Julia Renkly Interview, November 25, 2020

Hi, my name is Emily Lefeber and today I'm conducting an oral history interview with Julia Renkly. This interview is for my oral history project for my oral history class at American University in Fall 2020 with Dr. Anna Kaplan. We'll be discussing Julia's experiences as a high school senior during the COVID-19 pandemic. The date today is November 25, 2020. And we are conducting this interview at my house.

Julia, do I have your permission to record this interview?

Yes

Awesome! Perfect!

So first, I want to thank you for talking with me. Today we'll start out with some pretty basic questions about your background. Can you tell me your full name?

My name is Julia Renkly.

Julia Renkly. And what is your gender identity?

I identify as female.

Perfect. When and where were you born?

I was born in Harlan, Iowa at the Myrtue Medical Center.

And how would you describe Harlan as he grew up?

Um, I would describe Harlan as a very small town.

Yeah. Um, so if you were taking me on a tour, what would we see?

Um, a lot of corn, a lot of fields. A cute little downtown area, but that's pretty much it.

Yeah. Um, what would you describe as the downtown area?

Um, like the square where there's all the shops, the courthouse, that kind of thing?

Yeah. Um, growing up who was a part of your household?

Um, my household consisted of my mom, my dad, my sister and my brother and two cats and a dog.

Nice. Can you tell me a little bit about your parents?

Um, my parents are Mary and Doug Renkly. They're both teachers that work at the Harlan [Community] Schools.

What do they teach?

My dad teaches art and my mother is currently talented and gifted coordinator.

Awesome. And what are their backgrounds?

Um, my mom grew up in Nebraska. And she graduated from the University of South Dakota. My dad grew up in South Dakota, and then he graduated from USDA as well, which is where they met.

Nice. Can you tell me a little bit about your siblings?

Um, my oldest sister Cameron. She's currently living in Utah. She's working as a graphic design artist for a company called Stampin' Up. My brother [Ben] is still in college at University of Iowa. And he will become a math major.

Nice. Um, what-- What would you say it was like growing up with your siblings?

Um, competitive.

Competitive? How so?.

So um, definitely being the youngest, I have to fight for everything that you need or want. Including like, food, clothes, anything-- Um, yeah.

Yeah. How would you describe yourself as a child?

Um, I like to think that I was an independent kid. And definitely bmere responsible than my older siblings.

How would you say --What-- What made you more responsible?

Um, just kind of learning how to take care of myself and, you know, cook basic food to feed myself and my siblings weren't able to.

Yeah. What were you-- What were you interested in as a child?

Um, growing up, I always really liked video games just consisted of everything Mario, um, and art, which, my dad kind of taught me about.

Yeah. Um, what were your favorite things to do?

Um, I really like to play outside with my friend, Abby, and I don't know just kind of being around in like trees and nature and playing pretend with dolls and that kind of thing.

Yeah. Um, do you have any stories of playing outside with your friends?

Um, I have a lot. I think the one that kind of jumps out at me is one time we were playing outside by the big tree that's outside of my house. And we just threw Barbie dolls up into the tree.

Sounds like fun. Um, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Um, it's definitely changed a lot. I think as a kid, I wanted to be a chef, and to have my own restaurant and stuff. And that's kind of moved more into, like scientific illustration. And so, yeah--

What interested you about owning your own restaurant when you were young?

I don't know. It just sounded fun. And just being able to cook different things and share the experience with other people and that kind of thing, you know?

What were your favorite things to cook?

Um, I really like making homemade chicken nuggets- yeah- spaghetti, pizza-- all the classics.

Did anyone inspire you to be a chef when you were younger?

Um, definitely my dad, because he's someone who cooks for the family. Um, and I think he always compared me to Julia Child. And we always do like the really high like silly boys of Julia Child. So I think that was definitely an inspiration for me. Yeah.

Um, what do you remember most about your childhood? What? Like, if we think back what sticks --

Um-- [long pause] Can we skip this one?

Yeah, we can skip this one. Um, so as we move into your teenage years, without the pandemic-- pre pandemic-- what activities were you active in?

Um, I did a lot of band, music-related things, art-related things like art in the park, community, kind of, awareness stuff. So like, every single year, I go out on the highways and pick up trash-- that kind of thing. I would sometimes go to like book clubs, at the library and just kind of stuff like that.

