The Corona Chronicle by Johanna Tamoka
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Johanna Tamoka
Corona Chronicles Entry 1
April 7, 2020
Every single day, for the past 20 or so days of staying home I told myself I would journal. I never got around to doing it until now. For the sake of remembering everything I have done up until today, I will be going down the memory lane of social distancing thus far.
The period of social distancing began like a mini-staycation, I was glad that CUNY schools finally closed and that COVID-19 was being taken more seriously. When it was announced that school would be shut down for the rest of the semester is when the worry set in.
Fast-forward to the start of on-line classes. At first it was difficult to find motivation to do my work. I had become partially accustomed to my life-style of watching netflix, and snacking at all hours of the day. Now that I’m getting used to that online student life, I appreciate having more time to study.
I find it ironic that while many of us are forced to spend time with our families, others are sadly having their families taken away from this virus. I can’t say that my parents and sister haven’t been driving me a little crazy but we have had some fun family activities to make for it. One of them was a movie night, and another one was a mini-disco party. For the disco party my mom ordered lights on amazon and my dad made fruit punch. We made posters for both events. I am definitely missing friends and interactions with others. Facetime is really helpful these days, I had a group call where my friends made ice-coffee at the same time.
Definitely worried about my aunt Sade, she is a geriatric doctor in the UK and it is so unfortunate that despite over a dozen deaths in the hospital she works at, neither she nor her colleagues are allowed to wear protective gear. I am really grateful for everyone risking their lives during these times.
Till the next entry,
Johanna
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Johanna Tamoka
Corona Chronicles Entry 2
April 15, 2020
Chem Exam coming up today, this is the most I’ve ever studied for a chem exam but I’m still nervous, I hope I studied enough. There’s extra pressure to do well because I did NOT do well on the first exam. I really hope that I can be focused enough and remember the material well enough to get a 90 or above, especially since the next exam is notorious for being difficult.
I am losing track of the days a little because I no longer remember when to change my Invisalign aligners. Before this health crisis, I somehow always managed to remember without setting a reminder. I wonder if the orthodontists will mail me my remaining retainers, or if my teeth will have to wait until this is all over.
Mom’s birthday is coming up, which is something to look forward to. Procrastinating shopping for her birthday present is no longer an option because things take longer to deliver nowadays. Since she’ll probably want to decorate part of the house for the celebration, we should probably order some balloons or streamers.
We recently ordered some Neutrogena skin-care products from Amazon, but when they arrived in the mail, the packaging was looking a little busted. My mom and I were suspicious and looked through all the reviews to see if our suspicions about this product being fraudulent would be confirmed. While there were overwhelmingly good reviews, a few people mentioned the packaging that looked a little different. There was a little bit of a debate about whether or not to keep the products since Dad and Amanda hinted that we might be acting paranoid. So we risked it, and the Hydro-Boost facial moisturizer has been working pretty well. Although I don’t think I’ll order it online in the future.
One of my friends and I had scheduled a Zoom movie night and were going to watch Parasite together, but somehow both ended up not being in the mood to watch it. It’s funny how even though we’re strictly at home you can still not be in the mood to do certain things. I’ve been toying with the idea of writing letters to my friends. We have stamps at home, and I think it would be nice to try out a different form of communication. The reason I’ve been hesitating is that I would ideally want it to be a surprise, but I have to ask them for their addresses.
The entire family has been cooking more which makes me really happy because I get to eat well. The last thing we made are Nigerian meat-pies. Rolling and cutting the pastry took a long time but it was worth it. The filling was well seasoned, which made it that much better. I feel like if the filling in any pie or pastry is lacking, then it throws off the entire thing.
My mom told that us that our one of aunts in Nigeria, told her that some people have started looting grocery stores because they cannot afford foodstuff, during this period of social distancing. Not having basic needs at a time like this must be extremely difficult.
