[INTRO MUSIC PLAYS]
KIMBERLY: Hello, and welcome back to Hoo’s At The Writing Center: Not Us, Quarantine Edition! Uh, I’m Kimberly.
ELENA: I’m Elena.
KARISSA: I’m Karissa.
SARAH: I’m Sarah.
KIMBERLY: And we have our wonderful Sarah Shaffer back –
SARAH: Thank youuu!
KIMBERLY: How does it feel, how does it feel?
SARAH: Oh, it feels so, so good.
[laughter]
KIMBERLY: We are so excited to have our wonderful, uh, Sarah back, even though our last episode which was our intro episode, was us being like “Hey, uh, we don’t have our fourth member currently, she’s in Indonesia, she’s big chillin’,” uh, but she’s back! So, um, obviously, this is very...sudden, you’re probably wondering how we’re even recording this episode because we’re not at the, uh, Media Production Center at the university.
So, what the, uh, podcast team has decided is that we are going to record our Zoom – we’re going to record Zoom meetings as our audio files, and we’ll be editing those from at home, because we are social distancing, and we are respecting the stay at home orders all around, and uh – yeah! So we’re super excited, we’re still continuing the podcast and we could not have done this without the amazing support of our – obviously the writing center, but also the listeners who have been talking to us saying, “Hey, when’s the next episode coming out, what’re you guys gonna do about the podcast?” We appreciate you guys so much and we are so excited to, uh, be recording again, even though the circumstances are probably not the most favorable. Um – yeah, so for our first episode, coming back from our last recording, we wanted to do a self-care episode because obviously we are in a very difficult time right now.
And we wanted this episode to be a space for you listeners to take a break, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, or if you’re one of our listeners curious about the state of our podcast: new and oldcomers, we welcome you. As you know, we are continuing our wonderful podcast in lieu of everything, and wanted to allow ourselves – and you – to talk about how we’re feeling, what we’re doing, what we’re thinking, and what this may look like for all of us, ‘cause we’re all in different states right now. I’m currently in Washington, uh, Karissa is in [Minnesotan accent] Minnesota [laughter], and Sarah’s in New Mexico, and Elena’s in Arizona. So obviously our states, time zones, everything – is drastically different.
So, uh, to begin with – we just wanted to do just a simple check-in with the podcasterz, um, and...yeah! You know, just get a sense of where we’re at right now, just uh, in our Week 2, finishing up of school, seeing how things have been, what we’re looking forward to, or just like being honest – being, like, this is not a – we understand that this is not maybe, like the most, uplifting thing...but I think that there is definitely power and comfort in unity and shared experiences and I think practicing empathy right now is the best thing we can offer for one another. So, uh...podcasterz? Let’s talk.
ELENA: Yeah. So...I dunno about you guys, but I think that the...uh, transition to Zoom classes has been hard for a lot of people. Um, I don’t know how it’s possible, but I think Zoom classes are somehow more exhausting than in person classes? Um, but it’s – I think it’s been interesting to see, like, how different professors are adjusting to it, and I do think it’s good to be able to see people who are like, in your major, um, day to day in those Zoom classes. But I think it can be really hard to get that sense of, like, connection so I think that’s probably like the main thing that I’ve been struggling with lately? So I think just like finding ways to still have that connection to people you’d normally be seeing, like every day, is really important.
KARISSA: Yeah, I know that Zoom classes have been so challenging. Um, and I think – for me a big thing is just finding the motivation to get online and go to class...and also make sure that I’m keeping up with all my homework, and everything that needs to get done in my daily life, because it’s so easy to just, like, turn that off because I’m not physically up and, like, moving spaces, um, to go somewhere. So I think like that’s hard, for me, is to just be motivated, and um...yeah, just find that excitement that I had, to go to class, to see everyone, and to like actually have a discussion about something that was interesting, um, in that class, or something like that. But I have found that writing everything down is really helpful, um, if I just give myself like a list of tasks to get done for that day, um, I start with really small lists so that I’m not, like, overwhelmed with, like – having to be motivated to do a whole laundry list of things, but it’s still a challenge that I’m trying to work on in Week 3.
SARAH: Yeah, um, honestly, I think...yeah, it’s just been a really hard time. And I think it’s been a really hard time for all of us, no matter if you’re having, you know, a better day or a not so better day, it’s – you just kinda go through the motions on everything. But, it, um...I mean, have I not gone to Zoom class when I could have? Yes! [laughter] Have I skipped? Yes! [laughter]
ELENA: Sometimes you gotta.
SARAH: Thank you!
ELENA: It’s okay to admit that.
[More laughter]
SARAH: It’s just like, I feel like that, you know? And it’s just, it’s really difficult and like, um...I think especially, I’ve been in the US now for like – I’ve been back in the US now for like, maybe like a month and a half, but it just feels, so different? Because like, you know, you’re not allowed to go outside so it’s like I’m still experiencing so much culture shock, because like, the culture isn’t alive right now, in a certain way. So it’s just like, really weird and freaky. [sighs] Um, yeah, getting through it, I’ve been coloring A LOT. So that’s very helpful. And baking. So, just eating, in general. It’s just my constant state.