Yeah, what interested you about these activities?

Um, I don't know, just kind of helping the community know, kind of, like open their eyes, I guess you could say, like, just kind of be like, "Hey, be open minded and nice to people."

What sorts of causes are wanting them to be open minded about?

Um definitely LGBT and just keeping an open mind about people that they don't know about. Like, they don't know what LGBT people have been through, or immigrants or just a lot of different types of people who are all valid?

Mm hmm. What has the-- Have you received any responses?

Um, not really, mainly because the people who read or look at my work, usually are people who think alike as me. So it's not really reaching out to people who would say like, oppose it.

Yeah. So who would be a like minded person that you would, that would come across your work?

Um, people a part of like, the book club, or the writing classes. I'm also like, friends that I would see on a day to day basis and they would comment on work that I've done. Yeah, give feedback.

Can you tell me a little bit about your book club?

Yeah, um, it was a school organization. I'm not sure it's around anymore. But we would read this list of books and then talk about them at like coffee shop, and, and just kind of hang out while we drink coffee and talk about about movies.

What kind of books did you read?

Um, I think they were the Iowa Teen Choice books.

Did you have a favorite?

Um, I really liked Six of Crows. That was a pretty good book.

What's that about?

Kind of about like these criminals who have to like break into a giant prison.And-- I'm trying to remember; it was like a good couple of years ago.

That's fine.

Yeah. And they like infiltrated like this big party to like, get more information and like, wore disguises. And it was all fantasy too. So like, there was like a bird person. That kinda thing.

Are you into fantasy fiction?

Yeah, and sci fi and basically all fiction.

What do you like about fiction?

Um, I don't know, it just kind of gives you a bit of a curious mind, I think, you know.

Um, so you mentioned that you're active in band. Can you tell me a little bit about that?

Yeah.Um, so in band I'm usually a student leader. So I'm either in charge of a section of instruments, or I've been charged with a certain aspect of the band, like uniforms, music, that kind of thing. And just being a part of keeping everything together.

Yeah. What do you play?

I play the [baritone] sax, percussion and piano.

Sounds busy! Are you in the jazz band?

I am. Yeah.

Do you like jazz band?

Yeah. It can get stressful.

Yeah. Um, but do you-- How would you describe your experience in jazz band?

Um, I'd say it's definitely been like a community, like family of music. And it's just kind of bonded us together.

What do you define community as?

Um, I think of community as a group of people who, although they have their differences are relatively together. And united? Yeah.

It's a good way to think about it. How did you become involved in band?

Um, I've been in band since fifth grade when I was first offered to me. What was the first instrument that you picked up? I was obsessed with the alto saxophone?

What inspired you to pick up the saxophone?

I really don't know. It was just kind of this, like, urge, just like: "I have to play." So. I don't know why.

I mean, they're pretty cool.

Um-- and how did you come to play bari sax in the band?

Um, I think it was because of jazz band. And they needed a bari sax. And I was like, I want to learn bari sax. Oh, sounds cool. And so they gave me a very sacks and put me on a bus to jazz camp. And that's where I learned.

Um, so if you think of the band in general, what is your impression of it?

Um, I think that the band is like a family.

A family?

Yeah.

How would you define a family in this instance?

Um, well, kind of, like community, you know, just, like, we all have our own thoughts and lives and differences. But at the end of the day, we're all part of something. And we all come together to create something.

Yeah. What is your favorite part of being in band?

Um, I think definitely the connection that it brings, like someone you would never really normally talk to, like, underclassmen, or upperclassmen, even, that you want to talk to, but that are now your best friends because you're with them.

Yeah. Um, and then outside of school sort of activities. Do you have any hobbies?

Um, yeah, I really like to knit, to crochet, embroider, video games, drawing, um, pretty much anything that gives me a creative outlet. Would you call yourself a creative person? I think so. Yeah.

Yeah. Um, have you worked on any projects lately? That you're especially proud of or like to share.

Um, I am working on a commission piece for this guy who wants every single American baseball team on a board, and then he's gonna hang him up in his mancave for baseball, so I think that's pretty cool.

Yeah, that's a big project.

It's a really big project.

How long have you been taking commissions?

Um, really since always, just normally people don't really ask me. They asked my dad, and then my dad doesn't want to do it. So he passes on to me.

Yeah, yeah. Um, what's your favorite part of doing commissions?

