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Bridging Classroom and Community: Languages and Cultures in Action

Collected Item: “Change is Good?!”

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Change is Good?!

Creator (put anonymous if you don't want your name to appear)

B. McArthur

Date

May 14/20

How are you doing?

Fantastic, actually. Our family has stayed busy during the pandemic. My job at Victoria Hospital has increased hours and shifts - now it is usually 4 days on, then 1 day off. My husband's business has managed to accept customers after initial consultation of self-isolation and work has progressed, although a little slower for this time of year. Our son is completing a sequel to his self-published novel from March 2019. These past 2 months have given us time to reflect, and resolve our own life aims. We have accepted the fact the coronavirus is here to stay and we all have to find ways to live with new restrictions. We are extremely satisfied with both Premier Ford and Prime Minister Trudeau - their actions have been steady and show 'true grit'.

Are you isolating with someone else, if so who (relationships, not names i.e.. father, sister, roommates, spouse, your children etc.)?

Myself, my husband of 35 years, and our son.

How has COVID-19 affected your home life? How are you passing the time?

As stated before, we are staying busy with work and active physically, mentally and emotionally.

How has it affected your work, education, etc.? Are you an essential worker?

As an essential worker at Victoria Hospital I find it admirable that the majority of colleagues have maintained their dedication.

What about the outbreak and response to it has you most concerned?

This outbreak has shown me that people have revealed themselves into one of two groups. The first group I have named the 'doers' - those who did not shirk from work requirements, adapting a personal protection approach to keep themselves safe as well as their family, patients and customers. The second group I have named the 'hiders' - those who shied away from helping others, the 'me first' mentality allowing them to weaken mentally, physically and emotionally.

Do you know someone who has or has had the virus? How has this affected them?

I work daily with confirmed Covid cases - very inspiring to see that the majority have recovered and returned home, most with a renewed outlook on life.

How well do you think the government and other leaders are responding to the pandemic? What do you think about the local, national and international media coverage?

Again, myself and my family are very impressed with our Premier and Prime Minister to remaining steadfast. The quick response of restrictions and monetary supplements has brought relief. Daily updates have calmed, and comforted, most of the population.

What challenges are ahead? How and how fast do you think normal life should be restored?

We will never return to what we had - the new normal will reflect the possibility of another pandemic. There will be safety precautions at all human interactions.

What do you think will be different after the pandemic? What do you think should be different? What will be better or worse?

I have imagined life with much more work, teaching, learning and regular occupations performed online with less human-to-human relationships. Universities, schools, museums, libraries, churches may be incorporated into homeless facilities or quarantine areas. Government money will flow more towards health-care, on-line resources for all stages of public education, and essential needs will be at the forefront.

Do you have anything else to say about the COVID-19 pandemic?

I will miss the live theatre and cinemas as they once were but look forward to a new and creative approach. Our son and myself were involved with Jason Momoa's second season of 'SEE' and were on March callback for our roles completed in February. This filming is now postponed and we have little hope that it will be resurrected in the near future, however, it was a wonderful experience. Life is much too short for such regrets and we should all embrace as many new opportunities that come our way. Thank you.

What is your address? [private]

[private]

I agree to the Terms and Conditions of submitting to COVID-19 in London, Ontario: capturing the local experience.

Yes

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