KIMBERLY: Uh, yeah, seeing the whole craze of the, uh, of baking, I just think it’s – I think it’s so charming [laughter] and I just, um, I haven’t done it yet! I have, however, made the whipped coffee thing? I don’t know if you’ve seen it on TikTok, where you like, you...for our listeners out there, you get instant coffee, you get two tablespoons of it, and then you get two tablespoons of sugar, and then you get two tablespoons of, uh, boiling water, and then you whisk it for like…[inhales] oh, god, I would recommend a hand mixer, because it takes a while, but it took me about like...sevenish minutes? And then you have this like, delicious decadence of whipped coffee, and then you put it on ice milked – ice milked? – iced milk [laughter]. And, uh, it’s delicious, and I don’t drink coffee at all, but anyway, that’s the only creative thing that I’ve done [laughter] during this time in quarantine. Uh, but just like, uh, reiterating what everyone has said, it’s been really difficult, the transition to, um, Zoom classes. I have found that, like, I – most of my day is spent sitting at a computer, and it’s just so, like, exhausting, and like, draining for my energy, just like sitting at my desk all day and like having the very few breaks that I get – just like bouncing between like work, and then like school work, and then like classes, and all that other stuff. It’s like all done at the desk, which is such a weird and interesting transition – sorry, Elena, were you gonna say something?
ELENA: Yeah, um, I was just gonna say that I think being able to take breaks is really important, because – because sitting at your computer can just be so exhausting. And I find that my, like, eyes really hurt? Uh – [laughter] which is like one of those little things you don’t really notice until it becomes a problem. Um, so I think that one really helpful thing is to just take, like, five minute breaks if you can in-between classes, or after like, long periods of Zooming – and just, it sounds weird, but just like stare at a point that’s not your computer, like outside, because it actually helps a lot with your, like, distance vision, because you get eye strain from staring at computer screens, because it’s so close. And like, humans weren’t meant to do that. So I think that just being able to take breaks and kinda like, just gaze off into the distance for a while, it’s surprisingly helpful.
SARAH: Or even just like, going outside, would be really helpful. Like, um, I am privileged enough to live, like, in a neighborhood setting, here in New Mexico, so like I can go outside and walk around and like see the adorable motivational chalk messages, like...they’re really, really here for us, these children. Like – [laughter]
ELENA: They leave chalk messages??
SARAH: Oh my god, it’s so cute, like – they’re all – sometimes they do them on the road and it’s like, “Thank you, Post Office, UPS, FedEx, carryout people,” it’s great.
ELENA: Awww.
SARAH: I know, right? [laughter]
ELENA: That’s adorable.
SARAH: Like, on the road so they can see it when they drive, on the sidewalks it’s like, “You got this,” like, “Take it day by day,” like, “Kindness is key” – it’s just so great, like, ah, it’s amazing. I can maybe like, get some pictures and put it on our blog or something, ‘cause it’s just like – and there’s this one house with like, ten signs being like “You are enough” and like all of these nice things.
ELENA: Aw!
SARAH: I know!
ELENA: They’re really carrying us through, like –
SARAH: Good ol Albuquerque, she’s really here for us.
KIMBERLY: That is...the most adorable thing I have ever, like… [laughter] heard. I, um, I...haven’t been outside in such a long while. [Laughter]
ELENA: Go outside! Touch some grass!
[Laughter]
KIMBERLY: BUT, but – [laughter] um, I was going to say that I also recommend, uh, when you do homework, uh, I have found that, uh, working in like, in periods, so I will do homework for like, an hour and fifteen minutes, and then I will give myself a ten minute break. And like, ten minutes is like – seems like a short amount of time, but like, it’s actually enough. And like, it’s also just like the motivation – which, by the way, I totally get if you’re like, lacking in it, because, me too! [laughter] Um, but like, allowing yourself in whatever capacity to give yourself a break, but also understanding that, um, you know, it’s a difficult time to balance all of these things, and...we just gotta take care of ourselves, and just, you know, look out for one another and make sure you tell your pet that you love them, you know, or your, whomever you live with that you like. [Laughter] Uh – I do not have a domestic animal. But if I did, I would tell them I loved them every day.
ELENA: I like that that implies that you like, could have a wild animal, like… [giggles]
KIMBERLY: Well, I don’t know, I mean –! [laughter]
ELENA: Like, do you have a pet crow or something?
KIMBERLY: When I was younger –
ELENA: Oh?
KIMBERLY: No, I would…‘cause like, I would make every bug my pet, because I wasn’t allowed to have pets as a child, so every like, like fly, or like ant, or spider, or… [laughter] ladybug – I’m really calling myself out in this episode. But – um…
ELENA: We need these good childhood stories.
KIMBERLY: [laughter] Yeah, I know. But...yeah, anyway, um, so, yeah – and my own personal thing for self care is that I’ve – I don’t know, this might not apply for everyone and that’s totally okay, but I’ve also found a lot of comfort in music, just listening to music, or if you feel so inclined to, you could make a podcast – er, podcast, you can, if you do, if you want to [laughter] – but like, making a playlist of, uh, songs that like, just filled with songs that give you comfort, or make you happy, or they make you angry, or whichever emotion. I think music has a really powerful, uh, influence on the way we feel, and uh, for me personally I have a lot of – I rely a lot on music. Whether it’s listening to it on Spotify, or, um, playing it with instruments, so...highly recommend music, uh, in whatever capacity.