Um, I think definitely, when I'm done and seeing their reaction to what I've made. Usually positive, which is always good. But it just kind of gives you that resolution like, okay, I did it. I'm done. And they're happy with it.

Yeah. Are there any struggles that you find with doing commission work?

Um, I think keeping what the what your customer has in mind, keeping that at heart and wanting to please what you're working for? so that they'll like the outcome?

Mm hmm. That makes sense. Yeah. So like, balancing what you want to do with what they want it to be?

Yeah. Yeah.

How does-- Do you think that taking commissions has helped you grow as an artist?

I definitely think so. Because it's taking things that I wouldn't normally do, like, painting a bunch of baseball logos. And so I think it's definitely helped develop some skills I didn't know I would need.

Yeah. What's your favorite medium?

I'll always be a sucker for pencil and paper.

That's fair.

Yeah. Um, so you mentioned video games. What's your favorite game?

Oh, I'd say it's between Elder Scrolls, Skyrim, and Tomb Raider.

What is it about these games that you like?

Oh, um, I think it's just the whole open world aspect of them. It's just like, you can do whatever you want in this world.

Really cool. Um, does your family travel ever?

Yeah, um, well, before pandemic, every other summer, we would try to get to the west coast, like Washington, Oregon. One time, California. But yeah, we've always tried to be pretty frequent on traveling. Yeah.

Um, what is it about the West Coast that your family likes?

Um, well, that's where my parents worked for a while. They worked in Washington in Forks. Um, and, I don't know, I just think it's kind of always been a little piece of home for all of us. And just like, the one with the ocean and, and just being surrounded by those thick trees and the mountains and I don't know, it's just a really nice feeling.

Sounds beautiful. Do you have like, a favorite vacation memory?

Um, yeah, we were in California in Crescent City. We had like this beautiful house that we rented. And our backyard was the ocean. And so, uh, we went-- I went rock climbing. Not like, professional rock climbing, but just kind of like walking over big rocks right on the ocean, and there was a humpback whale. And it went right past the rock I was on and splashed me. That's so cool.

That's really cool. If you could go anywhere, after the pandemic, of course, where would you go?

Um, I think it's between, I think, between Greece and Italy.

Why Greece and Italy?

Greece just because I'm obsessed with Greek mythology and just want to know, like, where it kind of came to be. and Italy, just to see like all the Roman statues and All like, the Renaissance paintings and everything like that. It'd be really cool.

Yeah. Um, do you have a job?

I do I currently work at Hy Vee as a cashier.

How long have you worked there?

Um, couple of weeks.

Okay, so fairly new. Um, do you like it there?

Um, the people are pretty nice. Um, the work is pretty laborious, if that's a word. It's pretty hard work.

Um, do you have any friends there?

Yeah, um, I have a couple friends from school-- Hannah, Brett. Um, and some old friends too, that have graduated and who I thought didn't live in Harlan anymore. So that's fun.

Yeah, um, how did how did you pick Hy Vee?

Um, one of my friends appled there. And I was like, "You know what? I should get a job." So then I applied!

Yes, yeah. Um, let's see, how would you describe your friend group then?

Um, I think I'd describe my friend group as hardworking, intelligent, and just-- just kind of together, even if we disagree on something.

What do you guys all like to do together?

Um, a lot of times we'll play like board games, or just talk, maybe get some food. Really just hang out.

Yeah. Um, where would you guys go if you were just going to hang out?

Probably to one of our houses. Yeah. Except during COVID times, Normally we'd be outside or on the deck or somewhere where it's not so close together.

Yeah. Um, do you have any favorite stories of hanging out with your friends?

One time, we were hanging out outside. And my friend's dog was just sleeping on the floor. Friend turned to the girl beside me and was like, Oh my gosh, you're gorgeous. You're so pretty. And the girl was saying these are like, blushing like coffee letters? Well, the person who's complimenting her, it was just like, not you get out of the way it was talking to the dog.

That's pretty good. Yeah. Um, so he said, your friends were all hard working? Would you? How would you describe that?

Um, I describe it as you know, always getting the work done. [laughs] always like for jazz always practicing, always being on top of what they need to, um, being in, like, advanced classes, and I'm just being overall, above average.

Yeah. Are you-- would you categorize yourself in the same way?

I like to think so. Yeah

Yeah? That's good. Um, are you close with your friends?