Till the next entry,
Johanna
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Johanna Tamoka
Corona Chronicles Entry 3
April 21, 2020
After reading Kim Todd’s essay, “Curiosity”, I learned that the cabinets of curiosities of the 17th and 18th centuries contained more than the technological and ornate pieces showcased at the MET Museum’s “Making Marvels” exhibit. Animals and living things were also of interest to these aristocrats, just as the Surinam toad piqued the interest of Dutch colonizers in Suriname. A connection between Todd’s essay and the MET’s “Making Marvels” exhibition with regards to the extents to which people go to satisfy their curiosity, is that the objects of what she calls “ocular lust” are usually physically transformed into objects and stripped of practical use. When examining the cabinets of curiosities it becomes evident that placing the subject of one’s curiosity in a position where it can be admired, inspected, and showcased is common. In the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Making Marvels” exhibit, the watches and clocks placed in glass display cases resemble the Surinam toad placed in a jar at the National Zoological Collection of Suriname. These objects are no longer mobile and now exist in a space where they can be observed by humans indefinitely.
Other than capturing or enclosing an object of one’s curiosity, another length people go through to satisfy their curiosity includes physically traveling far and potentially putting oneself in harm’s way. The aristocrats and explorers in the 17th century traveled far to find the creatures and items they would use to impress their peers and appease their personal curiosity. From Todd’s essay, we see that excitement behind her own trip to Suriname that “lit her fire” despite leaving her 10-month-old twins at home, is another example of undertaking a long trip to satisfy one’s curiosity.
A time I “chased an epistemic question that dilated my pupils” was around this time last year when I was really interested in the criminal case of John Meehan and his terrible con and abuse against Debra Newell and her family. At the time, I learned that the podcast I just started listening to “Dirty John”, was soon becoming a TV show that was soon going to be aired on television. I was so intrigued that I watched the show and listened to the podcast at the same time. Soon after that I did my own personal research and watched the Dateline episode about “Dirty John”. I think what interested me the most about the story is the psychology behind John and his manipulative and violent tendencies that led him to impersonate an anesthesiologist, con Debra out of her hard-earned money, and attempt to murder her daughter. As dark as the atrocities John committed towards the Newell family are, I am glad that Debra’s daughter was able to fight him off, which resulted in injuries that led to his death. I am not sure why True Crime is a genre that sparks so much curiosity, but it is definitely an interest that is “attraction snarled up in fear.”
The only animals besides humans that can get a “sunburn” are pigs and maybe whales.
Recently Origami has been the object of my curiosity, here is a fortune teller I made.
Till the next Entry,
Johanna Tamoka
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Johanna Tamoka
Corona Chronicles Entry 3
April 28, 2020
Sunset from my living room window Candid of me taking a sunset picture
Looking inward during this quarantine has not been as easy as I thought it would be. In the early days of my staying home, I had ambitious plans to journal every night and take the time to meditate every morning. I have not yet summoned the courage to do either of these things consistently, but I am still trying. It turns out that distracting myself with Netflix shows, reading “Girl on the Train” and snacking is something I do effortlessly. Regardless, I have still been able to do a decent amount of personal reflection which has primarily thought me to be grateful for the situation I am in. Since it has been over a month of practicing social distancing, my restlessness has worn off and I realize that things could be so much worse for me because right now so many people are struggling. While I have been able to try new recipes, others are struggling to afford food. While I get to decide whether or not to take a walk outside, others are forced to get on subways where social distancing guidelines cannot be put into place. My family is now with me every day, and every day someone in this city loses a family member. I see now that there is a privilege in being quarantined comfortably in my house. I am especially grateful for the essential workers who must leave the comforts of their homes to help us all. “Sheltering in place” is something I didn’t know I could be so grateful for, and now that I realize how good I’ve got it, it’s time to think of the good that I can do with it.
No matter how much listening, reading, or discussing of the news that is done, there is still so much that is unknown about COVID-19. The value of knowledge and being informed is something that I am developing a new appreciation for because no one enjoys being left in the dark. I have learned that the U.S science community has been working tirelessly to do research on COVID-19 and find a solution. But finding these solutions will take longer than a month or so. Watching the White House COVID-19 task force with their nightly briefings and constant updates reassures me that many scientist and researchers are doing their due diligence to keep the public informed. Hearing Governor Cuomo give the latest statistics on how New York City is coping, impresses me because I know that so many people are working to gather this information and make it accessible. That being said, there is still some scientific research that confuses me, such as antibody testing. While antibody tests are available to the public whether or not they are reliable is still uncertain to the scientific community. For these uncertainties such as antibody testing, and the future release of a vaccine, I am learning that I will need to be patient and let the scientists do their work.
