Being just two at home, things are almost as usual. My husband has Parkinson’s and stays home, and visiting nurses come around wearing masks.  Teaching hands on art classes Is a challenge. I have split classes and also taught outside as my building has no ventilation or room for the 6 feet apart.  We are mask to mask and hands in water doing ceramics. It is not teaching as usual, but we are all in the same boat and doing our best.

You stay positive, careful and keep your sense of humor! We need it!

What stress? You can only do so much, but do it well! Students understand and at flexible and care about each other. At least in my classes! Homelife has not changed much and we take it one day at a time.

Zooming is out! We are working in different rooms and wearing masks. I do more physical work and double teaching,. when classes are split. Hands-on classes have to meet as work cannot be removed from the class rooms. Students being quarantined for weeks, have a tougher time, but so far they have come in extra time and catch up. You learn to adapt and get stuff done. Almost a ‘nice’ challenge.

Again......... I have to be In class, so no home office! I use the studio at school, so I can be here for the students. Art faculty seem to be more flexible, less stressed, and often forgotten!

(Videoconferencing) Sucks! Does nothing positive for my classes or myself. Hardly works where I Iive or teach. I can’t depend on it.

I enjoy being with my students and I make sure they are well and not stressed. Art students seem less stressed. I will have students to my house (in small numbers) to look at ceramics and eat cake. I also bake pizza in the kilns. I stay in touch with the quarantined students and make sure they have my support. I am a good listener and will also help whoever needs it.

I occasionally zoom. I visit my art colleague in his office and that is about all.

(New technologies and their usefulness:)  No!  

(About superpowers to cope:)  Enjoying My students and what I do! Brought up to think for myself. Brought up in Europe and having raised 4 kids and a husband. Lots of black licorice

and a good sense of humor and friendly sarcasm.

(About the new normal:) Wearing masks for years and hopefully a vaccine that will work. A new president who will care about her/his country and It’s people and lots of traveling

back home to visit my family in Europe. Why is obvious!

(remembering from this time period) 

(About what will be remembered about this time:)  A crazy president who did not care and the many people who died from the virus, who did not have to die. I will also remember all the unselfish and hardworking medical/hospital/nursing home staff! And the ones who gave their lives to save their patients. Why? How can you forget such behavior from a ‘leader’! And how can you forget such loss of lives? And the bravery of caring medical staff.

(About preparation for future pandemics:) Listen to the scientists! Do what they say and stay put if possible. Do not stress! Stay out of nursing homes! Doubt you could be better prepared ahead of time except for purchasing toilet paper, paper towels and Kleenex, etc.

Life goes on.... embrace it!