Moments alone: 50 word stories from isolation
As we all exist in isolation from one another, it can be grounding to take a moment to reflect on where we are and how we're doing, and hear the same from others. With that in mind, the Thresher asked for brief stories from the Rice community about what living in social isolation has been like. Here’s what people told us:
“My days have consisted of practicing violin, making covers to pop songs, baking and making and watching [way] too many TikTok videos. I'm starting to go crazy!” — Allison Smith (Baker ‘22), Dublin, OH
“Every time my email alert went off, I expected it to be a COVID-19 update from Rice. Unfortunately, that came true yesterday. Seniors, here's to an online graduation and can't wait to see y’all again in person!” — Anonymous, Houston, TX
“I’m still student teaching remotely, but I haven’t heard from a lot of my students and don’t know if they’re okay. Some students reached out because they’re facing eviction or abuse at home. I often feel guilty for taking more time to myself. I wish there was more I could do.” — Daniel Koh (Jones ‘20), Houston, TX
“Falling back into bad habits without anyone around to pull me out. Weighing myself ten times a day, scratching at my skin. Sometimes I get so lonely that my chest hurts and all I know how to do is take that pain out by picking, weighing, scratching, criticizing myself.” — Anonymous, Houston, TX
“I am studying, playing video games and eating. It's the kind of lifestyle I've been wanting, but now I'm starting to get bored because I can't go outside. I also miss my friends too much; I can't wait to see them.” — Izzy Mendoza (Duncan ‘23), Houston, TX
“No 60-mile round trip to work, working from home, barefoot at my desk, Zoom virgin (but learning fast), FaceTime with 89-year-old seeing the top of her head, worried, not sick and planning to stay alive!” — Anonymous, League City, TX
Editor’s Note: The submission form restricts submissions to users with valid Rice University email accounts. If you’d like to submit your own 50 word statement, fill out the form here.
More from The Rice Thresher
‘Off the beaten track’: Commencement speakers through the years
A former American president, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Nobel laureates and the founder of Khan Academy. All may share similar traits or levels of fame, but there’s another, quieter, common ground: They’ve all spoken at Rice’s commencement.
Peggy Whitson breaks the glass ceiling, lands among the stars
Peggy Whitson has spent more time in space than any other American. She was the first female, nonmilitary Chief of the Astronaut Office for NASA and the first woman commander of the International Space Station, but despite all her success, Whitson denies any claims of special talent or giftedness. Above all else, she said, hard work and perseverance brought her to the top.
Sitting Around the Bonfire with Ben and Michael
Being a small school has benefits and disadvantages. Some claim that one of the drawbacks of being a relatively small campus and having a strong residential college program is that it is often difficult to find events or activities happening across campus. That’s where Benjamin Liu and Michael Mounajjed stepped in.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.