We Persevere p. 10
One student’s story of testing COVID-19 positive.
Quarantine Entrepreneurs p. 7
UA students capitalize on extra time.
30
Two students offer perspectives on the 2020 election.
Covid & the Community
p. 22
Downtown Akron poised for strong recovery.
Lost & Gained p. 12
Meyers School of Art students struggled to create.
2020 marked a turning point for the staff at The Buchtelite. Previously, this publication has followed a newspaper format, but during the spring of 2021 we began the transition towards becoming a magazine.
This issue records the beginning of our future collaborations with the community in and around The University of Akron. In this issue we have varied opinions from different voices and backgrounds. We built this edition to document what it was like to be at UA during the pandemic of 2020. We reached out to students of various disciplines to compile a large number of essays and creative works, instead of focusing solely on news.
Cover Art:
Artist: Sophia Fugate is a junior double majoring in painting and drawing and Graphic Design, minoring in illustration. The artwork on page# was created with gouache.
We regret that we were not able to showcase all of the different disciplines that represent our campus, but we hope this edition will serve as a time capsule for the students who lived through this period and we are proud to present it. This past year has pushed us to greater heights and my goal as Editor-in-Chief is to make sure that this magazine is reflective of each contributor and the student body as a whole. All of us are looking forward to publishing this magazine twice each year for our readers. The magazine we are building will retain the independent voice of UA’s students and we hope it’s one you’ll enjoy.
Writers, photographers, journalists, designers, artists, we invite you to join us in this new direction. Your voice matters.
LeKesha Parkman, Editor-in-Chief
Buchtelite Staff
Editor-in-Chief & Layout Editor
LeKesha Parkman
Managing Editor
Alyssa Alexsonshk
Copy Editor
Ashleigh Kanengeiser
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Mckenzie Uhrig
Social Media Editor
Stephanie Fairchild
Faculty Advisor
Julie Cajigas
Administrative Coordinator
Brenda Reichert
Staff Writers:
Jaina Gedeon
Isabella Anderson
Contact Us
Office: Kolbe Hall, Suite 208 Mailing Address
The Buchtelite 302 Buchtel Mall Kolbe Hall, Suite 208 Akron, OH 44325-4602
By Email: editor-in-chief@buchtelite.com
Summer Torok
Abigail Stopka
Contributors:
Kaitlyn Guynn, Elizabeth
Heckler, Linda Marie
Saliga, President Miller, Nicholas Welch
Printing for the COVID-19 Time Capsule Edition was made possible thanks to the generous support of The Rollin S. and Doris R. Reiter Fund of The University of Akron Foundation.
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused major changes to the American workforce. Many businesses have employees working from home and teachers are preparing to teach in an online format.
Workers in restaurants, bars, movie theaters, gyms and other social gathering places are facing financial uncertainty as their places of employment close down.
Retail is one of the few industries that has not yet been shuttered by the virus. Many stores, especially grocery chains, have seen masses of customers stockpiling food and other supplies.
While many businesses are now closing overnight to better sanitize the stores and restock shelves, they are still open every day.
I have been working at Walmart for nearly two years and I have never seen anything like this. My coworkers, many of whom have over a decade of experience, have never seen anything like this.
It’s the middle of March, but the store is busier than it was in the week leading up to Christmas.
Most shocking to myself and others is the bareness of the shelves.
Everything from lunch meats and eggs to canned goods and pastas is decimated. It looks like people are preparing for the end of the world.
However, there is no “shortage” of food and supplies. Our store is still getting shipments every single day.
The biggest problem is having enough people to move the products on to the shelves. By the time we stock a whole pallet’s worth of items, half of what we just stocked is already gone.
Our online grocery pickup department, where I normally work, is currently closed. There’s no product on the shelves for us to give to online pickup customers.
Walmart has made changes to their attendance policy to protect workers whose health may be seriously impacted by the virus. Still, some workers are struggling with childcare options now that schools are closed.
Others do not have enough paid time off hours saved up to allow them to miss more than a day or two of work before they are no longer paid.
A lack of manpower and large crowds are making it difficult to keep products on the shelves.(Right) Aisles that normally house non-perishable foods and other supplies are nearly empty after shoppers engage in “panic buying” due to COVID-19. (Left) Toilet paper has been one of the most in-demand items. Photos via Elizabeth Heckler
Editor’s Note: This story was originally published March 17, 2020. We have included it here to document some of our earliest pandemic experiences.
Featured Image (below):
Those of us who are still coming into work come into contact with hundreds of people every day. Retail and food service workers are among those whose professions put them at an “elevated risk” of becoming sick.
However, it isn’t all doom and gloom. People from various departments at my store have come together to get products on to the shelves as quickly as possible.
I’ve gotten to work with friends that I do not see very often and I have gotten to meet and work alongside people that I never before had a chance to know.
Many of our customers have been great too. I’ve had more than a few of them thank me for the work I was doing, for cashiering and stocking shelves.
There’s been a lot of attention placed on “panic buying” and that attention has been highly critical. From what I have seen, though, these are not hysterical masses that are attacking employees. People are simply afraid, and they are doing anything they can to ensure the health and happiness of their families.
I ask that wherever you go (or preferably: don’t go) during this time, be kind to one another. We are all just trying to find our way through this crisis. Thank your cashier, wave hello to your neighbor from the mailbox, and check on your friends via text or social media. We will get through this, as a community and as individuals. It is just going to take a little patience.
t’s hard to believe that a full year has passed since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. I can still feel the fear that I felt in my chest when classrooms on campus were buzzing with talk of the school shutting down. I remember hearing, “if you have asthma, you should be at home,” as I looked down at the inhaler in my backpack. I skipped the rest of my classes that day and drove straight to my mom’s, in hopes to seek shelter from the maddening world at my doorstep.
I remember getting the email that classes had moved to remote learning. I remember being afraid to go to work or the grocery store. I remember hearing horror stories from other countries. I remember having an anxiety attack in the middle of my psychiatrist’s office. I remember watching numbers climb and thinking that just maybe, the world was ending after all.
I work in a bank and we closed our lobbies for two months at the beginning of the pandemic. In May, we reopened them, and I remember how uneasy I felt from simply letting the general public back inside. It was so strange, adjusting to people walking into a bank with masks on. Yet, somehow even stranger to see people refusing to wear them.
Months passed without seeing family and friends. I broke quarantine on my 27th birthday to see a
Ifew friends, but it felt wrong. And somehow, it still felt lonely. The year, somehow, simultaneously passed both briskly and at a sluggish crawl. Our world was suddenly polluted with a whirlwind of misinformation, fear and selfishness. I could taste the lack of balance in the air, I ached for some resemblance of normalcy. I knew I was not alone in this.
People around me were suddenly out of jobs, late on their rent and buying every roll of toilet paper that they could get their hands on. Nursing homes and hospitals were put on lockdowns and the weak and fragile were forced to die alone. My friend’s parents and grandparents got sick. There was suffering all around me.
And amidst the newfound chaos surrounding me, I lost the illusion of permanence.
In the past, I’ve told myself, time and time again, that the only constant thing in life is change. The dysfunction and shift across the world should not have taken me by such surprise, but it did. I found myself suddenly wishing for simple pleasures that I had once taken for granted…
A hug from a friend. Smiling at a stranger. Date night. Eating out. Dancing. Classroom discussion. Visiting my grandparents. Movie theaters. Swing sets. Live music. Sweaty dive bars.
By the winter holidays, we had started to settle into this strange, new reality, but case numbers were higher than ever, often reaching over 10,000 per day just here in Ohio. Everyone wanted to spend the holidays with their families, but health officials advised against it. Some people still didn’t even believe that COVID-19 was real, as hundreds of thousands across America lost their lives to the virus.
On January 3, 2021, I woke up with a cold. I didn’t think much of it, until my boss called me while I was waiting for a table at my favorite brunch spot
(because wow, did I miss brunch), to tell me that she had tested positive for COVID-19. Despite months of tirelessly cleaning, mask-wearing, staying home regularly, and using hand sanitizer obsessively… I knew I had to get tested.
The test itself was nothing but a mild discomfort but waiting for the test results was maddening. My cold began to worsen as I developed a cough and lost my voice. I took my temperature religiously three times per day, only to discover that I had no fever at all. My tongue had a burnt feeling that wouldn’t go away, like when you bite into a pizza roll that just came out of the oven.
Three days later, I got the phone call that I had tested positive for COVID-19. It was upsetting and the idea of lingering or long-term effects terrified me. Thankfully, my case was mild, despite being asthmatic, and all I was left with was a lingering cough that was quickly cleared up by a steroid inhalant.
During my quarantine, I turned to art – something that this world has taken for granted for too long. From stand-up comedy and award-winning films, to live music streams and revisiting my favorite albums, to virtual museum tours and a canvas and paint porch drop-off, courtesy of my mom – art kept me sane, hopeful and busy. Art can heal in ways we often chose to ignore and take for granted. COVID-19 gave me a new appreciation for what had been in front of me all along.
As vaccines are now rolling out across the country and mandates are beginning to be lifted, I can’t help but feel hopeful for the future. Dreams of music festivals, in-person graduations, weddings, hugs, and travel fill my mind daily.
Over the past year, we have proven our adaptability by coming together and supporting each other in some amazingly unique ways. However, being together physically is tangible, irreplaceable, and something I can’t wait to appreciate the simplicity of once again.
2020 was a year of rampant loss. The way we interact with each other may be permanently altered. But I believe that there is a happy ending to our collective story.
I deem 2021 to be a year of hope and gratitude. The year we stop taking things for granted, because within a moment’s notice, they could be gone. The year we realize “the little things” were always “the big things” all along.
By Megan Parker, Former Editor-in-ChiefWhen I was a kid, I dreamed of crossing the stage at my college graduation. It was a moment I prepared myself for my entire life because it would be one of my greatest accomplishments yet.
In May 2020, that dream took place differently than I had hoped due to the pandemic. A virtual graduation ceremony: a pre-recorded acknowledgement of students’ success.
Although I knew that there were limited options for the University in terms of hosting a commencement ceremony, I still felt crushed by the nature of our pre-recorded one. Personally, I wish UA would have put forth more time and effort in hosting a live, virtual graduation ceremony.
Nonetheless, I still look back on my graduation with the huge honor addressing my classmates as the Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences undergraduate student speaker.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted my undergraduate career in more ways than just changing the style of graduation. When the pandemic hit, I was Editor-in-Chief and trying to figure
out how to cover this national news.
I remember listening to Governor Mike DeWine’s daily press conferences and writing articles about a few cases in certain counties. Now, there are thousands of new cases each day.
This was probably my first taste of what writing in the journalism field is actually like: fast-paced, new information, and little editing time before publication. Despite the terrible circumstances, I enjoyed the “new” process of writing news.
Many people will look back on the pandemic and think of all the negative aspects of what the world went through. I, however, will try to look back at all the positive things that have come from it.
From revitalized hobbies to starting new career paths, the pandemic gave people the time and opportunity to do these things. For me, I started and am currently finishing my first year of law school.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives in ways we never imagined could be possible. And although we may need to get used to a new normal, I look forward to seeing the ways we adapt.
My View of Covid-19’s Impact on Graduation, Life in General
As quarantine stretched on, some students found themselves with time to spare. Everyone used this time differently, whether it was used for rest, working out, or taking up new or old hobbies.
Some University of Akron students made the most of isolation by attempting to turn their hobbies into businesses.
For some, the hope was to just bring in some extra cash during the height of the pandemic, but for others, these attempts may prove to be path-altering ventures.
For one student, just one business wasn’t enough. Last year when not much was open, Brooke Seff, a junior at the University of Akron, resorted to spending most of her time enjoying the beaches of Cleveland’s.
