include miscommunication and misinterpretation of feelings and emotions. Body language and tone are rapidly visible and interpretable in person, yet not so much over a screen. 

When resolving arguments virtually, you must carefully analyze and think about how you are going to react and what you are going to say before you do it. Conflict can be stretched online through a phenomenon known as the disinhibition effect. Psychologist Dr. John Suler explains it as being a “double-edged sword that gets people to do and say things in cyberspace that they wouldn’t ordinarily say or do in the face-to-face world.” If your partner upsets you, it is best to step away from your electronic device for a few minutes before expressing your feelings. Don’t allow yourself to get carried away with words virtually. Amy Kipp, a couples and family therapist in San Antonio, affirms that when both partners are able to cool down and take breaks, they're usually able to “reach a resolution with more ease.” 

When you have gathered your thoughts and feel ready to speak about what made you upset, tell your partner that you would like to speak and proceed to tell them what they did wrong. Expressing how you feel is never wrong as long as you are not being disrespectful or speaking in a tone of voice that might come off as aggressive. The following step would be to listen to what your partner has to say. They too have a right to share what they think and feel. The happiest relationships try to see the other side of the argument, Kipp says. She also affirms that being open to your partner’s side of the argument “decreases defensiveness and allows for a more productive conversation.” When both are done sharing, then it is your turn to vocalize what you want to gain out of the conflict and come to a common agreement with your partner on what is the best solution for the relationship.

Sports While In Quarantine

People are finding ways to be active and watch sports. 

During the Coronaviurus, many sports leagues have been cancelled.  This is the first April without baseball since 1883. It is crazy to think that not only are professional sports cancelled, but there is no one else on the face of the earth that is playing sports, even a pickup game. MLB, Season postponed. NBA and NHL, Seasons suspended. NFL, Season in question.  

Archbishop Stepinac was defeated by Cardinal Hayes on Saturday October 14, 2017.

How will you go without sports? Phil Barber writes for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, outside of San Francisco. He weighed together multiple scenarios for what could happen for the future of professional sports.  “We play games without the fans? Nah, that’s impossible,” said Lebron James, of the Los Angeles Lakers. “I ain’t playing if I ain’t got the fans in the crowd. That’s who I play for. I play for my teammates, and I play for the fans. That’s what it’s all about. So if I show up to an arena and there ain’t no fans in there, I ain’t playing. They can do what they want to do.”

Kyle Flanagan is a Utah man, and has just divorced. He thought sports would be his escape from the emotions that came with the split.  “Not coping at all with no sports,” said Flanagan. “Can’t even watch old games because it makes me sad,” “I had tickets to six Braves games in the first week of the baseball season — three in Phoenix to open the season and three in Atlanta following that. 

Some alternatives to these games. 

On apps such as TikTok, many people are playing sports and getting other forms of exercise in their private games. On ESPN, and other sports channels, NBA Finals games from ten years ago are being replayed. “The sport I miss the most right now is definitely basketball,” said Kaihl Brassfield, a junior from Staten Island, New York, who is a double major between Journalism and Communications. “Going from having a game on every night to not having any games at all is tough. It gets boring when all they plan on ESPN are old games.” 

Susanna Granieri is a sports reporter for the New Paltz Oracle.  She says that this is taking a toll on people involved with sports. “To deal with the sports withdrawal during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am focusing my mind on the other side of sports such as the off season, popularity of athletes, how families are grieving the loss of their child's season,” said Granieri.  “Through my job at the SUNY New Paltz Oracle, I still get to write about sports without the ongoing NCAA season or any professional league, but rather the administrative side of how to handle the pandemic, the off-season health benefits for athletes or the allocation of funds and different deficits from the loss of events.”

Martin Frank writes for the Delaware News Journal in the Philadelphia area. He has given a variety of options. Frank says that people should watch All or Nothing, an Amazon Prime special that further goes into detail each episode about the 2019 season, or watch any other movies about sports.  Frank also says another option is people being interested in the 2020 NFL Draft, considering it will be soon.  

