There is so much we learned over this past summer about ourselves, our UW-Stout community and the Menomonie community. We discovered our strengths, worked through struggles, learned to adapt and gained resolve.
We want to share some of what we learned from COVID-19, even as we continue to learn. Even in the harder moments when we feel we're sinking, there are lessons to take to heart, lift each other up and keep ourselves afloat.
Here are a few messages for our StoutFam.
Eliana Fergus, B.F.A. GDIM senior
The semester began. I walked through campus, mask on. Though I knew campus life would be different, it was shocking to see how few people were out and about. Classes went by smoothly considering they were all online. I told myself the semester would be great.
Three weeks in, I walked through campus, mask on. I walked past the empty green lawn and the fortress which is the art building. The sidewalk seemed particularly barren.
Suddenly it hit me. I was sad.
I realized how much I missed passing friends on the way to class and sharing smiles. I missed the smell of the art building. I missed walking through a classroom; watching the process of every unique artist. I missed the rhythm and flow of campus.
COVID-19 has had an enormous effect on people physically, emotionally and mentally. Social distancing and safety procedures are vital for our safety. This is without question.
With that though, we are faced with a new challenge; we must learn to live a new style of life. We must be honest and caring with ourselves. It is OK to be sad. It is OK to admit you need help.
Find activities to brighten your days. Join campus clubs, breathe the fresh air, cuddle with your pets, keep creating. Fight back the gloom with joyful moments, no matter how small. There is still good in this world, and there is still good on this campus. We will get through this.
Emily Peterson, B.S. PCEM junior
2020 has been a whirlwind. Whether you are a first-year student or senior, faculty or staff member, we all had to make adjustments when we returned for the fall semester.
Being back on campus feels bittersweet.
There have been a lot of changes made to help keep everyone as safe as possible. I can say that it was a bit of a shock seeing everyone in masks at first, but I have gotten more used to it.
It’s been awesome to be back and to see people, but it can be nerve-wracking given the possible risks.
The biggest change that has affected me the most is probably the changes to common areas like the Memorial Student Center and Harvey Hall Cafe. I was so used to having these places to gather with friends or finish up that last bit of homework.
My advice is to stay connected with friends at a safe distance and to find hobbies to take your mind off all that’s happening in the world. Find something productive (other than school) to put your energy into, and take everything a day at a time.
Kaylee Harris, B.S. HRTM junior
During this crisis, a lot of questions, many unanswered, overtake me. I find myself doubting myself and my drive. I find myself lost in defeat. However, through all of this, my support system has blossomed. I am reconnecting with family and friends, and I look for small victories to keep me afloat.
Professionally, I am looking at a whole new ball game. Being in the hospitality industry, I’m left waiting to see what comes. This is where hope has come into my life. Creativity and new ideas will reopen my industry and keep it alive. It will be through me that changes can happen.
When it comes to challenges, it is all about our approach.
As Stouties, we are pushed to fix problems, including this massive one. We’ll walk away understanding big changes in our lives.
I think how we work together is special and beautiful. We are doing this together, and that is something for which we should be Stout Proud.
Rachel Funk-Johnson, M.S. CMHC alumna, owner of Happy Apple Therapy
The support at this time is incredible to see. It is apparent within the local small business community, UW-Stout campus and individuals giving their time and resources to help others in need.
My hope is that we will continue to see everyone leaning in and supporting one another as time goes on. This is not a short-term concern that will dissipate.
This is a reminder that nothing is within our control but that we can change.
Life can move at a slower pace. We have more time for home and family life, hobbies or self- care. When time slows down, we can reflect and truly recognize where we desire to make changes within our control.
If something does not serve us any longer or puts us in a place of discontent, we can shift our behavior toward where we want to go. This is the place where hope lives - hope that we can be a better person, change, shift, learn and evolve.
Glendalí Rodriguez, Interim Provost
Even though we are socially distanced, the Stout community has remained extremely close. The dynamic nature of COVID-19 has fostered connections in new ways because of our desire to stay informed and collaboratively problem-solve through this.
Prior to COVID-19, I think everyone could easily articulate our key tenets: Applied Learning, Career Focus and Collaboration. We are now creating new connections around these tenets as we adapt to virtual modalities, and as we celebrate our polytechnic identity in new ways.
We will be better because we have had to expand our thinking. The pivoting in our work and our daily lives has recalibrated our definitions of normal. There are things we may have taken for granted.
This experience has increased my appreciation for things large and small.
Tackling the ramifications of the pandemic has involved making difficult decisions and dealing with extreme uncertainties. I am proud to work for an organization that, at its core, strives to make people better versions of themselves through learning. We continue to prioritize the success of our institution, each other and our students.
Mitch Ogden, B.S. PCEM Program Director
My stay-at-home crew includes my wife and our five kids. Suffice it to say, loneliness isn’t a concern for us. While there are challenges with staying home, I appreciate the simplification of our lives. Instead of a carefully choreographed schedule to get everyone to and from activities, we play board games, assemble puzzles, take family walks and plant new gardens.
I thought I knew my kids pretty well. But in the quiet rhythms of daily living and through the boredom of the mundane, I’ve come to know them so much better than before. Time together has revealed subtle details of their personalities that I had been missing.
This pandemic has helped me be more mindful of humanity.
The isolation and sacrifices we make are for the sake of our community. I feel a greater compassion and empathy for my students, colleagues and neighbors. I hope I have become a little kinder. I am more aware of—and more grateful for—the simple things of life.