The more time Seff spent at the beach, she noticed little pieces of beach glass washed up onshore.
“I knew I could create something using the beach glass,” Seff said. “That’s when I decided jewelry would be a great idea and after lots of trial and error, I finally perfected the jewelry I wanted to sell.”
Seff set up an Instagram account @qtbs.jewelry to sell and promote her jewelry and from there the business took off.
Soon after that, Seff and her boyfriend, UA alum Bill Schulz, started their own rug tufting business. Like many Americans, the couple spent countless hours watching TikTok videos.
After watching more DIYs they could count, one thing caught their eye.
“We saw people tufting and realized we would love to do that,” Seff said. Tufting, a type of textile weaving, is also known as rug making.
They went online in search of a tufting gun but were having a hard time finding one. According to Tuft The World, tufting guns automatically adhere yarn loops to a rung backing. Tufting guns from Tuft The World would range from $275 to $875.
The tufting guns were difficult to get a hold of due to being on backorder.
“My boyfriend and I are both very creative. Together we decided that we had to come up with something productive to do with our free time due to COVID-19 boredom,” Seff said.
All Seff’s classes at The University of Akron were online because of COVID-19, which allows her more free time. Schulz is a videographer and has some downtime in the winter months.
The rug business NoFluff took off in December of 2020 when Seff and Schulz started posting videos of themselves making rugs on TikTok.
One video went viral on Seff’s account @ brookemakenzie_ with over 57.2K views of their Rocket League rug. NoFluff’s social media began to blow up.
A famous Youtuber, Treyten, who has 1.75 million subscribers, messaged Seff and Schulz asking to purchase two rugs of his logo “Hey Woah.”
The couple was so excited, in addition to creating the two commissioned rugs, they surprised him with a third rug designed like another one of his logos, in the shape of a donut. Treyten gave NoFluff a shoutout on his channel causing NoFluff’s Instagram @noflufftufting to gain followers.
While Seff was excited about the rug business taking off, she knew she could not leave her rug business behind. Seff created an Excel document to keep up with both rugs and jewelry, and it ended up working wonderfully.
Another UA student, Kristina Hrnjak also started a small business of her during the height of COVID-19. Hrnjak is a fourth-year student studying history and philosophy.
According to Hrnjak, many people have had an increasing interest in astrology since the start of the pandemic.
People have been talking about their “big three” which refers to their astrological sun, moon and rising stars. Some take it as far as including their signs in their social media bio.
“This trend has been blowing up,” said Hrnjak, “but it’s been in my life for the last eight years.”
In May of 2020, during COVID-19 Hrnjak decided to begin charging for astrological natal chart readings and tarot readings. She has been studying tarot for so long that she figured she should start making a profit off her knowledge.
She would advertise on social media, mostly Instagram and Snapchat. Sometimes she would have customers who were simply interested in astrology but did not have time to teach themselves. Others were mostly old friends.
Despite her strong background, Hrnjak’s business did not take off as she imagined.
For the customers Hrnjak did get, she provided
them with a four to five-page natal chart reading for $15. Many of her customers responded with gratitude and amazement.
The business has been on and off as she
occasionally offers readings through social media. This semester of school has been busy and challenging, and Hrnjak has not been offering readings.
“It provided a bit of pocket change during the height of the pandemic,” Hrnjak said. “But there is no telling whether I will continue this business pursuit.”
Hrnjak is grateful for the opportunity but does not think she will continue this business in the future.
Zoe Lanese-Martin is a junior at the University of Akron majoring in fashion merchandising who also practices designing, photography, styling, modeling and more.
Zoe Lanese-Martin is the founder of Nina Marie Co. The company is named after her grandmother who passed away back in 2008, which is when she formed the idea for the company.
The company started taking off in Lanese-Martin’s junior year of high school when she started taking it more seriously.
“A famous Youtuber, Treyten, who has 1.75 million subscribers, messaged Seff and Schulz asking to purchase two rugs of his logo “Hey Woah.”
The four pillars of the company are branding, photography, styling and designing, and consulting. Before focusing on her designs, she helped other local brands.
Lanese-Martin designs her shirts, then sends them to a manufacturer to be made.
Lanese-Martin recently just did her first fashion show as the designer– during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show, for her “A Treasure from the East” line, was held on April 10, 2021. She was the executive director on the E-board and the finale designer.
This collection was dedicated to the Asian community as a response to the hate crimes that have been prevalent during the pandemic. A Treasure from the East was meant to represent Asian support from the Black community.
Lanese-Martin’s “Nouvelle Ere” collection, which means “The New Era” is to be released May 3, 2021. This line features nature and neutral tones.
Nina Marie Co. And the fashion lines can be found on Facebook by searching “Nina Marie Co.”
Congratulations to the Zips who were able to turn quarantine into green, and who took a risk during such a challenging time. Whether your venture is a long-term success or brings some short-term happiness, your efforts have been an inspiration.
Producing a fashion show during quarantine gave Lanese-Martin more time to sit down and work on her business.
“At first we were a little skeptical about how the fashion show would go considering COVID-19 and it being right before spring break,” said LaneseMartin. “It went very well, and we were truly amazed and grateful.”
The fashion show followed COVID-19 guidelines. Guests were required to wear masks and were spaced out. The models wore masks up until they got on stage.
Photos for this story provided by Brooke Seff, Bill Schulz, Kristina Hrnjack, Zoe Lanese-Martin and Pixabay.Here, way, Vice, Nature, Love Killian Reed, Latex Paint on canvas
this blank canvas waiting in eye cast colors in green with more ease than mine click on yellow snap dash of red clack blooms in grander lens than meadows can retain yet untouched hold much in slight white fickleness
never soft in rough
Killian Reed
Junior, English Major
Sasha Dixon , Sculpture (2021)
Dixon is a senior studio art major minoring in drawing
"In clouds view" (poem)
March 10, 2020 was a day filled with disbelief and confusion. The rumor mill was rife with speculation at UA’s Myers School of Art of an eminent shut down because of the coronavirus(COVID-19). While a pandemic wasn’t unprecedented, it certainly wasn’t anything I thought I would actually live through or be affected by. This feeling was echoed by fellow graphic design major Kohl Spieker.
Spieker noted that he was naive to think he would never have to navigate through a pandemic.
“Seeing how easily the pandemic popped up restored a high level of gratitude for the medical and science communities as to how important their work is and how they keep us all safe from other illnesses,” Spieker said.
The shutdown occurred during the end of my sophomore year, which was particularly stressful because sophomores in the graphic design
major were preparing for Junior Review, which would occur during the Fall of 2020.
The world was very much on my periphery.
My father was one of the first people I knew who took the warnings seriously. Months before Governor Mike DeWine announced a statewide mask mandate, he asked both my sister and I to wear face coverings, going so far as to buy one for me and mail another to my sister who lives out of state.
Certainly this would all blow over? I thought.
That Tuesday, we learned the building was shutting down at 5 p.m., which gave us less than an hour to clear out. Everything we needed had to go with us, because we weren’t sure when we would be permitted back into the building.
In the halls there was pandemonium, especially in the painting wing and ceramics building. Some students were frantically carrying work that was bigger than them.
How in the world will they be able to work? How will we adapt? I wondered.
Senior Kayla Weinman was wondering the same thing. As a ceramics major, she needed access to the building. After receiving the news of Myers closing, her professor Drew Ippoliti found her frozen in her studio space chewing on her thumbnail. She described feeling a wave of panic and anxiety. Weinman was worried about junior review, which was to be a culmination of years of study, but then immediately felt guilty.
“It sounds so selfish. So many things were in my head. Drew walked in and said, Stop panicking. Get the stuff you need and go home. There is nothing else you can do,” Weinman said.
In the aftermath the staff and faculty at Myers did their best to reassure and communicate with the students, but many of us had questions the faculty didn’t yet have answers to.
“The world wasn’t ending (because of lost access to Myers), but I felt like mine kinda was. I don’t think people realize how intensive art school is, but this is my life. I’m here maybe seven days a week, if I’m not here I’m thinking about it. This is what I do,” Weinman said.
Experiences with online learning varied between students. For senior photography major Sarah Lacey the experience left much to be desired. “I found, and still find, online learning to be a curse for college education and maybe even education in general.
It is so easy to skip class when you don’t have a physical space to go to.”
For Lacey the pandemic took a toll on her mental health. She shared that she struggled to find motivation and creativity to create something she could be proud of, which upset her greatly. She also wished the hardship faced by so many could have been avoided.
Senior sculpture major Sara Scott finds it difficult to now plan for her future. “Who knows what that even looks like anymore?” She wondered.
Scott caught COVID-19 a few days before students were scheduled to return to campus, which has affected her academically.
by professors who truly love what they do and care for their students personally,” Cipar said.
The professors at Myers are as impactful as the curriculum, working together to give students the best chance of success. During the initial shut down one of my Professors, Robert Kelemen, was particularly helpful. He sent emails frequently to keep us updated on the unfolding situation. His actions, like so many others there, helped to keep us grounded. Even though as students we didn’t have the whole picture, we knew our professors were being thoughtful of our situations.
Returning during Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 has been nerve-wracking, but it has been nice to regain the collaborative atmosphere that permeates Myers. It felt great to once again chat with friends working in the front office and the Emily Davis Gallery or to pass by former professors and classmates in the hallway.
The year of 2020 was a truly unique experience for all of us, filled with confusion and fear, but I am grateful that there can be triumph through pain.
Kayla Weinman, Ceramic +
According to Scott, her case wasn’t severe, but she’s still experiencing “covid brain” months later. She suffers from cognitive issues now, and struggles when reading and writing. She finds herself making seemingly simple mistakes, something that is difficult for her.
“It’s so bizarre and super frustrating,” she explained before trying to make light of her situation. “It’s like what happened to my brain? I have a good brain, why is it not working?”
Students were also affected by the faculty layoffs at UA. Spieker noted that while he was not affected academically, he was affected in an emotional sense.
“It’s difficult to see someone that you believe was an efficient and effective teacher with a long tenure as a University of Akron professor get let go,” Spieker said.
Senior painting & drawing major Abby Cipar said that many students are still upset from losing faculty that have been a major support system to them through the years.
“I cannot stress enough that a pillar has been removed from the Myers family. It is hard to come
Lacey learned more about herself and her work by being forced to try things she wouldn’t have without added pressure. She found other positives as well. “I ended up meeting a lot of amazing people, coming out of this past year with a ton of new friends and a boyfriend,” she said.
James Edwards, metalsmith major, said his professor Sherry Simms had his class make a small piece each week during online instruction, which forced them to think outside the box. Edwards feels that he gained a lot while working on those mini projects because, “it taught me that I don’t have to only work with metal to be a metals major. I can work with all sorts of materials,” he said.
Ciper acknowledged that while there were some positive things they experienced, they stressed the importance of not overlooking the hardships the pandemic brought upon the working-class.
As for myself, I learned how to be more adaptable and relax the tight grip I had on my future. It’s okay if I don’t know everything at all times. Sometimes knowing what direction I’m headed in is good enough. Life happens and it’s better when you learn to go with the flow, no matter how scary.
LeKesha Parkman, Acrylic paint, ceramic stucco, dimensional fabric paint on canvas
By Linda Marie Saliga, Professor of Mathematics and Faculty Senate Chair
As I think back to the beginning of the pandemic, I marvel at just how naïve I can be. Anyone who knows me well knows that I do not follow the news closely and have no social media accounts. I like to avoid the stress it can bring and focus on my students, friends, and family. I read headlines and will watch brief segments of news reports so I did know that a new virus had been discovered in China that was making a lot of people very, very sick and that this virus had made its way to Italy.