MLB’s New York Yankees have put together something for their fans to get through quarantine. The “Bronx Bracket” is now on social media. There people can vote for their favorite moment in the history of the franchise.  

SUNY New Paltz Athletics is taking a hit.

“Like it has for everyone, this crisis has been one that has completely turned our world in athletics upside down,” said SUNY New Paltz Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation. “It is so sad that student athletes that worked so hard in preparing for their seasons lost the chance to compete in the sports they love and have dedicated most of their life to.  Sport for these students is an essential part of who they are, and to lose this is very difficult.  But I will say athletes are trained to handle tough circumstance and are used to adversity. So this crisis is a true life test that they can apply the skills learned in sport in coping with all that comes with this new world we find ourselves living in.”

“I am dealing with this by preparing for when we are finally able to get back to playing.  We are working hard to figure how best to do this and with what restrictions we may face. It is very difficult because things will probably not be back to a semblance of normal for some time.”

“The difference in atmosphere now compared to last year at this time is almost explainable.....last year we were enjoying the success of the Men's Volleyball team winning its second National Championship and really enjoying historic success we had as a department overall.  There was such a strong feeling of community and a almost euphoric feeling of what the future will bring to our department.  Now, it is a ghost town. Empty quiet fields and gyms.  No students to been seen anywhere on campus and a very surreal feeling even after the past six weeks of this.”

“I really do not know about the fall and sports starting up again.  The health and safety and preservation of life is the most important thing. If asked, I would urge caution in starting up to soon and possibly sending us into another crisis.  But I have to be optimistic as well that maybe there is a chance sports start up. I do not count out the human spirit and ingenuity in figuring this out...sincerely hope the great scientific minds around the world will come together in finding a vaccination that protects us all.”

A combination of exercises you can practice at home. 

Yoga is a popular form of exercise that can be easily done at home, and you can get lessons on Youtube.

“Taking matters into my own hands,” is what Nadia Ahmed will do.  She is a Spanish and Latin American and Caribbean Studies Major from Queens, New York. Ahmed said she will lift grocery bags and do lunges as her main forms of exercise at home. 

“I plan to do push ups and sit ups at home to try to stay in the best shape I can,” said Brassfield. 

“I do yoga in my living room every morning,” said Amayah Spence. Spence is a sophomore Psychology major from the Upper West Side of Manhattan.   “Sometimes I go on walks in the evening,” said Spence.  

“I walk around my neighborhood,” said Lara Morales.  Morales is a junior double major in Journalism and Digital Media Management, from Bayside, Queens.  

“Working out at home has not only made me more creative with my workouts, but also expanded my arsenal,” said Kat Mangan, a second year Psychology major from the Upper West Side. Mangan also is a personal trainer with NASM certification. “I actually enjoy researching new workouts, and will definitely be taking some of the new workouts, and will definitely be taking some of the new exercises I learned into the gym when they reopen. Our school’s wellness center has been doing a really good job making home workout resources available through our Instagram page, @npwellrec.”  

On the account, there are multiple workouts such as yoga, abs, full chest, and triceps.  

The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo are now cancelled. 

The Olympic torch will not burn this year, but it hopefully will, when the games will, in 2021.

Coronavirus has now cancelled the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.  This has upset many across the World.  Athletes have been training for four years since the 2016 Summer games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.  Now, they will have another year to train, since their hopes are now put off for another twelve months.  Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee, from Germany, and his board decided the safest move was to postpone the games until 2021.  This was supposed to be huge for Tokyo, and the Japanese economy.  

Swimmers like Haley Anderson and Phoebe Bacon are working out at home, since many public pool facilities are closed. Anderson, from Folsom, California, uses beer and wine bottles to help her with balancing activity.  Bacon, from Bethesda, Maryland, is using a neighbor's private indoor pool.  

