JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A UND student and Jamestown native was recently interviewed for her experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brianna Mayhair is a senior at UND in Grand Forks. As News Editor for the Dakota Student, she recently wrote an article on teaching during the pandemic.
“I like to write about things that students, staff, or guests would find interesting because it relates to them in some way,” Mayhair said. “I had many professors express their concerns/challenges with teaching remotely as well as the benefits. I interviewed Amy Kielmeyer, Graduate Teaching Assistant for one of my English courses here at UND on her thoughts.”
Mayhair says the article generated some positive emails and eventually caught the eye of Business Insider.
“Shortly after the article was published, I received some positive emails about my article. One email was from Business Insider stating they read my article and wanted to speak with me on my experiences as a college student and how I was going to be spending my Thanksgiving,” she added.
Launched in 2007, Business Insider is a financial and business website. The site operates 14 national editions and an international edition. Several national editions are published in their local languages.
Mayhair says it’s not often Business Insider emails someone for an interview, so she took the opportunity and is grateful for the experience.
When asked about her choice to spend Thanksgiving at the UND campus rather than return home, she said there were several reasons.
“I limit my travel as much as I can not just for myself, but for others,” Mayhair explained. “I only go out when needed, like grocery shopping. I always wear a mask and wash my hands throughout the day. The first thing I do when I get back to my apartment from going out is washing my hands. I make my own masks with the CDC guidelines in mind. If I have to wear a mask, I might as well have some fun and be creative.”
With all those steps in mind, Mayhair adds she will be coming home to Jamestown in a few weeks. This helped her decide it would be best to make one trip instead of two.
“I am very cautious when visiting others. I’ve been tested multiple times (all negative). I’ve been utilizing texting, calling, or Zoom. I have a family member who still has to go to work in-person, and another that goes to school. They are around people more than I am so I didn’t want to possibly get COVID or give them COVID. My winter break is much longer than my Thanksgiving break, so I am able to quarantine if needed.”
She says it also allowed her to catch up on homework.
Mayhair also added that in her four years of higher education, this has been one of the tougher ones.
“I think since I have been in college now for awhile I understand the expectations my professors have for assignments and such, so that has helped,” Mayhair stated. “I understand it can be more stressful for new students. They are learning so many new things and are perhaps away from home for the first time.”
She had some advice for any students who may be struggling during this time.
“It’s okay to tell someone you are lonely or just need to chat. We are all human. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends or family. I can understand that it may be difficult for some, so perhaps just write some things down. I’ve done that in the past when I felt overwhelmed, but this might not work for everyone.”
“Find an outlet in some way,” Mayhair added. “I recommend doing things that you enjoy. Try to get outside and get some exercise, even for a short walk. I walk to and from the campus library multiple times a week and listen to positive music or podcasts. I go for runs or workout in my apartment instead of going to the gym. Just moving around is a good idea. When I go to the library, I wear a mask and sit away from people. Even though I am not talking or sitting with anyone, just going somewhere else to study has really helped me focus more. I recommend staying busy, but also allowing time to relax. I work two jobs remotely (UND Writing Center and the Dakota Student). I am also a full-time student. In my free time, I like to do crafts that are productive like sewing masks or watch tv. Also, I watch church services online and that has helped me as well. I want to stress that everyone is different. We all experience things differently. These things may help me, but that doesn’t mean they will for others. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Call loved ones when possible.”
You can read Mayhair’s interview with Business Insider here.