Yeah.

Yeah? How do you stay close with your friends?

Um, you know, just sharing kind of personal details and stories and, like, "this is the way that I am" and just those kind of things that really bond people together. Um, like, if someone said, I'll, they'll call me and then we'll just talk and that kind of thing.

Yeah. How do you keep touch with your friends outside of school?

Um, we either use Snapchat or call each other. Maybe even gaming with each other. And, yeah, just keeping in contact.

Mm Hmm. Does that carry through the COVID pandemic?

Yeah, it does.

Yeah. Um, so we'll move a little into the pandemic now.

Okay.

Um, when would you say you first found out about COVID-19?

Um, I think I found out about it. When the outbreak got like, really bad in China is when I kind of first learned about it, I think. And just more so learning more and more about it as it spread.

Yeah. Where did you learn about it from?

Um, I'm pretty sure I first found out about it like, through YouTube. And then they kind of started talking more about it during school. And my parents did. And then it just kind of became like, something that we were all just watching and looking at.

Yeah. What sorts of YouTube channels were you paying attention to?

Um, like news outlets, um, a couple of my favorite creators who were just kind of in in it, like in the middle of it, and just seeing their accounts of it.

Yeah. Um, what was your reaction to finding out about the virus?

Um, I definitely didn't think it would become what it is now.

Yeah. What did you think it was gonna happen?

I thought it was just gonna stay an epidemic that is just gonna stay in the Asian area and not come overseas, but I guess that's a bit close minded when you realize everything's from China.

Yeah. Um, so who did you first talk about the pandemic with?

Um, either my family or my group of friends.

Yeah? What did you talk about?

Um, just kind of like, wondering what happened next. Like, "oh, did you hear about that thing in China?" "Oh, yeah. That's weird. Moving on," you know?

What did the people around you think?

Um, I know, a lot of people thought that it wouldn't be anything like it won't impact us. Just obviously not been true. Um, and then some other people are saying, Oh, well, it's probably gonna come here too. But it's not gonna be that bad.

Yeah. Um, were you aware of media coverage of the virus before it arrived in the United States?

Yeah? What were you most paying attention to?

Um, I think I was mostly paying attention to the the death rates that were already beginning to soar. Which definitely caught I think, other's attention as well as my own.

What were you most worried about?

The death rates, I think.

Yeah. Um, and what media outlets were you watching-- like which organizations?

Um, mainly, um, ABC News, MSNBC, CNN. A multitude just to get a mean picture of what's going on.

Do you think that each media outlet was relaying this same message? Or were they different?

Um, more or less, you know, they all had different theories of what would happen, but none of them really knew. Then you kind of got that idea just by watching it.

Yeah. And as the pandemic progressed, did you notice any changes in the way it was reported?

Definitely,

Yeah? What changes would you say you noticed?

Um, I definitely noticed. There are two types of reporting: either fearmongering, or downplaying it.

How would you describe fear mongering?

Um, I describe it as like, Oh, we're all gonna die. This is why you should be afraid. There is no hope that kinda thing.

Mm hmm. And what would you describe as downplaying?

Um downplaying really being just, "oh, it's not gonna impact us like: "everything's gonna be fine. It's not gonna change the way we live." That kind of thing.

Yeah. And which, where would you put the truth? If this was like a spectrum between fear and downplaying, where would you put the truth in there?

I'd say in the middle, but more leaning towards fear.

Yeah? Why would you put it there?

Um, mainly because it, it will impact us and it has. And so it's a bit redundant to say that it's not going to impact us at all, because it has but not total fearmongering is the fact like, there are talks with vaccine there are there is hope of getting out of this.

Yeah. So, when you speaking of changing our lives, um, what was your first reaction when you heard there was a possibility of school shutting down?

Um, I was definitely a little freaked out just because I didn't know how then it would impact everything else. You know?

Did you think it would happen?

Yeah.

Yeah?

I knew eventually, like, as it was going through other states I knew. I was like, "Okay, Iowa's next."

Yeah. Um, what-- How did what was your experience when it first shut down? What happened?

Um, we were still doing like, video calls of class. Um, but not very much. Like, there was optional. schooling. Um, so like, we have a math class at eight o'clock, but you don't have to be there. That kind of thing?

Yeah-- Did you continue to engage with school?

