FINAL PROJECT

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https://halfordhannah.wixsite.com/impactofcovid-19

Here is my WIX site transcription:

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HOME: 

A cross-generational look at the coronavirus

As the United States has confirmed over 1.33 million coronavirus cases, the cross-generational impact upon individuals has been immense. As of May 11th 2020, over 79,606 individuals have died due to the virus. While exploring my site, I hope you gain a more intimate understanding of the effects of the coronavirus on individuals of varying ages.

Global Timeline

Personal Timeline

By Hannah Halford

Background

What is the coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization, the “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.”

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COVER THIS TOPIC?

Considering the coronavirus has changed the course of my life, I thought it would be compelling to cover the virus as it will be a historical event in history. Adjusting to living at home with my parents has shed light onto the differing ways that individuals are being affected by the virus. Although this time has been exceedingly unsettling, it has given me a newfound sense of gratitude for my life. Covering this pandemic is not only important for future generations, but important for myself as it will serve as a sort of time capsule inciting deep reflection and understanding.

WHO ARE YOU INTERVIEWING AND WHY?

For my project, I will be interviewing both my grandfather and my mother. Given that my grandfather, age 84, falls in the at-risk population, I believe his narrative is essential in shedding light on the virus’s impacts. Additionally I interviewed my mother, age 58, because her narrative is instrumental in understanding the impacts of the virus on the retail industry. My interviews provide great insight into the cross-generational impacts of the virus.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BIASES? IF SO, HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SET THEM ASIDE?

Considering the coronavirus has had a rather negative impact on my life, I would consider my attitude a bias in my project. With this in mind, I will be presenting my findings in an exceedingly subjective way that displays all of my information as both factual and comprehensive. Additionally, both my primary and secondary research will help alleviate this bias.

Driving Questions

1. What are the cross generational impacts of the coronavirus?​

2. How has the corona virus impacted the retail industry, but more specifically the home furnishing industry?​

3. How has the coronavirus impacted millennials?

Interviews:

EDWARD GOLDSTEIN

AGE: 84

STATUS: AT-RISK POPULATION

Conducting a rather relaxed conversation, my grandfather did not agree with the implications of ageism I discovered in my secondary research. Considering my grandfather is older, his life has not changed extensively as he spends a majority of his time indoors. Discussing a critical question posed in an article by The Atlantic, “Is the reality that elders are most likely to get ill and die from COVID-19 affecting the way countries—particularly the U.S.—are responding to the pandemic?,” my grandfather’s only criticism laid with the Trump administration; he was in disagreement with the projected ageism discussed in the article. My conversation with my grandfather provides valuable insight into the lives of the elderly during this unprecedented time.

MARTA GOLDSTEIN

AGE: 58

STATUS: MIDDLE-AGED POPULATION

While interviewing my mother, I noticed illuminating correlations between my secondary research from Forbes Magazine with her own personal statements about her company, Restoration Hardware. My mother’s take on the retail industry regarding the vast unemployment across America as well as in her own company aligned with the projected change in the commerce world that was stated in the Forbes article. Asking about her own personal predictions about the future of the retail industry post-pandemic, her declarations were very similar to the ones stated in Forbes, while they also followed the timeline displayed in a New York Times article I discovered. Forbes predictions for the future of commerce were these three developments: “permanent consumer behavior,” “new economic reality,” and “new competitive landscape and partner ecosystem.” In comparison to their projections, my mother discussed the numbers of her own companies online engagement as exponentially increasing, meanwhile explaining the major shifts the economy will have to adjust to in the future. Additionally she discussed the likely bifurcation of the retail industry based on necessity. Considering my mother works for a furniture company, the demand on outdoor furniture has increased as many individuals are looking to create a comfortable living configuration while quarantining with their families. Furthermore, my mother discussed the mental and physical impacts quarantine and the coronavirus as a whole has had on both herself and her company. The personal narrative she shared was powerful, in that it provided an in-depth exploration into her emotions, which I believe will be very relatable for viewers who listen to our conversation. 

Blog Feed

Starting March 24th, I decided to journal once a week to track my mental health and outlook on the coronavirus. Below you can find my weekly entries!

Tuesday March 24:

In this time of uncertainty, I am especially worried about my grandpa. Although I know he will not be leaving his home, it’s hard to not consider the off-chance of him catching it considering the numbers are rising with each day; the possibility of it spreading becomes more and more likely for all of us. Is he just going to stay in his house forever? What life would that be? Time is too precious, even if you’ve been lucky enough to experience its fortunes. I just love my grandpa a lot and am not ready for him to go, not yet.

  In this time, I find myself overthinking, and reflecting upon old relationships, conversations and more. My mental stability is crowded with these thoughts, and I feel trapped inside my head. It’s nice to know that we are all in this together, and that our cooperation in place is making a difference. I’ve seen a few of my friends snapchat and instagram stories, where they are hanging out as if the world is not in an epidemic; it seems selfish.