When I got to my office on a Tuesday morning in the second week of March 2020, I heard that Ohio State was going to be going online for the two weeks after their spring break and wasn’t sure what to think of that. Shortly after that I got a call from the President’s office telling me that the President would like to meet with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee at 1:00 that afternoon. I had no idea that we were going to be discussing doing something similar.
Our discussion started with how quickly can the faculty switch to online delivery, but soon turned to determining if our students had the resources they would need for online learning. The decision was made to pause instruction until after spring break (basically starting spring break a week and a half early) when all classes would be delivered remotely. While faculty worked diligently to learn how to teach in a remote setting, the University purchased extra Chromebooks and sought out resources and help for students who might not have access to the internet. It was a massive undertaking, and all hands were on deck. I didn’t realize that all these arrangements would be needed for the academic year to come. In Spring 2020, I was teaching Linear
Algebra and History of Math. Transitioning Linear Algebra wasn’t too difficult. I used a tablet in class to project my calculations as I talked students through, and that transitioned easily to an online live delivery. The problem for me in that course was that I could no longer see the students’ faces while I was teaching, and the already quiet group got quieter. I was worried that they weren’t speaking up or asking questions the way we would in person.
In History of Math, I was able to lean on a series of wonderful documentaries about mathematicians and mathematical breakthroughs that I show throughout the semester to move the teaching online and keep students engaged. I have since found ways to make the assessments for those documentary experiences even more interactive, to advance my online teaching, but I will always prefer standing in front of my class.
Course delivery wasn’t the only thing that changed at the university because of the pandemic. UA had been struggling for several years with financial strain and enrollment decline. The administration shared messages that the pandemic had pushed us into a do or die situation where deep cuts were necessary for survival. The first step was a reorganization of academic units within the university. We spent the month of May discussing how we could go from eight degree granting colleges to five by redistributing academic units. The idea here was that we could save money on administrative costs. Unfortunately, that didn’t create the cost savings needed so in July, UA experienced a reduction in force (RIF) where nearly 100 faculty members and 82 staff members lost their jobs.
When each of these events happened, stories appeared across the country documenting our
actions. We went first, but I would hear from colleagues across the country as they went through similar reorganizations and reductions in the coming months.
There was skepticism on the part of many in our campus community, and more than once I heard the phrase “never waste a good crisis.” As faculty senate chair, I was inundated with colleagues who wanted to know if the university was really in crisis, or if the pandemic was being used to fast track cuts that had already been planned.
Afterwards there was grief and guilt. The survivor guilt sometimes made it hard to connect with the colleagues I had lost to the RIF. The grief drained my motivation and made a summer separated from colleagues, alone at home harder to bear.
Of course, I couldn’t let my job be the only part of my life to have major disruptions because of the pandemic. After staring at our kitchen for months, we decided we could no longer stomach the view, and decided to finally do the long-needed update. We gutted the kitchen and it is now brand new. The destruction started in late October and we moved back into the kitchen in late January. That’s right, we had no kitchen through the 2020 holiday seasons. We did have some fun with it - we hung a plastic skeleton and placed a small COVID-19 timecapsule inside a wall right before the last of the dry wall was installed. We were so ready to be done with this year that we buried it!
As my house is getting back to normal, although there are some kitchen items I can’t find, I am looking forward my work life getting back to normal also. With vaccines being rolled out, I am very optimistic that the university community will be able to return to campus in the fall. I can’t wait to have lunch with my colleagues and students, to sit and laugh together and get back to learning together.
To my students – you are almost there! You survived a crazy transition last Spring, and you’ve had the stamina to move through these long months of isolation and learning in environments that weren’t always ideal. Some of you have thrived, and some have struggled, but I can say without a doubt that you are going to make it. Know that your teachers have struggles along with you and they can’t wait for all of us to be together again.
See you soon!
Allow me to sit and watch the world Shut down and drown Alcohol sterile; stinging, burning. Sick society, society is sick. Breathe until your lungs can’t, Mass hysteria; in and out, in, out.
3/10/20
Everyone says it’s a pandemic
Shops are closed, there are no classes
Social isolation has become endemic Panic, this is what it’s like being anxious. All this noise, and yet It’s the calmest I’ve been in years.
3/20/20
It’s a pandemic and there’s panic
But it all feels the same. I’m essential, Dispensable.
4/4/20
Poetry by Ashleigh KanengeiserThe art piece above is titled “Susceptible Year” and it was created in January. Originally, I planned to display the fatigue of the seemingly endless pandemic, but my dread was interrupted by the sudden storming of the capital a few days into the project. This unexpected riot inspired the shock and disbelief in my eyes. The mask is held to show that the pandemic was almost over, and the various circles in the back represent the fear of COVID variants. In the middle, the stark angel earring disrupts the painting’s colors to remember the hope of Christmas which was forgotten in this messy year.
Lydia Boyer, Oil Paints
Iam a full- time college student and I work two jobs, a full-time position at Spectrum and a part time position at The University of Akron’s radio station, WZIP.
I see myself as a strong student and a hard worker. Supporting myself through school hasn’t been easy, but I have always been confident that I will succeed.
COVID-19 has definitely rocked my faith.
During the pandemic, I chose to take a work from home position. I figured it would be best for me, so I could be less at risk for catching COVID or spreading it.
The majority of my classes had also been pushed to an online platform, so I was suddenly spending more time at home and alone than ever before.
At first, I did a lot better with this transition than I expected.
Fall semester 2020, I did exceptionally well in work and school. My metrics at work were great, and my grades were the best they have ever been. I passed through that semester with flying colors.
Over the winter break, transitioning into the 2021 spring semester, I started to not really feel like my normal self.
As an extrovert, I crave social interaction, I love meeting new people and seeing friendly faces, but it was hard to get the same fulfillment. The holidays weren’t as happy as they usually were, since gatherings weren’t allowed.
Naomi Boyer, chalk pastel, reprinted newspaper clippings, black paper. I titled this piece “Ataraxia” and made it as an expressive self-portrait about my calm demeanor even in 2020. The portrait was meant to depict the conflicting ideas and general chaos of 2020, especially the Pandemic shown with the clashing fire and water in the background. I wanted to demonstrate the anxiety and fear while I was peaceful and looking toward the light for hope for the future.
I didn’t get to see my family or friends that often, and when I did everyone wore masks, so I felt as if I couldn’t really enjoy them in the same way. After the holidays, it started to feel a lot harder to deal with the reality of the pandemic
As I entered the 2021 spring semester, I had high expectations since the previous semester I had set the bar so high.
The first few weeks were a little rocky, then
AtaraxiaI started losing track of time. It’s hard to keep track of time when you spend all of your time in the same room. I have my work computer set up in my living room, and I take my classes and do most of my homework in my living room as well.
Spending so much time in one small room started to make me very depressed.
I am not the sort of person to quit, so I tried not to let depression get in my way and to look to the positive side of things as much as possible.
I used some different strategies to address my mental health including working out at the gym. Gym time really helped me with my stress levels and allowed me to spend a little time outside of my house, which helped me keep my depression under control.
Then, things took another turn and slipped into a downward spiral.
In trying to get in the spring break mood and keep my depression at bay, I decided to pick back up on an old hobby. I bought a skateboard, thinking that more exercise and a fun activity would help with my deep feelings of isolation.
Unfortunately, the older you get the weaker your bones get. I fell off my skateboard, broke my elbow, and fractured another bone in three places. I was completely devastated.
You don’t realize how much you use your arm until you can’t use it anymore. The accident completely stripped me of my independence and prevented me from one of the only things keeping me sane which was going to the gym. I would also need a surgery to repair the injury. This put me in a really dark place. I have never felt more isolated in my life, and with a broken
arm, I could hardly even take care of myself. I soon began to fall behind on schoolwork, and my work performance also started to take a hit.
It is extremely hard to concentrate on work and school when you don’t even want to get out of bed in the morning.
I had never felt more isolated and alone in my life.
The beautiful thing about life, though, is that people always make a way.
Thankfully, by reaching out to others, I have found support to help me through this latest bump in the road. My family and friends have stepped in to keep my spirits high.
I’m so grateful that my professors and supervisors have been extremely understanding and forgiving as I work through this. As vaccines have become more readily available, I’ve been starting to look more forward to seeing classmates, professors and colleagues in person. It’s weird to think about what we used to consider “normal life,” but it is giving me hope daily.
I may have taken it for granted before COVID-19, but I will never take it for granted again.
I think we can all relate to feeling some sort of isolation due to covid. As humans, we need other human interaction and seeing faces through screens and behin.d masks just isn’t the same as in person and being able to see a pearly white smile.
I just want all my fellow Zips to know that it’s ok if you don’t feel ok. Many of us don’t feel ok right now.
Struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t mean that you aren’t a good student or a good person. Other good students are struggling too. Being isolated, you may not realize it, but so many of us are in the same boat.
If you don’t feel ok, please reach out to family and friends. Please reach out to your professors. Please reach out to ZipAssist or the Student Health Center. Please call a crisis hotline and talk to someone.
We are all in this together, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes.
We are almost there, just hold on! It’s going to be amazing.
recognized E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall and one of only two national centers of choreography. Our programs in the arts, music and literature are some of the best in the country. Clearly, we have many reasons to be proud. In recalling our past, we found strength and inspiration to rise above the challenges of the present.
It is no surprise, then, that when COVID-19 hit forcing students to transition to online learning; to see their campus emptied and filled with signs, plexiglass and hand sanitizer stations; and to experience graduation on the screen rather than the stage — the response of our campus community was remarkable.
Many of our faculty and staff worked 14-hour days and seven-day weeks to rapidly transform their courses and the campus environment. In the face of nearly overwhelming technical and emotional challenges, their commitment to serving students never wavered. I cannot express how grateful I am for their efforts.
By: President Gary L. Miller
While 2020 was a year of hardship, it was also, for those of us at The University of Akron, a year of hope. What I have seen over the past year from our students, faculty and staff has given me tremendous confidence about our future.
One evening last October, my wife, Georgia, and I stood on the lawn of Buchtel Hall and led a toast to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this beloved institution. Thousands of alumni and friends, participating virtually around the world, raised their glasses with us. For a moment, they forgot the pain of the pandemic, and celebrated. In the midst of darkness, it was a moment of light. In the midst of sorrow, it was a moment of joy. It was a moment of immense pride, of immense hope.
It was one of many such moments in our yearlong sesquicentennial celebration, in which we proudly remembered the achievements of this University over the past century and a half. For example, we offered the world’s first courses in rubber chemistry and launched groundbreaking programs in polymers and biomimicry. Our business, engineering and psychology programs have been ranked among the country’s best. We are home to the nationally
Our students, in turn, demonstrated extraordinary resilience and patience — and even heroism. Our nursing students traveled to New York, an epicenter of the outbreak, to treat patients. Our emergency management and homeland security students distributed medical equipment to health care workers. Engineering students used 3D printers to make face shields. Education students created an online homework hotline for K-12 students and their families. A law student created a website allowing healthy young adults to deliver groceries, prescriptions and other necessaries to housebound and at-risk individuals. Many other inspiring examples could be given.
On our website, we are currently nominating “Zips Who Inspire,” members of the University community who have inspired us through their work, talents and generosity. While there are too many to count and name here, I would like to nominate all of the students, faculty and staff who have proven that nothing, not even a pandemic, can suppress the spirit of an Akron Zip. Like the phoenix on the University’s seal, we continue to emerge from the flames of trial, to renew and reinvent ourselves.
Quite simply, we keep rising.
That is why I am hopeful. That is why you should be too.
WHY I AM HOPEFUL — and why you should be too
October 10, 2020 was The University of Akron’s Sesquicentennial or 150 year anniversary, and such a milestone called for a celebration of The University of Akron and it’s rich history.