KIMBERLY: So, uh, we decided to ask our wonderful writing center staff: consultants, OAs, and our wonderful bosses, um – about some self-care tips that they’ve been implementing and we want to share them with you guys. So we have a – we’ve picked a select few to share with you guys just so that you guys have some extra ideas on what you can do, or just so that you can, uh, see what everyone else is doing, because these people are wonderful – and, um, we’re just gonna go ahead and read off what they sent us, so that we can give them credit and give them direct quotes and all that stuff. So – our wonderful OA and consultant Caroline said:
“Some ways I’m taking care of myself are by journaling, knitting, cooking, and going on a short drive every couple of days. I probably watch too many TikToks, but that’s another way I like to unwind/decompress at night. Now that school has started, It has been helpful for me to write out every assignment due date for the next two weeks in my planner. I got super overwhelmed by the volume of work and lack of structure of the online classes, so creating a homework/class schedule for myself helped me feel way more organized and prepared to meet all the deadlines.”
KIMBERLY: Uh, so, praise – love journaling, love writing, it’s also a very helpful way to cope.
ELENA: One of our OAs, Frances, who’s lovely, said:
“Ever since the start of quarantine, I have been practicing self-care by making sure I listen to my body when it's telling me I need to sleep. I have also been journaling more frequently, re-watching my favorite comfort films, and cooking vegetarian versions of meals that my mom used to cook for me growing up. Now that school has started, I have been reminding myself to schedule time for self-care, eating a more steady diet now that I'm home more, and once again, going to sleep when I feel like I just need to sleep.”
ELENA: – which is – that should not be understated enough, because I feel like this has totally wrecked my sleep schedule, and sleep can just make – it can turn a bad day into a good day, because we all need sleep I think.
KARISSA: The wonderful Sarah M, a consultant with us, um, she said:
“I've been watching a lot of movies and playing video games, mostly ones that I loved when I was younger. It feels comforting to be able to just turn my brain off for a little bit and watch something that doesn't take much thinking. I've also been trying to exercise more – running has been great for my stress – but it's also really difficult, so going on walks has also been really helpful. I've been planning on making jam, but now that school has started, I haven't really had the time. I wish that more people made their own jam. It's so customizable and fun! One of my favorite recipes is for strawberry champagne jam.”
KARISSA: And I would LOVE to try strawberry champagne jam, because that sounds like...a dream come true. And I also agree that more people should make jam, because it’s so fun! And you get to make it, it’s not like you go to the store and you’re like “I don’t like any of the jam that they have!” You can just make your own jam. And it’s – you’re guaranteed to like it.
KIMBERLY: I have never made jam before. [laughter]
ELENA: I feel like that sounds so decadent. Strawberry champagne? Like –
KARISSA: I know!
ELENA: That’s what we all need right now.
KARISSA: It’s so fancy.
SARAH: Send some over.
KARISSA: Yeah, can you give me some?
KIMBERLY: Yeah, Sarah? Um, can you…
[Laughter]
SARAH: Alright so, our last answer comes from Grace, one of our lead consultants, and she said:
“I have been trying to take care of myself by allowing some personal downtime and also letting myself have earlier nights when I go to bed, so I can read, journal or just scroll (haha) [Laughter “I don’t know if I was supposed to say that”]. It has been good to let myself be in a quiet space and just be literally mindless at the end of the day. That sounds kinda bad but especially now I feel like just doing the little things for yourself is really important.”
SARAH: Yes, same. For sure. I think, like, just being mindless for me personally, um…like we were talking about before, I find myself on screens a lot more, so I like to also read or journal, um...honestly though, it’s been – I’m a journal-y kind of person, I’m a journal gal, if you will, and like, it’s been really hard for me to journal, like I usually do. Um, and something someone told me, when this whole like thing started, is like to try and write more poetry, because like – for me, a journal entry is more like, um...you know, I do it in very like fatty fatty paragraphs, so it’s just like whole pages of just like, what I’m thinking, or like, what I went through, but with poetry it’s just, um...I guess it’s more artistic and more creative but also tends to be less words, and I find that really helpful for this time just because it can be so overwhelming. Because when I try to sit down to journal now – okay, where do I start? ‘Cause I have so many feelings. And I don’t know...what to do. So, yeah.
KARISSA: One thing that I also really like in Grace’s answer is just like, the importance of...it’s okay to not be productive. Um, ‘cause I know that’s something I’ve been struggling with, um, is just – I do nothing. And I’m like oh my gosh – I didn’t accomplish anything today, what an unproductive day, and I kind of like get on myself for that? Um, so one thing I really appreciated about reading her answer was like, it’s okay to be mindless, it’s okay to not do anything, not every day has to be productive, but as long as you’re doing what you need to for yourself, what feels best at that moment, that in and of itself is more than enough – and looking back on your day, you don’t have to always feel like you accomplished something as long as like, you check in with your body and you’re doing okay. Um, I think like that’s just the most important part to note, especially like, during these longer days – and when nothing’s really going on.