Till the Next Entry,
Johanna Tamoka
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Johanna Tamoka
Corona Chronicles- Entry 5
5/7/2020
Returning to the classroom at the beginning of the next semester is something I doubt will be possible. My opinion on this is based on the fact that I attended a zoom meeting that the Sophie Davis Administration held for the U1 (freshman) class, to check in on us. One of the deans said that social distancing guidelines would be difficult to implement in lecture halls, once we return to school. This is why it would be safer to begin Fall 2020 with online courses. It would also be difficult for teachers and students that commute by subway since social distancing is not easy on public transportation. Nevertheless, I really hope that as soon as it is safe to go out again, we all return to in-person schooling.
Since I usually hugged all my friends last semester, I fear that it will no longer be appropriate when in-person classes return. I also think that everyone who was not a germophobe before the pandemic will be more likely to become one. More people will also be reluctant to have close contact with each other. Certain social distancing guidelines might continue to be in effect such as decreasing the number of students per class and making them sit 6 feet apart. There might still be a requirement to wear face masks by students and/or professors and faculty.
Something I miss about physically being in school is that being distracted in class was frowned upon. In online classes, it is so easy to be distracted and attempt to multitask since no one is watching me. I miss the feeling of walking up the hills to campus because as I look back on it, it was a good form of exercise. I obviously really miss seeing all my friends but also miss talking to the people that are not necessarily close to me, but who I can say hi to and have some friendly banter with.
When online school returns I hope that I can implement some of the time management skills that I have had to acquire during quarantine.
If I were to create an outdoor mural to be placed outside the Marshak building, named after the Pulitzer-winning science researcher who attended City College for one semester, these are some of the words I would write
:
Till the next,
Entry Johanna Tamoka
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Johanna Tamoka
Corona Chronicles- Entry 6
5/13/2020
I wonder how and why it is that the diaries of past historical figures such as Anne Frank, are somehow discovered. It’s funny to think that if their diaries hadn’t been found they may not have become historical figures. I write this final entry hoping that someone in the future will read it and learn from it. If not I’ll try to remember to show it to my future kids.
The COVID 19 pandemic is one of those extraordinary circumstances where most of the world is facing the same struggles, nation’s medical capabilities are being tested, economies are crashing, and most importantly people are suffering. During this time of social distancing, I have been at home with my family since the middle to end of March 2020. Online classes are the current mode of education, also I have a chemistry exam today.
Here are a couple of my tips for pandemic, just in case there happens to be another one in the future.
Safety
Ensuring the health and safety of oneself and their loved ones is one of the most important things during a time like this. This is why following stay-at-home orders, practicing social distancing, and wearing masks /face-coverings are very important. Here are some home-made masks.
The one made of the African fabric is made by my dad- he made our family matching ones. The grey one is from my best friend’s family. Here mom is a seamstress and they have been sewing masks for people that are still working at this time. She was so kind to send us a couple of masks.
Entertainment
Like many others, I have been watching a lot of Netflix since I have been home all the time. I always enjoyed Netflix but now I have the time to binge-watch properly. Even my parents are getting into binge-watching, which is nice to see because they usually prefer watching movies. Personally I’m more of a tv show person. Here are some tv shows that I have watched and would recommend. (I have watched many more.)
Diet
Now that many of us are home more often there is now an opportunity to try new recipes. That’s what my family and I have been doing. New things I cooked that I had never made before are Shepherd’s/ Cottage pie, Tuna Casserole, apple pie, a cookie cake and more. My sister has been perfecting her fried rice recipe 🙂 I have also been snacking more unfortunately, since it is so easy to walk to the kitchen. Popcorn specifically “Boom Chika Pop” kettle corn- the salty and sweet flavor. I also snack on tangerines and sometimes apple slices or strawberries dipped in chocolate.
Exercise
It is so easy to be sedentary and since the streets in my neighborhood are not completely empty, I am hesitant to go on walks outside. While I only exercised consecutively for a week, when I did it it was a fun and rewarding experience. It just takes a lot of energy. I used the Workout for Women’s app, and tended to do short high intensity workouts which burn more calories than other exercises.
School
Online school has required me to use a calendar and to be more organized with my time. I would recommend communicating with classmates. It is important to know that I can still ask for help even without seeing my classmates.
Family and Friends
Facetiming and texting are important to maintaining relationships with loved ones that are not home with you. When it comes to whoever you are staying at home with, it is also important to communicate effectively to minimize misunderstandings.
Thanks for reading- future reader
Johanna
