Kyrsten Huynh
COVID-19 Experience:
Life is highly unpredictable during the COVID-19 pandemic since the definition of "normal" has shifted. Sentiments of anxiety and gratitude flooded my mind throughout the pandemic. I am grateful for the numerous opportunities I have had, such as travelling to different places without fear of contracting a deadly infection. Not to mention growing up with the countless amount of family gatherings reduced to zero family gatherings for the past year. Since turning eighteen, I've also been dealing with a lot of worries as I've learned how to pay bills, manage my credit, and apply for grants and loans (i.e. Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Canada Emergency Student Benefit, OSAP). As a result of making this collection, I've been able to reflect more effectively. Analyzing my genuine feelings over a year has been quite shocking as I learn how fragile my mental health has been. I chose to publish about my own experiences for future historians to comprehend COVID-19's effects. I can offer many unique experiences as a young adult who is of East-Asian descent. Life has been incredibly challenging for me as a young adult who recently from high school and completed her first year of university online in front of a laptop. Throughout the school year, I would have to manage to work at Costco with schoolwork while also fighting the sensation of being burned out. With new COVID-19 protocols, social distancing has become mandatory, resulting in many missed critical milestones and celebrations. Not to mention, there have been an increased amount of hate crimes towards East Asians constantly being blamed for the start of COVID-19.
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OBJECT DESCRIPTION AND RELATIONSHIP TO COVID-19: Due to the COVID-19, many families had to spend their Christmas holidays apart. Lockdown has made the most joyous time of the year so depressing, making it impossible to enjoy Christmas. Lockdown made it much more difficult to see family members who resided in distant countries. However, on December 21, 2020, my mother's family sent a box from Indonesia (Ng family). The gift from Indonesia contained a variety of food and clothing, but the most excited to find was a Christmas card at the bottom of the box. My great-grandmother enclosed a card enquiring about my academics and my next visit. This little card touched me to tears, and it made my entire holiday season brighter. Because my great-grandmother can not speak English well, this card was very heartwarming and full of affection. I admire her for making the effort to learn English just so that she could write to my family and pouring her heart and soul into her writings. As soon as the pandemic is under control, I'll begin planning my next vacation. |
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PRIMARY SOURCE DESCRIPTION: This image is from one of the most significant entries from my COVID-19 journal, expressing my personal feeling as a young adult towards quarantine, the losses of crucial teenage milestones, and the sudden addition of many new responsibilities. There is a brief paragraph expressing the immense injustices of racism towards the East-Asian community. As an eighteen-year-old, I believe it is essential to share my experiences to provide moral support to other fellows, young adults who have lost similar milestones while raising awareness and advocating against racism. I urge young adults and adolescents to learn how to record memories or experiences that they believe will be useful to historians or experiences to save for the future. Starting a journal is also a fantastic method to introduce teenagers to the concept of archiving, serving as a creative outlet. |
Personal COVID-19 Journal Entry |
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PERSONAL REACTION TO THIS HEADLINE: This article discusses why Kim's Convenience a, popular Canadian comedy that followed a Korean immigrant family as they built a life in the big city of Toronto, was abruptly cancelled. Although Asian representation in the media and Hollywood is limited, Kim's Convenience had a wide cast of fascinating individuals that overcame stereotypes about Asians. Asians are no longer obliged to play roles, breaking through the stereotype of the "intelligent scholars." Interracial relationships were also portrayed in healthy manners, not by fetishizing cultures or using interracial relationships as an aesthetic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of prejudice have risen drastically, leaving many Asian communities dehumanized and blamed for the "Wuhan virus" or "Kung flu." There is a lack of awareness towards the social injustice towards Asian Canadian communities worsening as the pandemic spans. I loved this show, and it helped me love being of Asian descent. Growing up, the only Asian representation in media was "Ni Hao Kai-Lan," which was upsetting because it is still ridiculed now. Kim's Convenience depicted genuine family dynamics that were not stereotyped. While debunking the misconception that Asians had to work in STEM fields. Janice chose to study photography at OCAD, whereas Jung did not complete high school but still found success in the automobile industry. I am unbelievably angry this fantastic television series is coming to an end since this show depicts Canadian-born Korean's as the main cast. This is especially important in today's society, where anti-Asian sentiment is at an all-time high. Asians need to be included in Western media more frequently; shattering the taboo is the only way to improve matters. |
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The main title has the name of the virus in a bold yellow colour, "Coronavirus." Under the title, there is a small text box displaying information about COVID-19 and the devastating long-term effects of the respiratory destroying virus. Permanent lung damage can be caused by the mildest form of the COVID-19 virus, meaning the Government of Canada is partnering up with many research doctors from the Canadian Sports Institution to deliver this valuable information. In the bottom left-hand corner of the poster, aids present visual aids on the prevention of the virus. There are many simple representations of the symbols in neutral colours to avoid confusing the audience and to make it simple to understand for people of all ages. This information is significantly implied by a large picture of a guy showing numerous COVID-19 symptoms such as coughing, fever, and tiredness. There's also a legend describing the colour-coded list of symptoms from common to unusual in the top right corner. The teal green colour represents common, and the yellow represents uncommon symptoms of COVID-19. The Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre felt compelled to warn the public, creating this visual to help people keep informed and safe. |
COVID Q&A
Describe the moment you realized how serious COVID-19 was:
When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, the number of cases worldwide skyrocketed. As essential goods such as toilet paper, paper towels, and canned food began to sell out, paranoia swiftly spread around the world. I currently work at Costco as a merchandise stocker, which means I am responsible for stocking the shelves and restocking any popular items. However, after the announcement from the World Health Organization, Costco was instantly flooded with anxious shoppers buying carts filled with groceries. Customers would purchase carts containing just bottled water and packets of toilet paper, requiring Costco to impose a rule that only one package of toilet paper could be purchased per membership card. It was complete chaos, with fighting between partons over who would get the toilet paper package. All social distancing and COVID-19 protocols were broken, as desperation and fear-filled everyone's minds. Each shift left me mentally and physically exhausted since I knew the pandemic had worsened to the point that misinformation was widespread and critical supplies were hard to come by.