ELENA: Yeah, and I think that it’s also really important to...like, like you said, not to just like feel like you have to be productive all the time, but also just to realize that – it sounds super cheesy, but like, we’re all in this together, like, you’re not alone in feeling that way. Um, and I think that now would also be a good time to – [laughter] um, throw out that SU has created the Student Support Center. Um, which is a tool to help students get in touch with the school regarding concerns and questions during this time, which, I know a lot of us have, um – particularly for SU, which is great. Question them. They’ve also provided Frequently Asked Questions, for common questions that students have had. But there’s also other means of contact if you can’t find your particular question there. So that’s at www.seattleu.edu/get-answers.
KARISSA: Yeah, and some more resources that we have um, from Campus Ministry. Every Monday, they have a drop-in meditation that’s guided by Anna Robertson, who is a super awesome campus minister, um, and that’s from 2 PM to 2:25 PM and that’s Pacific Time, and it’s on the Campus Ministry Instagram Live, and their Instagram handle is: sucampusministry. Um, so, give them a follow. Or not – and you can tune into their Instagram Live every Monday for just, um, 25 minutes of grounding meditation and just to kind of get your mind off of your daily life, take that break in between your schoolwork. Um, I found it a really comforting experience, to know that like, the community’s really coming together in that way.
Um, another thing that they’re doing for campus ministry, it’s called Lunch on the Couches, and it takes place every Tuesday and Thursday during what would be the regularly scheduled lunch hour, from 12:30 PM to 1:20 PM, which is also in Pacific Time. Um, and it’s just a casual Zoom meeting for conversation and connection, um, for other students at Seattle U who are having similar experiences, or it’s just a really good way to see some friendly faces that, um, normally you would only get to see on campus. And, the way to join that is to go to the campus ministry Connect SU page and under the events tab they have Lunch on the Couches and then the Zoom link is included in that description. And the last thing that’s worth mentioning about Campus Ministry is that you can also schedule a meeting with the campus ministers, it doesn’t matter what your religious background is, even if you’re not religious at all, you can make these appointments to have a campus minister just to talk to as an outlet during these crazy times. Um, and to make this appointment, you can...go to the Campus Ministry page at the Seattle University website, and then under the tab Pastoral Care and Conversations, just fill out a quick form, um, and then you have that meeting scheduled with a campus minister.
And then, we also wanted to touch on CAPS – um, what CAPS is doing during these crazy times, since it’s not always as accessible for students who aren’t in Washington state anymore. Um – so, they still are offering online services, however these services are limited to the people who are still located in Washington state. Um, because the staff is licensed to practice in only Washington state. So, if you’re no longer in the Seattle area, in Washington state, uh, they can help you find telecounseling resources in your area. So although they can’t help you directly, in that one-on-one face to face like they normally would’ve been able to on campus, they can still help you find it, um, wherever you’re located.
ELENA: Yeah, I just wanna add onto that because I’m on SEC, which is the Student Executive Council, which basically – we’re in contact with admin, and, um, I just wanted to add that although currently CAPS is only available for online counseling or telecounseling in Washington state, they are working to extend that to all students. Um, but it’s a super bureaucratic process so that’s – that’s why there’s hold-up. But hopefully they will get that through...sooner rather than later, because I know there is a need for it, especially now.
KARISSA: Yeah, and we’ll try our best to keep you updated on that, as we go. Um, and then also just lastly, on the CAPS webpage, um, through the Seattle University webpage, they have some helpful tips on how to cope with the current situation, the current pandemic stress, also how to navigate the new online learning.
KIMBERLY: Um, I also wanted to throw in really quick – uh, the writing center is also still open, we are doing online asynchronous and synchronous meetings, so, we are still here to help you with your papers, we are still here to help you with, uh, questions you have about the writing center or the way that things are gonna be working now, so please feel free to reach out to us about all your writing needs, we’re still here, and we’re always here, and happy to help you. We just also wanna encourage you to reach out to people, uh, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or if you’re just confused about something, to reach out to the university, to reach out to peers, to reach out to professors and all that stuff – we are all here to help you and we all want the best for you during this very difficult time.
In closing, we know that things are...not what we want, right now. Um – [Laughter] we know that times are difficult. But, it’s important that we continue to support one another, and promote empathy for others, and of course help flatten the curve. Um – you can’t see it, but I was doing a little, like, pump-up hands. Anyway – [Laughter] so, please do your part to help us get to – fighting the spread of this virus, and so forth, and of course if you have questions or concerns regarding the virus, reaching out to the university or the faction closely related to the issue. And we recognize the power of unity and individual care during this time, so we highly encourage you to be kind to yourself and to others. Stay safe. And, this has been –
EVERYONE: Hoo Hoo’s At The Writing Center!
[Laughter]
SARAH: Oh boy, that was so good.
KIMBERLY: [Laughter] We will see you next, uh, we won’t see you – we will –
KARISSA: – speak to you –
KIMBERLY: ...see you on the flip side!
[Laughter]
ELENA: These Zoom episodes are definitely gonna be a learning curve, so just – bear with us.
KIMBERLY: For sure. But – yeah, we are so excited, we have so many amazing ideas coming up, we’re actually in the process of editing one right now, um, because we wanna thank Mickey for that – [Laughter] But, we have so many great things coming to you, and of course contact us if you have any ideas, or just responses or feedback, at all. Thank you guys so much for listening, and – we’ll see you on the flip side!