However, 2020 brought the obstacle of the COVID-19 pandemic making it difficult to hold a large in person celebration event without risking the health of Zips. Keeping everyone safe needed to be a top priority during this time of uncertainty.
The University of Akron chose to be innovative, and instead of having one large in person event, many smaller sesquicentennial celebrations were thrown all over the world joining together to watch a virtual livestream celebration.
Zips from all over had the opportunity to share what their celebrations looked like by posting content to social media with #UA150. This helped bridge the distance between Zips. Even if parties were miles apart, fellow Zips were able to have small windows into other Zips celebrations though what other hashtags posted.
Buchtel College was created by John R. Buchtel who overcame many challenges and adversities. Therefore, A COVID-19 pandemic was not about to stop the legacy of The University of Akron family and friends from celebrating this historic moment.
“Zips from all over had the opportunity to share what their celebrations looked like by posting content to social media with #UA150.”Corporators and Trustees of Buchtel College Posing in Front of the College Building, 1872 Photograph by J. J. McFadden. From The University of Akron Photograph Collection in Archival Services. A UA themed festively decorated table ready to celebrate 150 years of The University of Akron. Photo by Jeff Savarise, and Three Zips celebrating The University of Akron’s 150th Birthday. Photo by Tanya Kiefer John R. Buchtel was born in 1820, in Green Township, Ohio, and we celebrated his 200th birthday during the 2020 pandemic. The UA sesquicentennial Celebration included 40 years and 3 generations of Zips. Photo by Jennifer Dixon Viola) By Kaitlin Guynn, Guest Contributor
Shut downs and COVID-19 restrictions have challenged the Akron business community, but University of Akron students can help by supporting local.
“That closure hurt business a lot. One of my locations was never able to re-open after that first
Director of The Downtown Akron Partnership, COVID-19 has negatively impacted most local businesses.
“All businesses are struggling in some way during the pandemic,” Caruso said. “Whether they have been adjusting to changes to operating hours, ability to host visitors, supply-chain delays and, most importantly, maintaining their health, as well as the health of their employees and customers.”
According to Caruso, UA students can help support local businesses in their time of need.
“All of the downtown businesses are owned and operated by your friends and neighbors, people like you and people you know,” Caruso said. “Many times the owner of the business is right there, working alongside their employees, serving customers.”
closure in March,” Jim King, owner of Angel Falls Coffee Company, said.
King explained that many businesses are in the same boat, and that it seems as if there is nothing more to do than to ride it out.
A manager at Akron’s Spaghetti Warehouse, who preferred to be known as April, said even less people have been dining inside since regulations forced restaurants to limit seating options. King noted a similar decline.
And their struggles are in no way unique. According to Dominic Caruso, the Communications
The Downtown Akron Partnership is an organization that works to support businesses and enhance the community. As part of that, it keeps a regularly-updated list of downtown eateries, where students can find out how to support local merchants.
Downtown Akron has a lot to offer UA students, even now, when the usual opportunities aren’t there. There are a number of ways students can get involved to help support local businesses.
Caruso encourages students to get involved by following the partnership’s #PictureYourSelfOnMain hashtag and page for upcoming events, programs and experiences.
“There are opportunities here, and where
“Akronites are a resilient people and the things planned for downtown are beginning to fall into place.”
-Dominic Caruso
opportunity is lacking, there are people working to make things better,” Caruso said. “Many owners have made creative adjustments to their business.”
Restaurants like The Spaghetti Warehouse have created socially distanced Trivia Nights to drum up business. Others have implemented additional student discounts that take 10% of more off of a purchase with a student ID. Two such businesses are PigOut Pizza & Barbeque and Blue: A Goodwill Boutique.
A newly created Akronite app allows students and locals to get more bang for their buck downtown.
According to a press release from the City of Akron, the app incentivizes Akronites to shop locally by rewarding them with specialized blimps that are redeemable at participating Akron businesses.
“The Akronite app will enable the city to reward customers for shopping local, improving revenues for our small businesses while helping folks stretch their dollars,” Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said.
Above all, Caruso stresses the importance of remaining hopeful in the face of adversity, for businesses and students alike.
“I’m hopeful and I believe downtown Akron businesses and institutions will thrive,” Caruso said. “Akronites are a resilient people and the things planned for downtown are beginning to fall into place. I have no doubt there will be much more to come.”
Businesses are already thankful to The University of Akron students.
“We always have students coming in here, and we are very grateful,” King said.
By Summer Torok, Correspondent
Imagine going out to a new restaurant with a big group of friends for lunch after COVID-19 has passed. Your vegan friend can find a whole host of options, your coffee-addicted friend can enjoy a full-fledged coffee bar, your foodie friend can enjoy locally-sourced ingredients and you can eat a dessert taco. Sound like heaven?
Then, Nomz, a new eatery in the Northside Marketplace might be just the place you.
In 2018, Kassandra Morrison was
self-employed with her first business, which brought her to Northside Marketplace. While Morrison worked the front desk, she noticed a trend of people looking for somewhere to get lunch. She talked with fiancé Sam Lavictoire about the need for vegan and healthy options in the building, and proposed a solution.
The engaged couple had been dating for over a decade, and Lavictoire has experience working in kitchens.
After some convincing, the couple opened Nomz.
Nomz opened in 2019 as a multi-concept restaurant that features a sandwich shop, a bar and a ‘Treatery,’ where customers can enjoy ice cream and dessert tacos. It is located inside of the Northside Marketplace at 21 Furnace St. Suite 404, Akron, Ohio 44308.
“Very good food and drinks, such a cute little spot, I recommend it to anyone who likes great quality food and service,” Josh Verbitsky, a Nomz customer said. In the kitchen, they only use locally-sourced ingredients. This means their menu changes seasonally, four times a year to ensure they’re serving the highest quality product. They also have plenty of vegan options.
Unfortunately, as with many businesses in the downtown corridor, COVID-19 had a major impact on the operations at Nomz. In March 2019, Nomz had to temporarily close. They reopened in June with completely new procedures. “Upon reopening, we were welcomed arms open by the community and saw success,” Morrison said. “Now it’s a constant wave, but by adapting we’ve been able to make the best of it.”
To help increase business after COVID, Nomz has been working with 22 Exchange and The Depot apartments to this help bring in UA students. They’re planning to host trivia Wednesdays and planning more events for spring and summer.
Students may also enjoy the free internet as well as Nomz’ coffee and cocktail bar, which are perfect for studying, homework and relaxing.
Nomz has merchandise available for purchase on their website and in-store. Their merch is locally screen printed by Micah Kraus. It can be found on Instagram @genarticle.
The pandemic has abruptly changed the lives of both students and faculty here at The University of Akron. After writing an article last fall about how students were feeling about the transition to online learning, I wanted to give the faculty a chance to showcase how they have innovated within the shift.
Daniela Jauk Ph.D., a second-year Assistant Professor in the Departments of Sociology andCriminal Justice and Akron alumnus, says that the most challenging part of the shift was and still is, “the trauma we all carry of not being able to connect personally and the sickness and deaths we are confronted within both the media and personal environments,” as well as, “translating compassion and a democratic learning environment into virtual learning spaces.”
When it came to innovating her teaching style, Jauk says she has “amped up compassion, starting each class by relaying to students that we cannot ignore the external and internal pressures; we need to show up for each other and grant each other some slack.”
Jauk has chosen to work with no or flexible deadlines and has even created new assignments, such as integrating creative and art assignments into the sociology classrooms to “create space for joy and creative, inspirational engagement.”
She has also used community partner Prison Abolition Prisoner Support to connect students in her Intro to Criminal Justice class with incarcerated pen– pals “to learn about the criminal justice system through the lens behind the bars with the purpose
to humanize incarcerated individuals and debunk myths and sensationalist media portrayals,” she continued.
Jauk always encourages students to remember to take “digital detoxes” when taking online courses and emphasized her compassion for students who must maintain jobs, have had COVID-19, have lost someone to COVID-19, and still manage to show up for classes.
And of course, she appreciates the kindness of her students, “Hats down to these resilient spirits and perseverant achievers, who still manage to be kind in their communication with instructors, who are of course humans too, in the same pandemic.”
Dr. Adel Alhalawani, Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, joined The University of Akron in fall 2019. The most challenging aspect of converting to online learning for Alhalawani was, “engaging with students virtually and incorporating class group work and activities.”
“To adapt to online learning, I explored different options such as using a smart screen, distance learning classrooms, different video conferencing applications and student feedback on what would work best for them,” Alhalawani continued, “distance learning classrooms worked really well, especially for my dual-delivery classes and student feedback and discussions allowed me to think outside the box.”
His advice to students that plan to continue taking online courses as restrictions loosen is to resist all distractions that prevent them from learning. Alhalawani urges students to communicate with their instructors and don’t be afraid to ask them for more engagement activities.
“Some tools that I implemented to help students stay engaged were having cameras turned on during classes, offering one-on-one meetings and utilizing breakout rooms for group work,” he continued.
Alhalawani says one of the things that stood out to him was his student’s adaptability to online learning and their honesty with him to help come up with solutions for some of the problems they face in class.
Dr. Alexa Fox, Assistant Professor in the Department of Marketing, started teaching at UA in 2017 and is a two-time alumnus as well. Fox says that the most challenging aspect of transitioning to online learning was the struggle to set appropriate expectations.
“Hats down to these resilient spirits and perseverant achievers, who still manage to be kind in their communication with instructors, who are of course humans too, in the same pandemic.”
-Daniela Jauk, Ph.D.
“Much of the content in my courses lends itself to an online environment quite nicely but striving to meet student expectations as all classes on campus navigated uncharted waters posed a unique challenge,” Fox says. “Overall, I think UA faculty rose to the occasion, finishing out a most unique academic year as effectively as possible.”
Fox provided an example of her online innovation by explaining the midterm project her students do in her Social Media Marketing class.
“Students conduct a critical analysis of a social media marketing trend that is impacting the marketing field and deliver their insights as a written blog post and then as a discussion during a live stream event hosted on the Department of Marketing’s Facebook page,” she explained. “While the live stream event has typically been filmed inperson in the Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing TV studio, the event was adjusted for the new online format of the class. I worked with MONSTERS Unlimited, a local creative agency to make this happen so that students could still have a unique and dynamic experience engaging project.”
Fox emphasized pride in how her students still delivered high-quality trend assessments to the audience and shared useful insights about whether or not the social media marketing trend they studied was worth getting behind.
Dr. Heather Braun has been teaching in the English Department of The University of Akron since the fall of 2013. For Braun, the biggest challenge has been “reading the room,” by assessing the moods and specific needs of a class. She shared she has been recently trying to reframe this, realizing that she sees more faces online since everyone would be wearing a
mask if her classes were in person.
“Letting go of the expectation that online learning will be the same as inperson learning has also helped me stay curious and be more forgiving of myself,” she added.
When it comes to innovation, Braun starts by “meeting students where they are, recognizing that they’re all living full and complex lives.”
“Connecting with students as individuals and giving them opportunities to connect with each other—in breakout rooms, online chats, virtual discussion boards, or just a fun activity—decreases their anxiety and increases how well they work together and engage in the class,” she continued.
Braun has had to rethink how she creates shared relevance with her students and with the course material by showing how it connects to their lives and experiences outside of the classroom. She encourages students that plan to continue online learning to make the effort by contributing to every class in hopes that students feel more seen and like a part of a community that supports them. One of the biggest things that have stood out to Braun was a recent situation with a student.
“She shared the challenge of leading a group online and which activities she had tried that worked well, so I invited her to design and lead an activity for our class. Not only did doing this give her confidence to create improved iterations for her student organization, but it also encouraged others in our class to give feedback and help her improve and expand on her ideas.”
