To Get Through Covid, Just Be a Little Nicer

Ryann Eberle, 22, is finishing her last year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee amidst the global pandemic that took the world by storm. The student and photography major shares her academic struggle and experience with Covid-19 as vaccine distribution finally surges.

Q-Emily Prochaska: How did you first hear about Covid?

A: Well, I heard something sometime in January, but I shrugged it off like most other people. And then when spring break happened, they were like, oh you’re going to be staying for two weeks and then that got extended very long.

Q: Were you later disappointed when spring break kept going?

A: I was. I had a lot of good classes that semester, which you know, you can’t see anybody else anymore and it was all online after that.

Q: What other ways has Covid affected your academic and social life?

A: Academic it’s just a lot harder. Last semester was pretty good, but this semester seems a lot harder than usual. And then social life, there is none.

Q: Once the mask mandate is lifted, do you think there will be long lasting effects of people just being anxious being around other people?

A: Oh, for sure. My social anxiety definitely went up and I don’t even make eye contact with people anymore.

Q: What are your feelings about the vaccine? Are you excited? Are you nervous?

A: I’m excited to get it. I’ve been telling everyone to get it since it was a thing, but I’m also scared of it.

Q: Can you explain briefly what people can do to help others during this time?

A: Just being a little nicer and more understanding towards other people. There’s a lot of people who are still on edge. Just wear your mask and keep your distance, even if you don’t have it—it’s just the nice thing to do. I think people should be more considerate towards others.