[OUTRO MUSIC PLAYS]
KIMBERLY: Hello, and welcome back to Hoo’s At The Writing Center: Not Us, Quarantine Edition! Uh, I’m Kimberly.
ELENA: I’m Elena.
KARISSA: I’m Karissa.
SARAH: I’m Sarah.
KIMBERLY: And we have our wonderful Sarah Shaffer back –
SARAH: Thank youuu!
KIMBERLY: How does it feel, how does it feel?
SARAH: Oh, it feels so, so good.
[laughter]
KIMBERLY: We are so excited to have our wonderful, uh, Sarah back, even though our last episode which was our intro episode, was us being like “Hey, uh, we don’t have our fourth member currently, she’s in Indonesia, she’s big chillin’,” uh, but she’s back! So, um, obviously, this is very...sudden, you’re probably wondering how we’re even recording this episode because we’re not at the, uh, Media Production Center at the university.
So, what the, uh, podcast team has decided is that we are going to record our Zoom – we’re going to record Zoom meetings as our audio files, and we’ll be editing those from at home, because we are social distancing, and we are respecting the stay at home orders all around, and uh – yeah! So we’re super excited, we’re still continuing the podcast and we could not have done this without the amazing support of our – obviously the writing center, but also the listeners who have been talking to us saying, “Hey, when’s the next episode coming out, what’re you guys gonna do about the podcast?” We appreciate you guys so much and we are so excited to, uh, be recording again, even though the circumstances are probably not the most favorable. Um – yeah, so for our first episode, coming back from our last recording, we wanted to do a self-care episode because obviously we are in a very difficult time right now.
And we wanted this episode to be a space for you listeners to take a break, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, or if you’re one of our listeners curious about the state of our podcast: new and oldcomers, we welcome you. As you know, we are continuing our wonderful podcast in lieu of everything, and wanted to allow ourselves – and you – to talk about how we’re feeling, what we’re doing, what we’re thinking, and what this may look like for all of us, ‘cause we’re all in different states right now. I’m currently in Washington, uh, Karissa is in [Minnesotan accent] Minnesota [laughter], and Sarah’s in New Mexico, and Elena’s in Arizona. So obviously our states, time zones, everything – is drastically different.
So, uh, to begin with – we just wanted to do just a simple check-in with the podcasterz, um, and...yeah! You know, just get a sense of where we’re at right now, just uh, in our Week 2, finishing up of school, seeing how things have been, what we’re looking forward to, or just like being honest – being, like, this is not a – we understand that this is not maybe, like the most, uplifting thing...but I think that there is definitely power and comfort in unity and shared experiences and I think practicing empathy right now is the best thing we can offer for one another. So, uh...podcasterz? Let’s talk.
ELENA: Yeah. So...I dunno about you guys, but I think that the...uh, transition to Zoom classes has been hard for a lot of people. Um, I don’t know how it’s possible, but I think Zoom classes are somehow more exhausting than in person classes? Um, but it’s – I think it’s been interesting to see, like, how different professors are adjusting to it, and I do think it’s good to be able to see people who are like, in your major, um, day to day in those Zoom classes. But I think it can be really hard to get that sense of, like, connection so I think that’s probably like the main thing that I’ve been struggling with lately? So I think just like finding ways to still have that connection to people you’d normally be seeing, like every day, is really important.
KARISSA: Yeah, I know that Zoom classes have been so challenging. Um, and I think – for me a big thing is just finding the motivation to get online and go to class...and also make sure that I’m keeping up with all my homework, and everything that needs to get done in my daily life, because it’s so easy to just, like, turn that off because I’m not physically up and, like, moving spaces, um, to go somewhere. So I think like that’s hard, for me, is to just be motivated, and um...yeah, just find that excitement that I had, to go to class, to see everyone, and to like actually have a discussion about something that was interesting, um, in that class, or something like that. But I have found that writing everything down is really helpful, um, if I just give myself like a list of tasks to get done for that day, um, I start with really small lists so that I’m not, like, overwhelmed with, like – having to be motivated to do a whole laundry list of things, but it’s still a challenge that I’m trying to work on in Week 3.
SARAH: Yeah, um, honestly, I think...yeah, it’s just been a really hard time. And I think it’s been a really hard time for all of us, no matter if you’re having, you know, a better day or a not so better day, it’s – you just kinda go through the motions on everything. But, it, um...I mean, have I not gone to Zoom class when I could have? Yes! [laughter] Have I skipped? Yes! [laughter]
ELENA: Sometimes you gotta.
SARAH: Thank you!
ELENA: It’s okay to admit that.
[More laughter]
SARAH: It’s just like, I feel like that, you know? And it’s just, it’s really difficult and like, um...I think especially, I’ve been in the US now for like – I’ve been back in the US now for like, maybe like a month and a half, but it just feels, so different? Because like, you know, you’re not allowed to go outside so it’s like I’m still experiencing so much culture shock, because like, the culture isn’t alive right now, in a certain way. So it’s just like, really weird and freaky. [sighs] Um, yeah, getting through it, I’ve been coloring A LOT. So that’s very helpful. And baking. So, just eating, in general. It’s just my constant state.