Braun emphasized that she is especially proud of how her students have moved beyond the limitations of this moment to ask for help, learn new skills, be vulnerable and creative and help others feel less alone.
Students and faculty have both experienced an unprecedented time throughout the course of the pandemic.
Here at The Buchtelite, we want to extend a round of applause to our faculty as they faced challenges head– on and created a safe learning environment for all students at The University of Akron.
Top Left: Alexa Fox, Assistant Professor in the Department of Marketing
Top Right: Daniela Jauk, Assistant Professor in the Departments of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Bottom Right: Adel Alhalawani, Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
By Mckenzie Uhrig, Arts & Entertainment Editor
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, my time in quarantine began. My roommates and I had found out that we were in close contact with friends who had tested positive for COVID-19. I immediately emailed my professor who I was due to see in my only inperson class shortly after that to let her know I would be quarantined for the next 10 days at least.
I began developing symptoms on Thursday, Oct. 22, which was also the same day I was scheduled to get my COVID-19 test. My first COVID-19 test was done at drive-thru testing with CVS, where I was able to pick the time slot I wanted.
I drove up to the drive-thru window where a licensed professional instructed me on how to do my own nose swab test. I was required to wear a mask, even in the car, and I could only take it down while performing the test. I was given a clear bag with a nose swab, a container to put the nose swab in, and a napkin.
The nose swab was only 30 total seconds of my life, during which I was told to insert the swab an inch into my nose and swirl it around for 15 seconds.
The nurse was the one who timed it, while I had to do the swab in both nostrils. While my eyes did water pretty heavily during it, the testing itself didn’t hurt at all. Being uncomfortable for 30 seconds is definitely worth finding out if you have COVID-19.
After swabbing, I had to put the swab in the container and then put that back into the clear bag. I was then told to use the napkin to lift the lid of the box where the samples went. After putting my sample in the box, I went home where I laid on the couch all day with body aches, chills, migraines and a sore throat.
Thursday, Oct. 22 was the worst day of my bout with COVID-19.
As my friend group and roommates all got tested, most came back positive with a few coming back negative. We all had similar symptoms, but luckily, none of our symptoms have been severe and no one has been hospitalized due to complications.
I continued to experience mild symptoms including congestion, headaches, sore throat, decrease in sense of taste and smell and shortness of breath over the coming days.
My test results came back on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and
“Please wear masks, continue social distancing, and get vaccinated. People are still dying from this virus. Protect others and do your part.”
I was negative. I was shocked.
Most people around me were positive and I was experiencing all the symptoms.
I read my results over again and learned something I didn’t know about COVID-19 testing. Just because you test negative doesn’t mean you didn’t contract the virus. It only means that COVID-19 was under the limit of detection in the sample I gave.
Continuing to experience symptoms, I scheduled to get tested with the University Health Services. I called on the same day I received my results and was scheduled to test on Wednesday, Oct. 28. They called an hour before my appointment to fill out my patient chart and informed me I would need to call upon my arrival to be let in. Once I called in, a nurse then led me to a separate seating area to fill out a short form, and then came and brought me into the clinic.
I was weighed and had my vitals tested, and all were good except my heart rate was high. My mom said that was my body fighting off the virus. Two nurses took me to a room where they instructed me how to perform my own nose swab again. I did the swab, which was actually not timed this time, so that was different.
After the swab, another nurse came in to check me out and ask me questions about my symptoms. Then I was given a sticker and released back into the wild. I went straight home where I laid in bed.
My results for my second COVID-19 test came back negative also, which was less of a shock as my symptoms were getting better every day. With the confirmed negative, my quarantine/isolation period was over on Saturday, Oct. 31.
COVID-19 was not a fun virus. Even though I never tested positive, I had mild symptoms, which were annoying to deal with and the bad days were rough.
Quarantining with my roommates caused some friction too, with arguments and times when we all ignored each other, but I don’t think we would have gotten through without each other. I also got behind in my in-person class a little, but my professor was very helpful and I was able to catch up.
Luckily, my bout of COVID-19 didn’t have a permanent impact on my life, but for some, it does. Please wear masks, continue social distancing, and get vaccinated. People are still dying from this virus. Protect others and do your part.
Featured Artist: Kayla WeinmanAll of these pieces were made in 2020 during the pandemic. The following works are inspired by the feeling a person experience when they have food addiction or an unhealthy relationship with food.
The main medium used in all these sculptures are ceramic along with some additional materials including, oak wood, cherry wood, catalyzed acrylic (automotive paint), spray paint, wax, fiber, underglaze, and glaze.
The year 2020 has been eventful in many aspects, but especially politically. History was written this year that will forever sculpt our nation. We witnessed both great tragedies and remarkable accomplishments, from both the conservative and liberal points of view.
President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence ran against former Vice President Joseph Biden, and Senator Kamala Harris in one of the most divisive presidential elections in our nation’s history. The outcome was a victory for the Democratic party with now former President Trump transferring power to current President Biden.
To gain insight into how students perceived the politics of 2020, we have asked two University of Akron students to reflect on a series of questions. Sophomore, Sophia Fisher, a current political science major and executive director of Stop the Demand Project a non-profit will represent the conservative voice and senior, Carl Kelemen, a civil engineering major and president of the College Democrats at UA, will be addressing the liberal perspective.
Fisher: During President Trump’s time in office, he accomplished a great deal for the American people.
On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that benefits middle-income families, increases market competition, and provides more opportunities for American citizens.
On November 30, 2018, President Trump, along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, signed the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This trade deal greatly benefits all parties involved. The USMCA will increase jobs, and allow for freer markets and trade.
The Trump Administration also sought to bring about reform to the criminal justice system. On December 31, 2018, President Trump signed the First Step Act. This bipartisan bill will reduce recidivism and focus on giving second chances to prisoners.
With the current threat to free speech on college campuses, President Trump signed an executive order on March 21, 2019, to protect first amendment rights. As a college student, I’ve personally been the subject of intolerance and harassment for having a different opinion. This executive order will allow for impartiality and the protection of open debate on our college campuses.
On January 31, 2020, President Trump signed an Executive Order on Combating Human Trafficking and Online Child Exploitation in the United States. This executive order added a new position under the Domestic Policy Council office in the White House dedicated to expanding resources for victims, funding school programs, and putting an end to online child exploitation. In the history of American Presidents, Donald J. Trump has done the most to fight this heinous crime.
Overall, President Trump along with the entire administration put America first by combating human rights abuses, increasing military funding, lowering taxes, and championing civil rights.
Kelemen: Trump’s presidential legacy will be very mixed. Ultimately, I believe he will rank among the worst president in American history on domestic issues. Under Trump our debt ballooned, wage disparity widened (top got richer while middle and working-class got poorer) we lost many good-paying union jobs in the Midwest (auto, steel, etc.) and we literally killed many people with our COVID-19 response. His foreign policy will be a bit different, however. I still believe that his foreign policy was weak and ineffective, but he did try something new. For years we had been trying and failing to sanction and bomb our way out of issues which Trump did not. For example, the Obama and Bush policies toward North Korea did not stop an adversary from gaining nuclear technologies and Trump tried something new. It too failed, but he tried.
Trump also tried something new in the Middle East which was a change from the previous two administrations. Obama and Bush both had troops sent to the Middle East and failed to make much tangible progress towards peace. Trump tried something new with many goals to remove troops. It ultimately destabilized the region more and has led to the assassination of the majority of the Afghan government as they tried to negotiate peace with the Taliban and the murder of many Kurdish fighters,
who were our allies in the Middle East, as we just left them to their own devices, but he did try something new.
Fisher: “The Trump administration along with the COVID-19 task force handled the pandemic in a swift and proper manner. President Trump along with many others displayed exemplary leadership. At the beginning of 2020, President Trump introduced a travel ban on China, increased COVID-19 testing, actively worked with the White House coronavirus task force to slow the spread and safely re-open the economy, and refused to waiver and back down to the Chinese Communist Regime. On May 15th of 2020, President Trump introduced Operation Warp Speed. This exponentially accelerated the vaccine rollout.”
Kelemen: “The politically charged rhetoric around COVID-19 has made it difficult to do real health messaging and research. The GOP line of open everything and the democratic message of we need to stay smart were both the wrong message scientifically. For example, we opened restaurants and bars before we opened schools, but Israel opened schools after the first few months of the pandemic. It shouldn’t have been a should we open restaurants, it should have been a can we send kids back in a safe way.”
Fisher: January 6 was a sad day for our country. There is no justification for the violence that occurred at the Capitol. Those who partook in the egregious acts that led to the breach must be held accountable.”
Kelemen: The events of Jan 6 were an attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government and an attempt at the assassination of many political leaders in the place where debate is supposed to be the heart of America.
Fisher: There is much debate as to whether President Trump’s words rose to the level of inciting insurrection. Although the Capitol riots were unfortunate, the facts seem to suggest that his rhetoric did not constitute an impeachable offense of high crimes and misdemeanors. We live in highly politically charged times. As such, agendas for impacting the electorate, under any means, are causing a large division in our country. If you evaluate the facts surrounding a case for impeachment, it seems as though he should not have been impeached by the house.
Kelemen: Yes without question, Donald Trump should have been impeached. His actions at a rally just hours before directly lead to armed domestic terrorists marching towards the capital where the certifying of an election and one of the steps to a peaceful transfer of power was occurring. Many of these terrorists may have gotten a bit lost in the crowd at the moment, but when you have known right- wing extremists like Alex Jones (who has been previously involved in many horrible acts, including a sustained denial of the Sandy Hook School Shooting among other events) telling the crowds they are going too far, it is obvious that some knew their actions were unlawful and undemocratic. The words of the president were explicit, “We must stop the steal and then we must ensure that such outrageous election fraud never happens again, can never be allowed to happen again, but we’re going forward… So, we’re going to, we’re going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, I love Pennsylvania Avenue, and we’re going to the Capitol, and we’re going to try and give… The Democrats are hopeless. They’re never voting for anything, not even one vote. But we’re going to try and give our Republicans, the weak ones, because the strong ones don’t need any of our help, we’re going to try and give them the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.” (Trump, 2021)
There is no doubt that telling a group of highly armed people to give “pride and boldness” is a pretty clear call to arms, especially if you believe the idea that the election was stolen.
Fisher: No, I was not surprised. Even though President Trump accomplished a lot during his time in office, I believe it was his pride and ego that led him to losing re-election. The 2020 election had the largest voter turnout in American history. President Trump had 74 million votes and Biden with over 81 million. Many Republicans spewed rhetoric stating that the election was completely fraudulent. To be clear, every election is bound to have some level of fraud occur. However, there was no substantial evidence produced that suggested there was enough fraudulent activity to overturn the results of November 3.”
Kelemen: I was not surprised with the results showing Biden being
president, but I was surprised how close the vote was. Looking back is the wrong way to be looking at this issue. Currently, in almost every state in the country, at least the GOP, and in some states, the Democrats, are introducing bills that will make it harder for minority voters and folks who haven’t voted in a few cycles to vote. To be clear, the 2020 election and 2021 run-offs were some of the most secure elections in the history of the country and now states are trying to figure out how to maintain their power through disenfranchisement and not broadening their policies to actually serve the growing diverse population that makes up the United States.
Fisher: First off, I think it is incredible to see women gaining more power and influence in politics. Kamala Harris broke the glass ceiling. In the history of American politics, no woman has ever served as vice president. She has an extensive resume and well understanding of how the government works with her background in California politics. As for her impact, I hope she serves the American people with their best interests in mind.