What did you learn about yourself or the people you live with during COVID-19?
I learned many new things about myself as well as my family during the isolating lockdown. Notably, the first important fact I have learned is although I am introverted, social stimulation is crucial to remain emotionally stable. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I would often come home from high school or worked mentally and physically drained, as social environments drain my battery quickly. However, the lockdown has shown me a balance of social interactions and time alone is critical for living a healthy balanced life. Spending every day in isolation is very unhealthy to the point, on the verge of going insane. I shocked myself by actively reaching out to a variety of strangers who also attend the University of Guelph on social media and developing new friendships. I have become more self-aware about how my actions may influence those around me. I have shown tremendous self-growth throughout the pandemic. During my year in quarantine, I grew closer to my family and learnt about their distinct habits. My dad, for example, never closes the cabinets entirely, and my youngest sister never turns off the lights when she leaves the room, which can be rather irritating.
Other than wearing a mask, what was the biggest change you made to your daily life? Do you think this change will remain when all lockdowns are lifted?
The most significant impact in my life directly affected by COVID-19 is the lack of structure to my day and the extra safety precautions needed before leaving my home for something super insignificant like going for a short walk. For example, especially while attending in-person classes, I would have a fixed wake-up time in the morning to be ready for class. During remote learning, I no longer need to prepare for class because all I have to do is log in for attendance and sit in front of the computer to take notes. As a result of the difficulties in finding the motivation to commence schoolwork, my study habits have deteriorated. I have always been self-disciplined and good at sticking to a schedule, but I also tend to push myself and have high expectations for my academic success. Meaning I suffer from having low self-esteem, which leads to feelings of burnout. COVID-19 has also imposed additional safety precautions on our life; even while taking short walks around my neighbourhood with my pet, I wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer. I have high aspirations that after the pandemic is over, hybrid classes will help me correct all of my poor habits and re-establish my work ethic. I will once again be able to have a healthy balanced routine. As well as the extra safety precautions would lessen astronomically and only apply when I am feeling unwell.
Have you learned any new skills during the pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided me with several opportunities to acquire new talents and improve my abilities in existing ones. In April 2021, I decided to learn to play golf after purchasing a set of used golf clubs on Facebook's marketplace. My father, who is a golfer, has offered to teach me how to play the sport. It is an intense sport that demands a wide range of technical abilities and capabilities. For example, the ability to change your power level while striking the ball to hit the golf ball on the green, or to use the right club to obtain the best results, requires a great deal of knowledge and spatial awareness. I have been steadily improving and have come to like the sport; the saying "practice makes perfect" is accurate. Hopefully, one day, I'll be moderately good enough to avoid embarrassment on the golf course.
How do you feel about university education in the last year?
The transition from high school to university is arduous. However, the adjustment from online learning in high school to online post-secondary education has become much more challenging. At the beginning of September 2020, I decided to pursue a specialization in biomedical toxicology, and however, inorganic chemistry proved to be incredibly difficult. I am a visual learner, and application problems like inorganic chemistry require me to see the complete solution process to comprehend the content. Directly telling me how to fix an issue does not help me understand it. From my experience, I cannot educate myself on something I do not understand. My mental health was affected by the irritation I felt due to my lack of comprehension, making me feel dumb and useless. Proving harmful to my capabilities and does not help my mental wellness. After months of struggle, I decided to change majors and concentrate on organic chemistry and biology. In the molecular biology and genetics major, I have discovered a new home!