KIMBERLY: Uh, yeah, seeing the whole craze of the, uh, of baking, I just think it’s – I think it’s so charming [laughter] and I just, um, I haven’t done it yet! I have, however, made the whipped coffee thing? I don’t know if you’ve seen it on TikTok, where you like, you...for our listeners out there, you get instant coffee, you get two tablespoons of it, and then you get two tablespoons of sugar, and then you get two tablespoons of, uh, boiling water, and then you whisk it for like…[inhales] oh, god, I would recommend a hand mixer, because it takes a while, but it took me about like...sevenish minutes? And then you have this like, delicious decadence of whipped coffee, and then you put it on ice milked – ice milked? – iced milk [laughter]. And, uh, it’s delicious, and I don’t drink coffee at all, but anyway, that’s the only creative thing that I’ve done [laughter] during this time in quarantine. Uh, but just like, uh, reiterating what everyone has said, it’s been really difficult, the transition to, um, Zoom classes. I have found that, like, I – most of my day is spent sitting at a computer, and it’s just so, like, exhausting, and like, draining for my energy, just like sitting at my desk all day and like having the very few breaks that I get – just like bouncing between like work, and then like school work, and then like classes, and all that other stuff. It’s like all done at the desk, which is such a weird and interesting transition – sorry, Elena, were you gonna say something?
ELENA: Yeah, um, I was just gonna say that I think being able to take breaks is really important, because – because sitting at your computer can just be so exhausting. And I find that my, like, eyes really hurt? Uh – [laughter] which is like one of those little things you don’t really notice until it becomes a problem. Um, so I think that one really helpful thing is to just take, like, five minute breaks if you can in-between classes, or after like, long periods of Zooming – and just, it sounds weird, but just like stare at a point that’s not your computer, like outside, because it actually helps a lot with your, like, distance vision, because you get eye strain from staring at computer screens, because it’s so close. And like, humans weren’t meant to do that. So I think that just being able to take breaks and kinda like, just gaze off into the distance for a while, it’s surprisingly helpful.
SARAH: Or even just like, going outside, would be really helpful. Like, um, I am privileged enough to live, like, in a neighborhood setting, here in New Mexico, so like I can go outside and walk around and like see the adorable motivational chalk messages, like...they’re really, really here for us, these children. Like – [laughter]
ELENA: They leave chalk messages??
SARAH: Oh my god, it’s so cute, like – they’re all – sometimes they do them on the road and it’s like, “Thank you, Post Office, UPS, FedEx, carryout people,” it’s great.
ELENA: Awww.
SARAH: I know, right? [laughter]
ELENA: That’s adorable.
SARAH: Like, on the road so they can see it when they drive, on the sidewalks it’s like, “You got this,” like, “Take it day by day,” like, “Kindness is key” – it’s just so great, like, ah, it’s amazing. I can maybe like, get some pictures and put it on our blog or something, ‘cause it’s just like – and there’s this one house with like, ten signs being like “You are enough” and like all of these nice things.
ELENA: Aw!
SARAH: I know!
ELENA: They’re really carrying us through, like –
SARAH: Good ol Albuquerque, she’s really here for us.
KIMBERLY: That is...the most adorable thing I have ever, like… [laughter] heard. I, um, I...haven’t been outside in such a long while. [Laughter]
ELENA: Go outside! Touch some grass!
[Laughter]
KIMBERLY: BUT, but – [laughter] um, I was going to say that I also recommend, uh, when you do homework, uh, I have found that, uh, working in like, in periods, so I will do homework for like, an hour and fifteen minutes, and then I will give myself a ten minute break. And like, ten minutes is like – seems like a short amount of time, but like, it’s actually enough. And like, it’s also just like the motivation – which, by the way, I totally get if you’re like, lacking in it, because, me too! [laughter] Um, but like, allowing yourself in whatever capacity to give yourself a break, but also understanding that, um, you know, it’s a difficult time to balance all of these things, and...we just gotta take care of ourselves, and just, you know, look out for one another and make sure you tell your pet that you love them, you know, or your, whomever you live with that you like. [Laughter] Uh – I do not have a domestic animal. But if I did, I would tell them I loved them every day.
ELENA: I like that that implies that you like, could have a wild animal, like… [giggles]
KIMBERLY: Well, I don’t know, I mean –! [laughter]
ELENA: Like, do you have a pet crow or something?
KIMBERLY: When I was younger –
ELENA: Oh?
KIMBERLY: No, I would…‘cause like, I would make every bug my pet, because I wasn’t allowed to have pets as a child, so every like, like fly, or like ant, or spider, or… [laughter] ladybug – I’m really calling myself out in this episode. But – um…
ELENA: We need these good childhood stories.
KIMBERLY: [laughter] Yeah, I know. But...yeah, anyway, um, so, yeah – and my own personal thing for self care is that I’ve – I don’t know, this might not apply for everyone and that’s totally okay, but I’ve also found a lot of comfort in music, just listening to music, or if you feel so inclined to, you could make a podcast – er, podcast, you can, if you do, if you want to [laughter] – but like, making a playlist of, uh, songs that like, just filled with songs that give you comfort, or make you happy, or they make you angry, or whichever emotion. I think music has a really powerful, uh, influence on the way we feel, and uh, for me personally I have a lot of – I rely a lot on music. Whether it’s listening to it on Spotify, or, um, playing it with instruments, so...highly recommend music, uh, in whatever capacity.