Kelemen: I personally don’t know how much of a direct impact Kamala Harris will have. Her win is very historic, and I believe can be a great symbol to show people that when we say anyone can be in the White House, we mean anyone regardless of race or gender. In terms of her policy impact, I do not believe it will be much. Historically the vice president hasn’t had much of an impact and has been more of a messenger for specific things while following what the president is doing. It is worth noting that because the United States Senate is split 50 Democrats* and 50 Republicans, she could decide to just not break a tie and have a policy impact that way, but it is very unlikely she’d vote against a bill that has the entire Democratic caucus given she was rated as one of the most liberal senators. *The Democrats have two independents who caucus with them making the actual number 48D / 2I / 50GOP
Fisher: Definitely. The events that took place in 2020 encouraged me to think critically about my political views. Although I have my core beliefs, I grew in my compassion for those who have differing opinions. It is okay to have alternative views, as long respect remains intact. Additionally, I strongly believe love can coexist with a desire to fight for the truth. Seeking to understand others is crucial to growing as a society. The events of 2020 caused a lot of hurt, pain, controversy, and division. However, hyper-partisanship and polarization does not have to be the status quo. Maintaining respect and championing civility is imperative to a healthy democracy.
Kelemen: Honestly, no. I have viewed the majority of GOP politicians as working against working people. Long gone are the days of the GOP that just wants to cut taxes and watch the deficit. The current GOP has passed laws that will stop treatments for certain groups like the transgender healthcare bills in Arkansas, the elimination of worker’s ability to bargain for better wages through right to work legislation and a focus on stripping rights and freedoms from people either through legislation like heartbeat bills for abortion or appointing judges with a political agenda that will strip rights from individuals. Sure, it was stunning to watch the GOP literally advocate for killing people with opposition to a mask mandate, but honestly, the GOP is now the party of the minority, and they are legislating to ensure they can get elected only needing part of the minority.” In a time of uncertainty, one thing is for certain. People often have different views and opinions. America is a country of freedoms that people can express different views. You can agree with or agree to disagree with these perspectives, but that makes America great.
Images courtesy of Whitehouse.gov and the Library of Congress.
Justice Ginsburg was appointed in 1993 by former President Bill Clinton, only the second woman and the first Jewish woman to hold a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. She was well known for her impact on equal rights and her advocacy for women’s rights.
Justice Ginsburg has a long list of major accomplishments following her time in law school, leading up to serving on the Supreme Court. Especially when one considers the culture and times.
My interest peaked when I found the documentary “RBG” on Amazon Prime Video, which portrayed many interesting turns in her life journey. I admire her hard work and dedication, coming from a family of immigrants and working her way up in life.
Both Justice Ginsburg and her husband died from cancer. But the whole time Justice Ginsburg went through treatment, she did not stop working toward social justice and advocating equal rights. Sometimes, she had to be reminded to stop and focus on her cancer treatment.
Additionally, Justice Ginsburg fought through the roadblocks of women having equal opportunities. This became one of her personal missions and through perseverance, she was able to help change the laws and our culture.
By Alyssa AlexsonshkTo be honest, I didn’t know much about Justice Ginsburg, until recently. I was not aware of her story, the impact she had on the way society is today or the ripple effect of her life and its impact on me. If Justice Ginsburg was not fighting for equality, the U.S. would be very different. Many people from different walks of life were helped by her firm beliefs of equality for all.
Justice Ginsburg passed away on Sept. 18, 2020. Following her death, my social media account blew up with posts honoring her life and mission. It was clear to me at this point this woman must have had a great impact, if so many people were passionate about expressing their gratitude for what she had done.
The seed was planted: I knew I needed to learn more about Justice Ginsburg’s story and all the accomplishments she had in life.
Justice Ginsburg was born on March 15, 1933. She married Martin Ginsburg at the age of 21 and they eventually had two children; Jane and James. As a wife and a mother, Justice Ginsburg attended Harvard Law and Columbia Law to earn her law degree.
She voted with her conscience and always stood up for what she believed in regardless of what other people thought about her political affiliation. If she made a mistake, Justice Ginsburg willingly admitted it to the public rather than covering it up or hiding it. These qualities are why she was so well respected by people and are sometimes forgotten by politicians today.
According to Academy of Achievement, in Weinberger v. Weisenfeld, she fought for a widower male’s right to gain social security for his children. In Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire, she fought for a female who was being paid less than a male colleague.
But most importantly, Justice Ginsburg always saw people as human beings first, especially through her great friendship with former Associate Justice Antonin Scalia. Often times, Justice Ginsburg and Justice Scalia were on different sides politically in various issues, they viewed each other as individuals and respected each other’s political views. Isn’t that what society needs more of these days?
I personally did not agree with every political view portrayed in the documentary. However, I believe she deserves more credit for her accomplishments and her impact on history. America will miss Justice Ginsburg’s presence but will feel her legacy for years to come.
During the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic face masks became a necessary part of everyday life to slow the spread of the virus. Around the world, masks were designed and manufactured by thousands of different companies and clothing brands. As the pandemic went on the designs for these masks started to get more creative and some even told a story.
Masks became another accessory of everyone’s outfits, they were and continue to be another way to show off individuality and personal style. Some people started sewing masks, some bought customized masks online, and others bought their masks from the brands they love. I bought masks from my favorite brand, Steve Madden, and tie-dyed white cloth masks with my family.
The designs have become more unique and entertaining; one customized mask was created to look like a mouth so that the wearer appeared to have a giant smile. The restrictions set in place encouraged people to get creative with their mask designs. It allowed everyone to come together and have a good laugh during a very dark time where lives were lost, and the world stopped.
Fifth year UA fashion merchandising student, Sara Schaub, has mastered the art of matching her face masks to her outfits. (Image via Kiley Bush) Even with close friends’ masks were necessary to protect each other, here UA students enjoy a masked birthday party. In the photo from left to right are public relations senior Katie Carpenter, biomedical science freshman Hailey Essinger, fashion merchandising junior Cassie Garcia, and biomedical science senior Hallee Bradac. (Image via Cassie Garcia)
Penn Foster veterinary technology first year student, Kiley Bush, wears a spring inspired cloth face mask. (Image via Sara Schaub)
Roommates Tina Grassi and Madi Britton, both third-year engineering students at the University of Akron, have some masked fun in the snow. (Image via Mckenzie Uhrig)
Third-year University of Akron engineering student, Tina Grassi, Models a one-of-a-kind tie-dye mask. (Image via Mckenzie Uhrig)
Withso many businesses shut down due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) many people lost their outlets for entertainment. Everyone had to discover new ways to enjoy their favorite activities or discover new activities to enjoy. Movies were watched from our homes, home gyms were set up, and dinners were cooked at home. Everything had to be adapted to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to slow the spread of COVID-19.
During stay-at-home orders, nothing except essential businesses were open, which left little options for entertainment or ways to be active.
As the pandemic went on, activities started to be judged by how at-risk a person was to contract COVID-19. Low-risk activities were those where exposure was unlikely due to the ability to distance from others. Most outdoor activities were considered low-risk. High-risk activities were avoided by many.
Nature walks, hiking, and neighborhood walks became extremely popular because they were fun ways to stay active that were safe during the pandemic.
Hiking was one of the safest activities during the pandemic because social distancing was easy to follow on long trails. Hiking trails and parks had to follow COVID-19 guidelines from both the state and federal
government. Summit Metro Park had various signs stating the guidelines that guests were required to follow, including social distancing and masks.
“Summit Metro Parks thanks our community for helping us keep the parks safe, clean and open during this public health emergency,” said Stephanie Walton, chief of Marketing & Communications for Summit Metro Parks.
For other activities, following COVID-19 guidelines while still providing an authentic experience became complicated. Museums were some of the first experiences to have to completely overhaul their usual operations.
While museums may have been some of the first operations to close to the public, they were also some of the first to figure out new initiatives to engage the public virtually. The Cleveland Museum of Art was one of the first museums to launch its online initiative, “Home Is Where the Art Is,” which educated at-home viewers on various artworks and even conducted art classes virtually.
Featured Image: Artist: Naomi Boyer is an art education major minoring in illustration. The artwork on page# was created with acrylic paints on a canvas.
“I titled my art piece “My Dungeon Master Is Trying to Kill Me” and created the painting to depict my life during the Coronavirus break. My friends and I didn’t want to give up playing Dungeons and Dragons, so we decided to play it over Google Meets. This painting shows my dice, tablet, and sketchbook all on my fuzzy blanketed bed and defines the chill vibe and memories of online Dungeons and Dragons.”
Kelley Notaro Schreiber, the Communications and Media Relations Manager with the CMA, said this regarding the introduction of the initiative: “When we closed on March 14, we immediately began thinking of ways in which we could keep the community engaged while our physical space was unavailable. With this initiative, we leveraged technology to bring works of art to the community, responding to changing needs in new, enriching, and innovative ways,” she said.
Some groups got creative to provide a safe atmosphere for participants. The JustUs Line Dance Crew gave dance classes outdoors with social distancing and mask rules enforced. Participants in these events had to sign COVID-19 liability waivers to
mall to walk around with friends, grab lunch, and shop. This became a high-risk activity during the pandemic. Online shopping, take-out, and food delivery services became a necessity for everyone to slow the spread of COVID-19. While doing things online isn’t quite the same, companies helped make the transition easier by offering online deals and exclusive offers to make it more beneficial.
The few times I did get to go to the mall during the pandemic it was a completely different atmosphere and experience than what it used to be. Signs with COVID-19 guidelines were plastered on every wall, stickers on the floor were used to keep customers six feet apart, masks were enforced, and each store and area had a limited capacity. While this helped keep everyone safe it was one of the first times, I realized just how much the world had changed during the pandemic.
COVID-19 caused people all over the world to become isolated from their friends and family during lockdowns, even when lockdowns are lifted, limited contact and distancing are likely to still enforced. New hobbies and events like line dancing that provide distraction, enjoyment, and connection during these times are likely to stick.
Personally, my family started exercising together, my sister and I took up skateboarding, and I started learning to cook.
portraits can be taken from a safe distance. And, if you are just learning, you can photograph just about everything for practice,” said Amy Lyn of Amy Lyn Photography, Certified Professional Photographer.
COVID-19 changed the way the world functioned, everything had to be adapted to ensure the safety of society. Companies, businesses, brands, everyone had to come together to figure out how to safely continue regular operations.
It took a while for distancing measures, capacity restrictions, and mask mandates to be determined and implemented across the world.
attend for contact tracing purposes. Through their use of strict COVID-19 guidelines and engaging line dance routines, participants were able to stay active and safe during the pandemic. Socially distanced classes such as these popped up everywhere due to their ability to allow people to have the human connection they were missing in a safe environment.
Before the pandemic, I used to love going to the
Hobbies during the time of the pandemic became more important than ever. One hobby I noticed many people taking up was photography. Photography was an effortless way to express creativity and it was something interesting that you could learn on your own. Photography provided a safe and creative outlet for those during the pandemic to express themselves and their feelings during a time when everyone was struggling.
“Photography is a great activity during COVID because you don’t need to be near anyone. Even
During this time, we lost a lot of people to this virus, and it was a very scary and dark time for the entire world. The way to get through this is together, by following guidelines imposed by the government, being considerate of your fellow humans, and of course, still finding ways to have fun.
Lead instructor and JustUs LDC co-founder, Terrence L. Payne Sr., directs the participants through line dancing routines. (Photo by Carmen D. Payne, co-founder of JustUs LDC)
By Jaina Gedeon, Film Critic
It is not a secret that The Oscars have a longrunning rumored history of having movie companies pay off members to get them to the best picture award. Most of the time it seems like phenomenal movies and actors are snubbed to let high-budget movies take award slots. Look at the 2019 Oscars when “Green Book” won the big award of the night. Also, The Academy hates horror movies, which makes me angry to the core from being a long-time horror movie fan.
