What is something you have learned during the pandemic?
Ellisa Edeyaoch, a sophomore from Micronesia majoring in information technology, said, “I’ve learned to be more patient, and I’ve learned to be more resourceful and self-reliant.”
Melenaite Samani, a sophomore from Tonga majoring in accounting, said, “I’ve learned there is so much more time on your hands to do service. Even though you can’t go outside, there are a lot of opportunities to serve because of all the technology available to us.”
Buyanzaya (Zaya) Altansukh, a sophomore from Mongolia majoring in human resources, said, “I’ve learned people can take care of each other, and we can be positive even when we’re going through a difficult time. We can try to be understanding of each other.”
Geoffrey Zhang, a freshman from China majoring in finance and accounting, said he learned the importance of social distancing to protect ourselves and each other. He said, “It’s sometimes hard to wear a mask, but we still have to.”
Modesta Terry, a sophomore from the Solomon Islands majoring in biochemistry, said, “I’ve learned to expect the unexpected and to rely on yourself. This is my first time having to do things on my own.”
Thomas Willie, a recent graduate from Papua New Guinea doing his academic training with campus Safety and Security, said, “I’ve learned to appreciate the environment. When things were normal, I hardly saw people taking time to enjoy the environment. But the pandemic has helped people realize we need to go out, enjoy the breeze and go for a walk. It helped me realize I need to appreciate the environment, the school and spending time with family.”
What is one thing you miss most about life before the pandemic?
Samani said she misses being able to go to Polynesian Cultural Center.
Zhang said he misses hanging out with friends and going out to eat.
Altansukh said, “Before the pandemic, I was active and participated in activities. I miss that because I love communicating with others and learning from other people.”
Willie said that he missed seeing people around campus. “Campus is pretty empty, and you feel lonely sometimes. It’s a different life.”
Edeyaoch said she misses being able to visit family freely without the worry of getting them sick.
Terry said she misses hanging out with friends and studying with them and that she misses being able to go to sacrament meetings.
What is your favorite quarantine activity?
Samani's favorite quarantine activity is reading Japanese comics.
Zhang's favorite quarantine activity is playing video games.
Altansukh’s favorite quarantine activity is watching movies, specifically romance and action films.
During quarantine, Willie enjoys spending time with his wife and cooking as a couple.
Edeyaoch's favorite quarantine activity is watching Netflix. She just recently finished “The Umbrella Academy” series.
Terry's favorite quarantine activity is chatting with her friends online.