KIMBERLY: So, uh, we decided to ask our wonderful writing center staff: consultants, OAs, and our wonderful bosses, um – about some self-care tips that they’ve been implementing and we want to share them with you guys. So we have a – we’ve picked a select few to share with you guys just so that you guys have some extra ideas on what you can do, or just so that you can, uh, see what everyone else is doing, because these people are wonderful – and, um, we’re just gonna go ahead and read off what they sent us, so that we can give them credit and give them direct quotes and all that stuff. So – our wonderful OA and consultant Caroline said:
“Some ways I’m taking care of myself are by journaling, knitting, cooking, and going on a short drive every couple of days. I probably watch too many TikToks, but that’s another way I like to unwind/decompress at night. Now that school has started, It has been helpful for me to write out every assignment due date for the next two weeks in my planner. I got super overwhelmed by the volume of work and lack of structure of the online classes, so creating a homework/class schedule for myself helped me feel way more organized and prepared to meet all the deadlines.”
KIMBERLY: Uh, so, praise – love journaling, love writing, it’s also a very helpful way to cope.
ELENA: One of our OAs, Frances, who’s lovely, said:
“Ever since the start of quarantine, I have been practicing self-care by making sure I listen to my body when it's telling me I need to sleep. I have also been journaling more frequently, re-watching my favorite comfort films, and cooking vegetarian versions of meals that my mom used to cook for me growing up. Now that school has started, I have been reminding myself to schedule time for self-care, eating a more steady diet now that I'm home more, and once again, going to sleep when I feel like I just need to sleep.”
ELENA: – which is – that should not be understated enough, because I feel like this has totally wrecked my sleep schedule, and sleep can just make – it can turn a bad day into a good day, because we all need sleep I think.
KARISSA: The wonderful Sarah M, a consultant with us, um, she said:
“I've been watching a lot of movies and playing video games, mostly ones that I loved when I was younger. It feels comforting to be able to just turn my brain off for a little bit and watch something that doesn't take much thinking. I've also been trying to exercise more – running has been great for my stress – but it's also really difficult, so going on walks has also been really helpful. I've been planning on making jam, but now that school has started, I haven't really had the time. I wish that more people made their own jam. It's so customizable and fun! One of my favorite recipes is for strawberry champagne jam.”
KARISSA: And I would LOVE to try strawberry champagne jam, because that sounds like...a dream come true. And I also agree that more people should make jam, because it’s so fun! And you get to make it, it’s not like you go to the store and you’re like “I don’t like any of the jam that they have!” You can just make your own jam. And it’s – you’re guaranteed to like it.
KIMBERLY: I have never made jam before. [laughter]
ELENA: I feel like that sounds so decadent. Strawberry champagne? Like –
KARISSA: I know!
ELENA: That’s what we all need right now.
KARISSA: It’s so fancy.
SARAH: Send some over.
KARISSA: Yeah, can you give me some?
KIMBERLY: Yeah, Sarah? Um, can you…
[Laughter]
SARAH: Alright so, our last answer comes from Grace, one of our lead consultants, and she said:
“I have been trying to take care of myself by allowing some personal downtime and also letting myself have earlier nights when I go to bed, so I can read, journal or just scroll (haha) [Laughter “I don’t know if I was supposed to say that”]. It has been good to let myself be in a quiet space and just be literally mindless at the end of the day. That sounds kinda bad but especially now I feel like just doing the little things for yourself is really important.”
SARAH: Yes, same. For sure. I think, like, just being mindless for me personally, um…like we were talking about before, I find myself on screens a lot more, so I like to also read or journal, um...honestly though, it’s been – I’m a journal-y kind of person, I’m a journal gal, if you will, and like, it’s been really hard for me to journal, like I usually do. Um, and something someone told me, when this whole like thing started, is like to try and write more poetry, because like – for me, a journal entry is more like, um...you know, I do it in very like fatty fatty paragraphs, so it’s just like whole pages of just like, what I’m thinking, or like, what I went through, but with poetry it’s just, um...I guess it’s more artistic and more creative but also tends to be less words, and I find that really helpful for this time just because it can be so overwhelming. Because when I try to sit down to journal now – okay, where do I start? ‘Cause I have so many feelings. And I don’t know...what to do. So, yeah.
KARISSA: One thing that I also really like in Grace’s answer is just like, the importance of...it’s okay to not be productive. Um, ‘cause I know that’s something I’ve been struggling with, um, is just – I do nothing. And I’m like oh my gosh – I didn’t accomplish anything today, what an unproductive day, and I kind of like get on myself for that? Um, so one thing I really appreciated about reading her answer was like, it’s okay to be mindless, it’s okay to not do anything, not every day has to be productive, but as long as you’re doing what you need to for yourself, what feels best at that moment, that in and of itself is more than enough – and looking back on your day, you don’t have to always feel like you accomplished something as long as like, you check in with your body and you’re doing okay. Um, I think like that’s just the most important part to note, especially like, during these longer days – and when nothing’s really going on.