Even though many suspect that it is a corrupt award show with payoffs and deals being made behind the scenes, I still feel the need to watch it every year.
This will be the first year where I have seen most The Oscar films that are nominated for best picture, and I am pretty proud of myself for that. Most of the time I only bother with the movies that seem like they interest me, or I decide to watch them after the award show. I managed to sit through eight films that made me feel empowered, emotional, happy and also bored as hell. In my opinion, this year had the strongest group of movies, and it could have gone to anyone.
The 2021 Oscars felt completely different. The world has spent an entire year watching movies from home and watching movies get pushed back indefinitely (I’m looking at you “Black Widow”). We
are also seeing the new normalcy of having to pay between $20-$30 just to watch a movie from your couch, which at times I think is quite ridiculous, especially when there are drive-ins all over the country showing new releases at a fraction of the price. This shows how greedy multimillion- dollar companies can be and how they completely overlook the little guys. Now don’t get me wrong, indie film companies must do this to keep afloat during these tough times, and I completely support them. I just have an issue when companies that have a mouse in their logo take complete advantage of consumers. That being said, I managed to watch most of this year’s nominees either through streaming services and only renting a small amount of them. This was the first year where I had not seen any of them in a traditional sit-down movie theater which is crazy to me. The last Oscar movie that I had seen in theaters was “Parasite,” back in January of 2020. I saw it by myself and I felt like I was being sucked into a different world; like I was with all the characters. Having to watch them at home or my work office, simply does not feel the same. I hope the idea of traditional movie theater does not completely disappear due to the pandemic.
I had always grown up watching different kinds of movies and escaping into these cinematic worlds. I am named after a Star Wars character, (from the books) so liking movies was a part of my DNA.
With movies being such a pivotal part of growing up, one of my favorite memories as a kid was sitting around the TV with my parents every year and watching different actresses flaunt their milliondollar dresses, awkward and cringey hosts and horrible PR stunts left and right. Even with all the cringe and horrible jokes, I still love every single moment of it.
It was moments during The Oscars where I felt the closest to my family. Since my mom worked a retail schedule and my dad worked early mornings, The Oscars was one thing we always made a point to watch together, and those are the childhood memories that I keep the closest to me. It is these moments that I will cherish the most for years to come.
Enough with my sappy childhood memories. The 2021 Oscar award show was the best one that I had seen in a while, content wise. Unlike years before, this year’s award show was precise and right to the point. All the dumb sketches with actors and other
“The 2021 Oscars felt completely different.”Photo Credits: Viewing the Oscars by Jaina Gedeon The 1959 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Went to Shelley Winters for The Diary of Anne Frank.
nonsense was taken out for the most part and the awards were the main focus of the night.
I am happy with the winners of awards overall. As always, there were some categories that I wished went other ways, but nothing that made me too angry. There were some major highlights for me, and I want to mention a few of them.
The first award of the night was for best original screenplay, and it went to Emerald Fennel for “Promising Young Woman.” This movie was the last one of The Oscar nominated films that I watched only days before for the ceremony and it completely blew me away. As a woman and college student, this movie was so impactful for me, and I believe that every single person should see it. This was very well deserved, and I can’t wait to see what Emerald Fennel does next.
Yuh-Jung Youn won best supporting actress for “Minari.” She was the standout star for this movie and deserves this award so much. Her character takes a big shift towards the end of the movie, and nobody would be able to duplicate the performance that she delivers. It is also important to note that Yuh-Jung Youn is the first Korean woman to win best actress in a supporting role.
This would not be a 2021 Oscar reflection if I did not mention the star of the night, “Nomadland.” I knew after the moment I watched it that it should win best picture. The storyline and themes were touching, the actors blew me away, and I felt it crawl into my heart and soul. “Nomadland” ended up taking home achievement in directing, actress in a leading role, and best picture.
Chloé Zhao is record breaking with these wins as only the second woman to win achievement in directing and is the first Asian woman to win best directing. It is about time that woman, and specifically woman of color, are being recognized for their achievement in filmmaking. The film world has been dominated by men for way too long and it is about time that women and POC are being represented for their contribution.
This year there was more diversity with nominees and winners compared to earlier years where it was only white men winning awards. Even though there has been some change, the fight continues to make movies and their awards more diverse.
The idea that in the 93-year history of the Oscars only seven nominees for best director have been women, only two have been winners, and only one
winner has been a woman of color, is completely outrageous to me. There needs to be a big change in Hollywood when it comes to the representation of women. Even growing up, I had the perception that only men could make movies since they were the only ones being awarded and hired.
Many complain that The Oscars get too political when speaking about social justice issues, climate change, and more. I personally think this is one of the best platforms to get messages out. The Academy needs to follow by nominating more people of color, including more than white men on committees, celebrating not just movies made in the US, but all over the world, and so much more. Overall, I think The Oscars are going towards the right direction, but there needs to be a stronger push not only from audiences, but from people in Hollywood that have a say in what happens behind the scenes. As a movie reviewer, I constantly try to immerse myself in different movies and viewpoints that I do not personally experience. I know some do not go out of their way to do this, but I hope that others take the initiative to do the same.
I hope for a future where I can see more women, people of color, LGBTQ+, individuals with disabilities and more be represented at The Oscars like they deserve to so kids, teenagers, and adults can look up to people that actually represent them so they can change the future of filmmaking.
My favorite quote from this year’s movies must be from Nomadland. “I don’t ever say a final goodbye. I always just say, ‘I’ll see you down the road.’ And I do.”
This illustration were created as part of a series of 15 total illustrations, called “Pandemic Diaries: An Exploration of Illustration Styles,” during Fall 2020 for a project for Foundation Forum. The series shows a portrait of myself doing a different quarantine/ pandemic related activity in each illustration, with each piece being inspired by the illustration style of a different Instagram Illustrator. This project explores illustration styles as a form of an artist’s identity, as well as is an experiment into how my illustration style is influenced by the styles of the artists I follow on Instagram.
“Come as you are in the family car,” can be heard when pulling into Ohio’s oldest drive-in movie theater, Lynn Drive-In Movies. Lynn DriveIn has been a staple business in Strasburg, Ohio for nearly 75 years. It is the oldest drive-in in Ohio and the second oldest in the world. During its 75 years, it has seen many crazy things happen, but nothing could compare to the 74th season when COVID-19 hit.
“Since we were classified as a movie theater, we were immediately shut down before we even had our opening weekend,” says the owner of Lynn Drive-In Movies, Rich Reding. “We eventually got an exemption by contacting our local government representative, but we still had to wait until May 15 to open when we usually open around the beginning of April.”
Even when things were looking bright with an eventual opening, Lynn Drive-In Movies was faced with structural damage when a huge windstorm blew in on April 7. Part of the second outdoor movie screen completely came down and needed to be fixed as soon as possible. This was especially hard on the business since no income had been coming in due to the delay.
With the help of other drive-in owners and staff,
the second screen was able to be finished and painted by the second week of the 74th season.
It was important once the drive-in opened again that protocols were put in place to ensure a healthy and safe movie experience for every customer. The Lynn operates at a limited capacity, masks are required when ordering concession stand items and going to the bathroom, the play area and arcade machines are closed off and there is at least a 20foot distance between each car that is parked in the field.
With all the safety protocols put in place, Lynn Drive-In offers an escape from being stuck at home for new and old customers alike.
“I have been coming to the Lynn for nearly 25 years now,” says longtime customer, Rhonda Steiner, “I trust coming here more than I would going to a regular indoor theater at this time.”
Every night the Lynn offers two separate double features on their movie screens that can accommodate any type of movie viewer.
When it first opened in 2020, many new movies were not available to be shown due to movie companies pushing back the releases. During this time Lynn Drive-In Movies had to rely on showing classic movies. This included hits such as “The Goonies,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and many other favorites. These movies were a massive hit with patrons and
is one of many drive-ins that is allowing a safe movie experience for families during COVID-19.
families, and they continued to show classic movies throughout the rest of the season.
One of the biggest hits of the 2020 season was “Hocus Pocus” and “Beetlejuice” in October. Around this time of the year customer attendance usually drops due to cold weather and school obligations, but with these two movies, Lynn Drive-In and Movies would be sold out for the first time all season. People wanted to experience their old favorites movies on the big screen while also introducing them to their children. This hit made up for the lost time they had experienced at the beginning of the season.
Employees of the Lynn worked hard all season long to ensure the best and safest movie experience for the customers. At the same time, it was very important to owner Rich Reding to keep customers safe, but also the employees that work there.
“I have been working at the Lynn Drive-In for five years and it has been the best job I ever had,” says concession stand worker, Sam Carroll. “I have never once felt unsafe working here during COVID. Our boss Rich always puts his employees first which is not something many businesses do.”
The 75th season kicked off on April 9 with new releases, “Godzilla Vs. King Kong,” “Wonder Woman 1984,” “Tom and Jerry” and “The Croods 2.” With the amount of success from classic movies from the previous year, Lynn Drive-In Movies plans on showing a mixture of both news releases and classic films throughout the season. Some of the classics that might be played include, “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World,” “Caddyshack” and the original 1996 “Space Jam.”
Lynn Drive-In Movies offers an experience that you simply cannot get at an indoor movie theater. They encourage families to come early, relax, maybe play a game or two, and truly enjoy the drive-in experience. With having digital projectors for both of their screens, the image quality is just as good as going to a traditional theater.
The drive-In will continue to follow all CDC guidelines to provide families a safe and enjoyable movie experience through these uncertain times.
Lynn Drive-In Movies is located at 9735 State Route 250 NW Strasburg, OH 44680. It is open Friday through Sunday until May 23. After May 28, the drive-in will be open 7 days a week during the summer months and back to weekends only from August 22 until the end of the season.
Whether you are living in the dorms or commuting to campus, meeting someone new during the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t easy.
During a time where one’s ability to go out is limited, meeting people and dating has made a bigger move into an online format. Since then, there has been an increased need for an authentic virtual dating experience.
One application is working toward just that by matching people based on their personalities, rather than based a dating profile: Filter Off.
Filter Off offers curated speed dates arranged by a matchmaker on the app, where users create a profile complete with their preferences and are then matched to potential suitors for 3-minute video dates. After the dates, users decide whether to match or pass on the suitor.
“With Filter Off, given its video, it’s a step above text messaging or speaking over the phone. The most authentic experience you can get without meeting in person,” Zach Schleien, co-founder of Filter Off, said.
Signing up is simple: users write a short bio, add their favorite pictures and list up to three fun facts about themselves. Once the profile is complete, users can give the matchmaker their preferences for dates, based on a variety of questions.
The matchmaker then finds a few matches that meet these preferences and, once matched, the suitor’s profile can be viewed and users can decide whether they want to go on the virtual date with them or not. Users only have five days to decide or the match expires.
If both users decide they are interested and want to go on the date, then they can message each other to schedule a time for the virtual date. After the date there is an option to decide whether to give each other a thumbs up or thumbs down, and if both users like each other, they can continue using the app to chat.
The app has another unique feature that allows users to join speed dating events, some of which are location based or based on your interests. Various organizations also host events, including non-profits and religious groups. The app allows you to subscribe to your favorite events, so you never miss them.
Filter Off is available for free on the App Store or Google Play and currently, no subscription or premium is needed.
‘Filter
In the fall semester of 2019, The University of Akron Opera Lyric Theatre presented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” showcasing the vocal, instrumental and theatrical talents of many students.
Hands were on deck throughout Guzzetta Hall as the production was fully staged with sets and costumes provided by UA’s School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration, directed by Dr. Frank Ward, and instrumental performances by a chamber orchestra conducted by the director of Choral Studies, Dr. Marie Bucoy-Calavan.