Monday April 6:

Today I am especially tired. I am not sure why today differs from the past days I have spent in quarantine, but I feel my mood especially negative; I do not remember the last time that I had nothing to look forward to, it’s a rather odd feeling. I wish I could see my friends, I haven’t seen anyone since the day I left Chapman; I’ve never felt this type of loneliness, it’s a sort of helpless feeling. I miss long conversations, hugging, going out to dinner, traveling, and I even miss school. Every day I wake up at 9:30am for my Zoom classes, and I can’t help but wish I was sitting in class. I miss the interactive aspect of it, the open discussions and the face to face contact; I feel unmotivated. Although I wish I was in class, I do appreciate my school work keeping me busy on a day to day basis. 

Last night I heard my mother cry. Considering she is one of the Vice Presidents of her company, she has been ordered to furlough and fire some of her dear employees; my heart broke. Although my family and I are safe, hearing my exceedingly empathetic mother cry was a moment of clarity for me. I can’t imagine the devastating realities for families who are struggling, some who have even lost their jobs; I wish I could help somehow.

Monday April 13:

When I woke up today, I felt exceedingly peaceful. Unlike all the days before I find myself feeling grateful for the lack of busyness we experience in our everyday lives. I have been biking, running, and conducting my own physical workouts daily, which has improved my mental health and stability dramatically. Since being in college, I have never been this motivated to keep my body healthy and happy; I am making genuine efforts to make sure I stay active in order to maintain my mental health. I can see the monotony of this time period have a negative impact upon my mental health, so I am staying especially self aware. In regard to school, today is the first time I’ve truly felt unmotivated in terms of my schoolwork. Typically I am a very dedicated and organized student, and I have noticed my habits slipping while being at home; this change is very frustrating considering I have never struggled with my motivation.

Monday April 20:

Today I woke up feeling motivated for the first time since I’ve been home. I think the consistency of my workouts have sunk in, creating a more routine-like internal clock. Although my mood has improved, I find it difficult to be around my parents. Their verbalized anxiety is constantly projected onto me, sometimes hindering my mood. My mother incessantly checks the news which has an immense impact on her mental health; she is inflicting unneeded stress upon herself. Watching my mother work the way she has, nonstop, has arisen a strong sense of gratitude for all her efforts. Her unwavering commitment and dedication to her job is inspiring, especially considering the millions of individuals have been laid off or filed for unemployment. Overall, lately I am working on maintaining a positive and healthy mindset both physically and mentally.

Wednesday April 29:

Today I feel as though I finally have implemented a somewhat consistent daily routine for myself. Consisting of classes in the morning, working out in the afternoon, and regrouping before dinner, quarantine has become more manageable. Unfortunately, my friend Sydney called me today informing me that stay at home orders have been extended until the end of May. If I had heard this news a week ago I probably would’ve cried, but considering quarantine has become less uneasy on my mental and physical health, I feel less anxious than usual. In hearing this news the first thought I had was regarding how thankful I am that school is keeping me busy during this time; I have no idea what I am going to do once school ends and my time is endless. 

As finals approach, I feel a bit stressed considering my motivation since I’ve been at home has been harder to access. Since I am not allowed to leave my house to find alternate places to study, I am less productive and easily distracted by my family. I hope that I can really dial into the internal study habits I’ve developed over many years. 

Wednesday May 6th:

Today I feel stressed. With finals looming, I am frustrated with myself considering how deeply unmotivated I have been during this time; I guess the silver lining is I only have one more week of school left before it is summer. In typing the words summer, I feel confused; I have never had nothing to look forward to in my life. Summer is usually a time of freedom and exploration, yet this unprecedented time has given summer a new meaning. It is hard for me to find motivation, when summer is not even “real” summer. I miss the way life used to be.

Tuesday May 12th:

As this will be my final blog post during the COVID-19 pandemic, I feel a change in energy within me, an energy of extreme gratitude. As humans, we see life as this never-ending gift due to our deep repression of death in society; we believe we are immortal. This mindset causes individuals to take for granted all aspects of life, never allowing the space to take a step back and appreciate the moment for what it is, fleeting. The coronavirus has now given me the space to appreciate the gifts of life, embracing reflection and inner-growth. I am thankful for this experience as difficult as it has been to acclimate to it.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF HANNAH’S QUARANTINE

CONCLUSION

I hope that in your time visiting my website you have come away with a better understanding of the Coronavirus and its cross generational impacts. With the insight of Edward Goldstein, Marta Goldstein and myself, I hope you have come to the realization that you are far from alone during this unprecedented time. While the future of America is uncertain in many regards, only time will be able to answer our questions. Stay safe, and thank you for visiting my site!

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You can find my works cited below:

https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-updates-united-states.html

https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/03/americas-ageism-crisis-is-helping-the-coronavirus/608905/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasongoldberg/2020/03/29/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-us-brands-and-retailers/#78f3c2801452

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1