List one positive thing and one negative thing you'll take away from 2020:
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has affected my life positively and negatively, but fortunately, I choose to see the positives over the negatives. A huge positive is that I have had time to personally reflected on my decisions and my impacts on my community. Since the beginning of 2020, I have matured a lot and learnt to be more patient and tolerant of irritating behaviours. Rather than fixating on my past faults, I now want to focus less on previous experiences and instead look ahead for self-improvement. Although there is much to be optimistic about, my lifestyle has flipped upside down in 2020. I missed all of the crucial adolescent milestones that I had hoped to achieve since I was a child. I could not have a prom or high school graduation because of the 2020 pandemic. It deeply saddens me I cannot ever experience these moments again as time continues to move forward. I wish I could have experienced a "normal" prom and graduation. However, life has different plans for me, as I must continue to push forward ignoring, the bittersweet sentiment.
What is the best movie or TV show you've watched, or the best book you've read, in the past 18 months?
Over the past eighteen months, I have read about three books, "The Song of Achilles," "Crazy Rich Asians," and "Anne of Green Gables." Madeline Miller is a brilliant author who captures the essence of a tragic romance, as well as a historical connection to history in her book "The Song of Achilles," which is my favourite of the three. Ever since I was a young child, I have been obsessed with Greek mythology, and the elements of symbolism to portray storytelling is fascinating. Using storytelling as mythology as a form of rationalization was very creative. Miller provides a deeper grasp of Patroclus and Achilles to the reader at the start of the novel. She describes their connection and partnership as they fell in love, experienced heartbreak, valued duty over their personal needs, and their tragic life as heroes. "The Song of Achilles" occurs during the Trojan war tying into Professor Walsh's lecture about the plagues caused by Apollo during the war. I highly recommend this beautifully written book by Madeline Miller.
How large of an impact do you think COVID-19 has had on your mental health?
COVID-19 has harshly impacted my mental health as a young adult and a struggling university student. For a year, my mind has been very fragile, being damaged easily. Balancing work and university course loads is very strenuous on my body and my mental well-being. I am trying my best to time-manage effectively, but I am struggling. As a young adult, I have to pay my expenses while dealing with student loans and worrying about paying my rent. I am almost nineteen, yet this has added a great deal of pressure and stress to an already impossible journey into maturity. Chemistry is another source of stress in my life; I was failing to grasp the ideas of inorganic chemistry, and the pressure to teach myself something I did not understand made me feel useless and like I should give up. The aggravation I felt, as a result, of my lack of comprehension, hurt my mental health, and it was detrimental to my self-esteem. However, I am currently focusing on healing my mental health by reaching out to loved ones and resting and doing things that I enjoy.
How has technology impacted your life during lockdown?
Our generation would be doomed without technological breakthroughs, as technology is both a source of amusement and a tool for our education. As the internet preserves historical data and technology is continuously evolving, technology is the future of the world. During a lockdown, I de-stress by viewing movies and television shows on my computer. I also enjoy playing video games, which are made more accessible by my desktop PCs. Students would not be the only ones adjusting to the online environment under lockdown, but instructors, professors, and companies would have to do so. We are all fortunate in that technology can make our lives simpler, without too much hassle.
How has the pandemic brought wider acknowledgement to systemic racism in Canada?
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the surfacing issues of systemic racism in our society. The pandemic has struck many vulnerable groups, particularly populations that are not of Caucasian descent. I am of East Asian heritage, and there are many East Asian communities suffering due to systematic racism. As an eighteen-year-old, I believe in aiding those who are victims of racism. The media and Hollywood lack the presence of diverse Asian casts and teams, but instead, Asians are frequently characterized as "intellectual scholars," which is discriminatory. Not to mention any interracial relationships are heavily fetishized rather than shown in a healthy light. It is incorrect to use cultures or interracial relationships as an aesthetic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of prejudice have risen drastically, leaving many Asian communities dehumanized and blamed for the "Wuhan virus" or "Kung flu." There is a lack of awareness towards the social injustice towards Asian Canadian communities worsening as the pandemic spans. As a society, we must work together to educate ourselves and acknowledge the injustices upon these communities.
In what ways do you envision society changing due to the pandemic?
After a pandemic, society will be permanently modified, both for the better and for the worst. Most businesses and educational institutions will be better prepared to deal with any unanticipated issues, which means that instead of taking a day off on sick days or snow days, work will be assigned from home. Some traditional office jobs will provide a remote alternative for those who still want to work from home. Another difference would be an increase in vaccination certainty; while there will always be anti-vaccine activists, the bulk of people would have trust in vaccine research. After the pandemic, communities' carelessness, such as dangerous behaviours "because they survived the pandemic," will have a tremendous detrimental influence.
Now that you are done with both the course and your additions to the archive, is there anything you'd like to reflect on?
The internet has permanently altered archives. I feel that future generations should be taught how to document their experiences. It was both a thought-provoking and pleasurable experience. I decided to share my own experiences for future historians to have a deeper understanding of COVID-19's effects. As a young adult of East Asian origin, I can provide many unique stories. As a young adult who recently graduated from high school and completed her first year of university online in front of a laptop, life has been quite difficult for me.
Gallery
Other archival items connected to my experience of COVID-19. Click on any image to enlarge and click the link to lead to archive posts!
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Bloodshed by Emma Huynh |
Good Health and All the Best |
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