The excitement, long nights and hard work all went to good use as the musical made Guzzetta Recital Hall a full house all three nights of the production.
Now picture that next semester when COVID-19 hits, and performers as well as everyone else, is sent off-campus.
Opera Lyric Theatre is a performance-based course that is intended to provide students an opportunity to practice their vocal skills and learnings and apply them through songs and production.
“It was very challenging to go from the excitement of that first semester into the second,” said Director of Opera Lyric Theatre Dr. Frank Ward.
“COVID hit and the big question that everyone is asking- in any field is “What are we going to do?” But this [opera]? On-screen? How?”
The original plan for the opera course that spring was to have a scenes program where students would perform scenes from different operas such as Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide,” Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” and various arias.
Due to campus closing, Ward chose to move
forward and still have the students learn their music to provide them the musicianship skills they were to gain throughout the semester. Each singer learned their parts and was coached virtually on their vocal and character performance.
“For me, Opera has always been about the growth of a student. Everyone grows differently and everyone has something to learn,” said Ward.
Ward saw summer 2020 as an opportunity to learn.
He spent his time watching online presentations, workshops, performances, and talking to colleagues to try and build a foundation for an online platform. Coming back in Fall 2020, Ward wanted to keep his students motivated in a way they would have something to look forward to. Thus, opera students would have the opportunity to record for The Children’s Concert Society.
Students used Zoom for their coaching and rehearsals to prepare what would be finalized as a 30-minute video of each opera student describing their song, its meaning, and background, to then perform.
Opera Lyric Theatre has been strictly remote since the original shutdown of campus.
Singers are given their music and a recording from accompanist Julie Lehman, where she records both several comfortable speeds for practice and then a set performance tempo.
For some recordings that are on campus, Ward explains students are filming at different times, and there have never been two singers in the same room; there is even a percussionist for the ensemble he has never met face to face.
The opera course has taken their time in producing videos, where now they can perform complete virtual operas.
Performing a complete virtual opera involves recording the students singing, their instrumental music and their sets that can be visioned from Guzzetta or the comfort of their own home. These recordings are edited together as the audio can be layered to make the singers sound as if they were together.
The performance-based class is preparing for two short operas: Gary Belshaw’s “The Worst One” and Gian-Carlo Menotti’s “The Telephone.”
Singers work towards growth, independence, efficiency and safety; lessons everyone has taken steps to learn since the pandemic.
Opera Lyric Theatre will be continuing its musical journey as the class is available next fall.
It is unsure of when Guzzetta Hall will be able to be a full house for our UA singers, but until then, they will continue to grow as musicians in any way that keeps them motivated and safe.
Summa, where Foster teaches, allowed some of the students to receive the vaccine for a limited period of time.
“I jumped on the opportunity as did some students,” Foster said, “however, after a few weeks, the state of Ohio stopped Summa from giving the vaccine to faculty and students because of the state mandate to vaccinate older adults in the state first.”
The attempt to give vaccines to front line workers allowed some of the nursing students to receive the COVID vaccine months before it was opened to the general public.
Foster has been a clinical instructor at The University of Akron for four years, and as never seen anything like the COVID-19 pandemic, or the way that it changed the way that students learn in the classroom and at clinicals.
By Nicholas Welch, Guest ContributorNursing clinicals are notoriously challenging. In an average clinical day, students administer medication to patients, perform head-to-toe patient assessments, answer call lights and much more.
It is a busy, hands-on opportunity to practice their future career.
Imagine preparing over the course of several undergraduate semesters for clinicals. Now, imagine transitioning from student to frontline medical hero the day you heard COVID-19 had arrived in Ohio.
Erica Jensen doesn’t have to imagine. As a second-year nursing student at the University of Akron, she has yet to be part of a clinical rotation without the pandemic going on.
“Having to wear goggles, masks, face shields and sanitizing everywhere; it makes me feel safe to work in a hospital, something I was scared of when I first started,” Jensen said.
The School of Nursing has created guidelines for the students and faculty to help lower the spread of the virus during the time at clinicals and in the classroom.
In addition to the personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitization procedures, the school also has strict guidelines for COVID exposure.
According to their guidelines for COVID-19 (although it depends on the clinical agencies, as some have stricter guidelines) all students who encounter a positive COVID patient during clinicals most complete a COVID reporting form, must get tested, and must test negative before returning to clinicals.
Jensen explained that due to the precautions the school is taking and due to her not being on or near a COVID floor she feels safe.
Enhancing that safety, some students involved in clinicals at The University of Akron this semester have been able to get vaccinated by their agency.
Lisa Foster, a clinical instructor and professor at the school of nursing, said depending on the clinical agency some offered the students the COVID vaccine.
“Last spring, I was teaching Nursing of Communities, halfway through the semester, all clinical agencies where we had nursing students stopped allowing nursing students to do clinical including the Akron Public Schools (they went online), Crossroads Hospice, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA), OPEN M, United Disability Services, and Summa Rehab,” she said.
“We had to change to all virtual simulations for clinical hours,” Foster said.
The average student going into their first rotation of clinicals is nervous about attending them, and adding a worldwide pandemic has only increased that nervousness.
“Come prepared,” Jensen advised future students. “If you don’t have what you need it could make your day harder…”
She also shared advice for one of the most nerve wracking parts of clinicals – answering call lights.
“Don’t be scared to answer call lights, you might be nervous at first but it gets easier and if you are unsure of what to do… there are plenty of people that you can ask for help from,” Jensen said.
Foster wants incoming students to know that it is okay to be nervous, especially during the pandemic.
Her advice is similar to Jensen’s.
Get out of your comfort zone, she encouraged. “It is the only way we grow and do the things that we want to do to reach our full potential,” Foster said.
Foster and Jensen both stressed that the COVID-19 guidelines in place help protect the students, instructors and patients.
Nursing majors ready for their clinicals went from students to frontline pandemic workers in a heartbeat.By Jaina Gedeon, Film Critic
Ihave never been so excited to get a shot. As a lifelong asthmatic, I went into a hard lockdown when COVID-19 emerged, only leaving my apartments for essentials, seeing almost no one, and wearing a mask in public at all times, not only to protect myself, but to protect others as well.
I was extremely privileged to be able to stay at home and continue to get paid for my work. Many Americans did not have this privilege, like both of my parents. My dad is garbage truck driver, and my mother is a supervisor at a grocery store. Like many, they did not have the option to stay home and had to be surrounded by the public since the beginning of all of this.
I’m proud to be the child of two frontline heroes, but the idea that one of them could come down with COVID terrified me.
I had convinced myself that all of this would be over by the Summer of 2020 and life would get back to normal. Of course, none of that happened and the world had to wait on vaccines.
I would constantly check the news about vaccination updates and possible rollouts hoping for a holiday season with my extended family that I had not seen since the previous Christmas. I would not get those holidays like I wanted, but after months of waiting, it was announced that vaccine rollouts would start for health care workers and
eventually other critical groups just before the New Year.
I was in one of the earlier groups to be eligible to receive the vaccine because of my severe asthma, and I jumped on it as soon as I could. I even went out of my way to make an appointment 45 minutes away just to ensure that I would have a secure spot to receive the vaccine.
On March 18, 2021, I received the Moderna vaccine. The relief began to set in.
I did suffer some nasty side effects from both the first and second dose four weeks later. I had a really bad migraine, I was extremely tired, I had pains all throughout my body, and I felt like complete garbage.
Even with all these side effects, nothing could compare to actually getting the virus itself and I am so grateful for every day that I am protected. There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel with the rollout of vaccines. I can see a future where I am able to hug my best friend Lily, have in-person semesters for my last year of college, hang out with my friends from high school that I have not seen in over a year, and be able to go out and enjoy my early twenties.
Unlike the 2020 summer, things are looking a lot brighter, and I am excited to eventually see the world once again. Help make my dreams come true –please get vaccinated.
Alyssa Alexsonshk, Managing Editor
COVID-19 sparked much change in my life, and I feel my losses and gains were representative of roller coaster. One constant that I both continually lost and gained was my motivation. Online classes take a lot of self discipline and can grow boring quickly if not formatted in a way to encourage leaning and engagement. There were times I just wanted to give up on school because I no longer had motivation or a purpose to keep pursuing school, but personal I don’t like being a quitter no matter how much I want to. I also lost a large portion of my social life that even now has been hard to recover.
Eventually, I adapted to the new way of virtual learning creating a whole new set of strategies to help me learn and understand again and gained back my motivation as-well as officially declaring my majors which provided more clarity for me.
Most of all I believe I gained a lesson from COVID-19 and that is in the wake of great obstacles you have two choices. You can give up and let the obstacles overcome you or you can choose to have grit and know your journey won’t be easy and you may have some failures along the way. In the end you achieve your overall goal and that’s all that really matters the rest is just part of what you learn through your journey.
I have lost the illusion of permanence, which I once clung to with a white-knuckled grip. Yet I gained something that already lived within me; a bright light of resilience, a durability I had not yet met. I may not be immune to isolation, but I have learned to enjoy my own company.
Most of the losses I experienced as a result of the pandemic could be twisted into gains. I lost a job that took me for granted for years, and I didn’t realize how it had diminished the way I viewed myself. I gained the perspective that I’m worth more than society has led me to believe; my self-worth can only be determined by myself, and I know now that I am more than just another throwaway essential employee.
Like many I felt like I lost out on a lot of things with COVID. I had to start my new double major on a completely online environment, I did not get to meet my cousin until he was nine months old, and I missed out on precious moments with friends that I only get to see on breaks.
Even though there were many hard losses, I gained the most valuable piece of me. I gained the ability to love my true self. I had spent many years constantly bringing myself down and feeling like I was an imposter even though on paper I looked like an overachieving person. I was in a major that I hated, felt like an outsider, and I was ultimately lost. I started turning to movie reviews as a creative outlet and I started to feel like I was not an imposter anymore. Months
later I am feeling the best emotionally and the happiest I have ever been. I am in a double major that I love, I am writing pieces that make me happy, and I see a really bright future ahead of me. I can truly look at myself and say that I am proud of all the things that I am doing.
I lost the opportunity to have in-person classes for three semesters of my college experience. The change to online learning came with many difficulties, but one thing it did was give me the opportunity to travel more. With being able to take classes anywhere, I was able to go on fun vacations while still staying on top of classes, and being cautious of COVID-19 of course.
I have always had a strong love for my friends and family, but I would say I gained a new level of love for them. As a social person, I lost that contact of making a group of people laugh or getting to see my family on holidays. I gained two lovely twin nephews who make my heart grow making me an aunt of three boys. And not to get deep but I lost a little bit of faith in humanity seeing how much hate has been spreading since the pandemic began. From people who don’t believe in COVID to consistent racism in the news... it has not been a fun time.
I lost some rites of passage like kindergarten graduation and milestone birthdays. Teaching full time with
no childcare and three small children, I may have lost my sanity. I also the energy and availability to really spend time with my kids, even though we were physically together more. Luckily, technology let my students come into my home, so I was able to keep mentoring and teaching. I gained some special and unique memories with my children, but mostly I gained a keen appreciation for the beauty of our daily lives, the time we spend with family and just being together.
My main take way from the year that shall remain nameless is: self care is not self indulgence. I’m a workaholic but during quarantine, I was forced to be still. To my surprise, I didn’t hate it. It’s feels good to take a break and find time for myself. I also began to focus more on what’s important to me, which is spending time with the ones I love and doing what matters to me.
During the pandemic I gained a new perspective on human interaction. I learned that relationships may take a lot of work but they are essential in having a healthy mental state.
