THE USD VISTA An end to ‘unprecedented times’

California officially ends state of emergency

COLIN MULLANEY COPY EDITOR

Three years ago, on March 12, 2020, the University of San Diego — along with many other institutions across the nation — announced their closure due to the newly emerged coronavirus, known to most as COVID-19. While rumors had swirled for weeks preceding the memorable date, few Americans understood the sweeping ramifications of this novel disease, nor were they aware of what would soon unfold in the short term. Commonly referred to as an “unprecedented time” across the country, the earliest days of the COVID lockdown were marked by internet memes about toilet paper shortages and the phrase “two weeks to flatten the curve.”

During the week leading up to the beginning of the pandemic, all major USD events, student club gatherings, sports games and other meetings and practices were canceled. The Student Health Center, along with Student Affairs, also sent out separate emails to students with resources and updates regarding the growing issue of COVID.

In the original email announcing the University’s transition to online learning, President Harris addressed the severity of COVID and its threat to faculty and student health.

“This new designation of

COVID-19 as a pandemic requires the university to take even more dramatic steps to scale up our emergency response […] We are canceling all classes from March

14-22 to enable our faculty and students to prepare for remote teaching and learning,” President Harris wrote in 2020. For many students, the news was devastating. For others, the dangers of COVID were not yet apparent.

USD senior Alyanna Jalbuena reflected on the moment she first received the email from the University, and how it felt being sent home as a first-year student in the spring of 2020.

“I remember being in the middle of my Chemistry lab practical when a faculty staff member came in and told the class that we’re probably going to be sent home. Saying goodbye to my friends was so casual at the time, because we thought we would see each other in person after two weeks.”

The transition from inperson to online was challenging for most, as students and staff learned how to use Zoom and adjusted their schedules.

USD senior Alex Ortiz described his experience transitioning to online learning, while also moving back home.

“It was kind of hectic. Adjusting to classes online took time, because it was

COVID, Page 2

This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted the 95th Academy Awards, also known as the “Oscars,” on March 12. The Academy Awards have been around since 1929, honoring films released each year. Outstanding films from the previous year are nominated for various reasons in 24 different categories, from directing, editing, costume design and more, celebrating each film’s accomplishments.

‘Best Picture’ is the most competitive category of the night, with 10 movies competing for the title. “Everything Everywhere

95th Oscars recap Academy winners, comebacks, diversity and celebrations STELLA SCHNEIDER ASST. A&C EDITOR @USDVista @theusdvista uofsdmedia.com Don’t miss the latest news. Find us online:

All at Once” was favored to win by audiences in this category and in a number of others at the Oscars. It was originally picked up by A24 after its premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival and grabbed the attention of audiences across the globe. Many predicted its success at the Oscars this year as it was nominated for 11 different categories. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” won at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards, Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards and Indie Spirits. While “Everything Everywhere All at Once” captured the hearts of many, “All Quiet on the Western Front” won ‘Best Picture’ at the British Academy Awards (BAFTA). This German film highlights the atrocities of World War 1 in Germany. With its win for ‘Best Picture,’ many wondered about the success of the film at the Academy Awards. In the end, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” won the best picture.

‘Best Picture’ winner “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is available on Showtime or Paramount+ with a subscription, or available for purchase on Prime Video for $19.99.

See Oscars, Page 3

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