Rugby player Carlin Isles from Massillon, Ohio, that he is not really phased by this.  “I was always self-motivated,” said Isles. “So this isn’t a foreign to me. I’m used to it.”  

What are you looking forward to when sports return?

Photo by Liam Sullivan. Archbishop Stepinac lost to Iona Prep at Iona College, on Saturday February 1, 2020. This game took place a little over a month before the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic greatly affected much of the United States.

“I’m really looking forward to being around the Tennis team and competing again in the fall,” said Kat Mangan.  “Preseason was arduous but a great experience that I can’t wait to relive.  

“Talking about certain games, teams, players with family or friends,” said Andrew Powers. Powers is a senior History major from Poughkeepsie. “Being able to unwind at the end of a long day and flip on the Yankees or Suns game,” is another aspect that Powers is looking forward to.

Staying Fit While Staying In

Experts offer simple, inexpensive tips for maintaining your health during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Now that gyms across the country are closed due to the pandemic, you may find that your regular workout routine has been disrupted. However, experts stress that exercising now is more important than ever, especially when it comes to your overall health and sanity. 

“Being active and moving, allows you to then focus more on your tasks for the day, whether it is online classes or working remotely. It allows you to relieve stress. It also helps to prevent other health related risks that could form from not being active,” says Kevin Makarewicz, the Assistant Wellness & Recreation Director at SUNY New Paltz. “Setting physical goals also helps you create structure from home in terms of having a routine and sticking to it that allows you to be more productive.”

NO GEAR? NO PROBLEM!

Makarewicz believes that there are endless possibilities when it comes to workouts you can do at home. 

“It is really all about how creative you want to be. If you aren't feeling too creative with the equipment, you can do calisthenics, dance or yoga that does not require any equipment to do.” says Makarewicz. 

One thing you can do is make a pull up bar using a towel and a closed door. You can make your own DIY dumbbells for under $10 or even with things you might find around the house.

Stephanie Mansour, fitness guru and founder of fitness brand Step it Up with Steph, is quoted in theladders.com article saying, “Simple stretches that open up your chest, hips, and lungs are amazing for improving circulation and even for detoxing the body. Instead of stagnant energy, you’re getting things moving first thing,” Stretching aids in allowing your body to move more freely. This makes exercise less painful and it also alleviates post workout soreness.

If you already have a gym membership, many places have adapted to the situation accordingly. Planet Fitness has frozen all memberships, and you will not be charged any fees at this time. In addition, they are hosting daily workouts on Facebook Live, featuring their own Planet Fitness trainers. Their app offers over 500 exercises designed for people of all fitness levels.  

SUNY New Paltz has also been offering free virtual classes on Zoom in place of their regular, in person classes. They offer classes such as Total Body Conditioning, Barre/Pilates Fusion, Yoga, Boot Camp, and Ab Lab. These workouts can be accessed via the school’s virtual library. 

SKIP THE SNACKING!

You can be prone to stress eating during this time. Makarewicz recommends avoiding purchasing unhealthier snacks.

“The easiest way to avoid eating junk food is by not buying it! It may sound simple but you are much more likely to eat something if it is in your kitchen and you have easy access to it.”  says Makarewicz.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS TOO!

The app Headspace has partnered with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to provide free meditations and mindful content to all New Yorkers. Headspace is also granting all US healthcare professionals and all NHS healthcare professionals one year of Headspace Plus.

A Harvard Study found that meditation can play a critical role in both your physical and mental health. The study found that people who meditated over an eight-week long period had a changing in expression in 172 genes, which were linked to a decrease in blood pressure. So, if you find yourself stressed out about everything that is going on in the world, just like two-thirds of Americans, meditation can offer a relaxing outlet to relieve stress.

At the end of the day, you should remember that while staying healthy during this unprecedented time is important, try to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Don’t beat yourself up if you end up caving and buying three bags of Hot Cheetos because they were on sale at the grocery store. If you end up staying in bed much later than you wanted to, it’s okay. The world is tough enough already, and it’s okay to give yourself a break sometimes.