ELENA: Yeah, and I think that it’s also really important to...like, like you said, not to just like feel like you have to be productive all the time, but also just to realize that – it sounds super cheesy, but like, we’re all in this together, like, you’re not alone in feeling that way. Um, and I think that now would also be a good time to – [laughter] um, throw out that SU has created the Student Support Center. Um, which is a tool to help students get in touch with the school regarding concerns and questions during this time, which, I know a lot of us have, um – particularly for SU, which is great. Question them. They’ve also provided Frequently Asked Questions, for common questions that students have had. But there’s also other means of contact if you can’t find your particular question there. So that’s at www.seattleu.edu/get-answers.
KARISSA: Yeah, and some more resources that we have um, from Campus Ministry. Every Monday, they have a drop-in meditation that’s guided by Anna Robertson, who is a super awesome campus minister, um, and that’s from 2 PM to 2:25 PM and that’s Pacific Time, and it’s on the Campus Ministry Instagram Live, and their Instagram handle is: sucampusministry. Um, so, give them a follow. Or not – and you can tune into their Instagram Live every Monday for just, um, 25 minutes of grounding meditation and just to kind of get your mind off of your daily life, take that break in between your schoolwork. Um, I found it a really comforting experience, to know that like, the community’s really coming together in that way.
Um, another thing that they’re doing for campus ministry, it’s called Lunch on the Couches, and it takes place every Tuesday and Thursday during what would be the regularly scheduled lunch hour, from 12:30 PM to 1:20 PM, which is also in Pacific Time. Um, and it’s just a casual Zoom meeting for conversation and connection, um, for other students at Seattle U who are having similar experiences, or it’s just a really good way to see some friendly faces that, um, normally you would only get to see on campus. And, the way to join that is to go to the campus ministry Connect SU page and under the events tab they have Lunch on the Couches and then the Zoom link is included in that description. And the last thing that’s worth mentioning about Campus Ministry is that you can also schedule a meeting with the campus ministers, it doesn’t matter what your religious background is, even if you’re not religious at all, you can make these appointments to have a campus minister just to talk to as an outlet during these crazy times. Um, and to make this appointment, you can...go to the Campus Ministry page at the Seattle University website, and then under the tab Pastoral Care and Conversations, just fill out a quick form, um, and then you have that meeting scheduled with a campus minister.
And then, we also wanted to touch on CAPS – um, what CAPS is doing during these crazy times, since it’s not always as accessible for students who aren’t in Washington state anymore. Um – so, they still are offering online services, however these services are limited to the people who are still located in Washington state. Um, because the staff is licensed to practice in only Washington state. So, if you’re no longer in the Seattle area, in Washington state, uh, they can help you find telecounseling resources in your area. So although they can’t help you directly, in that one-on-one face to face like they normally would’ve been able to on campus, they can still help you find it, um, wherever you’re located.
ELENA: Yeah, I just wanna add onto that because I’m on SEC, which is the Student Executive Council, which basically – we’re in contact with admin, and, um, I just wanted to add that although currently CAPS is only available for online counseling or telecounseling in Washington state, they are working to extend that to all students. Um, but it’s a super bureaucratic process so that’s – that’s why there’s hold-up. But hopefully they will get that through...sooner rather than later, because I know there is a need for it, especially now.
KARISSA: Yeah, and we’ll try our best to keep you updated on that, as we go. Um, and then also just lastly, on the CAPS webpage, um, through the Seattle University webpage, they have some helpful tips on how to cope with the current situation, the current pandemic stress, also how to navigate the new online learning.
KIMBERLY: Um, I also wanted to throw in really quick – uh, the writing center is also still open, we are doing online asynchronous and synchronous meetings, so, we are still here to help you with your papers, we are still here to help you with, uh, questions you have about the writing center or the way that things are gonna be working now, so please feel free to reach out to us about all your writing needs, we’re still here, and we’re always here, and happy to help you. We just also wanna encourage you to reach out to people, uh, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or if you’re just confused about something, to reach out to the university, to reach out to peers, to reach out to professors and all that stuff – we are all here to help you and we all want the best for you during this very difficult time.
In closing, we know that things are...not what we want, right now. Um – [Laughter] we know that times are difficult. But, it’s important that we continue to support one another, and promote empathy for others, and of course help flatten the curve. Um – you can’t see it, but I was doing a little, like, pump-up hands. Anyway – [Laughter] so, please do your part to help us get to – fighting the spread of this virus, and so forth, and of course if you have questions or concerns regarding the virus, reaching out to the university or the faction closely related to the issue. And we recognize the power of unity and individual care during this time, so we highly encourage you to be kind to yourself and to others. Stay safe. And, this has been –
EVERYONE: Hoo Hoo’s At The Writing Center!
[Laughter]
SARAH: Oh boy, that was so good.
KIMBERLY: [Laughter] We will see you next, uh, we won’t see you – we will –
KARISSA: – speak to you –
KIMBERLY: ...see you on the flip side!
[Laughter]
ELENA: These Zoom episodes are definitely gonna be a learning curve, so just – bear with us.
KIMBERLY: For sure. But – yeah, we are so excited, we have so many amazing ideas coming up, we’re actually in the process of editing one right now, um, because we wanna thank Mickey for that – [Laughter] But, we have so many great things coming to you, and of course contact us if you have any ideas, or just responses or feedback, at all. Thank you guys so much for listening, and – we’ll see you on the flip side!
[OUTRO MUSIC PLAYS]