Rebecca Ostanger is a senior kinesiology major from Carson City.
How have things changed since COVID-19?
Obviously, a lot of people have gone home and now all of our classes are online. Housing-wise, nobody has roommates or suitemates anymore so we are all on our own — no sharing anything, no sharing bathrooms. The Dining Commons is closed for indoor eating so we have to take it back to our room to eat.
What’s it like not having a roommate?
I have lived in a single the past couple of semesters anyway, but I’ve always shared a bathroom with somebody. It’s definitely just quiet all around. There’s not as many people.
Is quiet good or bad?
It is good study-wise, but kind of bad when you are looking to have fun and go out and do things. It kind of makes the whole college experience a little bit different. There’s really no socialization. All studying. All sleeping. Things like that.
You miss the social life?
I do.
Have you started doing anything new, new hobbies?
I have more time for reading for fun, instead of just reading textbooks and I watch different shows and documentaries.
What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading Brain Green. It’s about the effects of gluten on the human brain.
What’s been the coolest thing in that book so far?
The most interesting thing that I think the human population should know is that gluten is Latin for glue to organs. I think that’s fun and interesting, but that’s my nerdiness coming out.
Have you discovered anything new about yourself over the last two weeks?
I don’t think so.
What’s been the most pleasantly surprising thing about this change?
How helpful everyone is and how great student resources are at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
Can you describe the moment that this all became real to you?
I did have that moment, because for everyone it started out real slow (and) then we started to realize how serious it was getting. For me that moment came about the time we started getting cases in Clark County. It became more relatable and then shortly after that school started closing things down to keep students safe because there were local cases.
Has there been a particular moment, maybe someone helping out, that has really struck you?
The biggest impact was seeing how much our university came together to help everybody. Over the last few days the housing department put all kinds of food and drinks and snacks in our kitchen to help feed us and keep us healthy dietary-wise. They brought us bed sheets and shower curtains and have stepped up to make sure we had everything we need to be safe.
What was your favorite thing they brought you?
They brought us some good sandwiches from the deli.
Is there a shoutout you want to send to anyone?
All our health care workers across the country, keeping everyone safe and trying to slow the spread. The housing department and the university for really doing all they can to care for their students in a stressful time.
Any advice to fellow students wherever they are?
Exercise. Get good sleep. Study. Meditate. Get a good nutritious diet. Talk to friends and family.
Do you have a routine going?
Yes. Wake up at 5 a.m., workout, then study. Get homework for the day done, then relax and watch a movie or something. Then every evening I meditate and do yoga-type stuff before bed.
Is this a similar routine before this all started?
It is. I try to stick with the same routine for my mental health. Try to do my homework at the time my lectures (normally would be).