I tried to. Yeah, as best as I could, without overwhelming myself. [laughs] and just try to keep my mental health in check.

Yeah-- um, how has this pandemic affected you?

Um, it's definitely helped me realize things about myself. I'm, like, what I need to do to take care of myself mentally, and physically and how to take care of the people around me? And just how to deal with stressful situations, I think,

Yeah. What do you do to take care of yourself now?

Um, I have to give myself downtime. Because if I don't, I will work myself until I pass out.

Yeah-- and how is-- how would you say the pandemic forced you to realize this?

Um, I think it helped me. I first realized that when I have pretended that everything was fine, and everything was normal. And then I just kind of hit a wall of: "oh, Things are different now?

Yeah, um, do you think this will it'll change your outlook on how you pace yourself moving forward?

I think so. Yeah.

Yeah. So what is your strategy for making sure you give yourself downtime?

Um, I've been making a lot more lists lately-- Like, to do lists, and things that need to get done and what I should work on, and then how much time I should give myself as a break.

Yeah, that's a good strategy. Um, so did you think that the school year was going to resume after it was-- it went online for a while?

Um, I think that once we went online, I knew those it for that school year. I was just kind of like, "Okay, I guess we're not going back anytime soon." And we didn't. So...

Yeah. Um, did so once it was for sure, not going back, did you continue to keep working on school, even as it became increasingly optional?

Um, I think it gradually decreased. And then when summer finally hit, I was like, "okay, there's really no point"

Yeah, how would-- How could they have done better at motivating you to keep going?

Um, I don't know. I think it's really hard to keep students attentions when they're home. Like, saying they have a snow day but still have to work on everything. Yeah, like, it's definitely hard to keep people engaged. I'm not really sure how they could have done better of it.

Yeah. Um, so what seemed normal to you in a pre COVID world that seems strange now?

Um, I think like, parties and big groupings, like at malls or like stores and stuff, like that's definitely very weird to me now.

What do you think when you see these sorts of things?

I just think that's not legal. They can't do. Even if I'm watching like a movie made in the 90s. I'm like, "No, you can't do that.

Yeah. Um,can you give me any specific examples?

Um, like, in Forrest Gump, like when he's running, and he gets like the whole group of people following him around the country, I just think, "they can't do that. That's not allowed." Like, the Washington Monument [scene]. He's at the anti Vietnam [protest] part. But you can't do that anymore.

Yeah, um, what do you think is going-- So, when you see these people who are gathering like this, what do you think is going through their mind?

Um, like, pre COVID, or now?

Now.

Um, I don't know, personally, probably not much.

Yeah. What is your perception of someone who continues to gather, even as it's increasingly discouraged?

Um, it definitely makes me a little sad, because they definitely don't have that kind of group awareness, like awareness of others, and being responsible enough to care about other people, and not just about themselves.

Yeah. How would you define someone being group aware? What does that involve?

Um, I think taking into account other people. Even if you do get it and you're fine, you will most likely give it to someone else, or in turn hurt someone else. So I think group awareness is definitely being aware that other people may not survive if they get it? Yeah.

Yeah-- How do you go about keeping you and others safe?

Um, definitely affording like super big gatherings. wearing a mask anytime I go outside of an area that like my house or my car. Um, if I am in a group of people say like, keeping my distance around from them. I don't know, just kind of taking little precautions and like disinfecting things, that kind of thing.

Yeah. Do you think that these sorts of things are necessary to-- Or what is what is the goal of doing these sorts of things?

Um, I feel it, it kind of has two goals. One goal is like, definitely to keep like the spread of the disease down and to keep more people safe, but also to like, give a sense of control to people. Like I can do something about the situation I'm in right now. This is a way that I can help people around me.

Yeah. Do you ever feel like you've lost that sort of control?

Um, sometimes, yeah.

What would make you feel like you've lost your control over staying safe and keeping other safe?

Um, I think it would kind of hit if, like someone in my family or someone I care about a got COVID I think then it would definitely be like, well, what was all that work for? You know?

Yeah. Um, do you know anyone who's been personally affected by COVID?

Um, not super personally. I do know, like family members who have gotten it but they've been okay. But personally, I don't know anyone who's struggled because of it.

Yeah. How is your family members being impacted by COVID changed your perception of it?

Um, it's definitely made it feel more real, I think, instead of just seeing the numbers on a news station. It definitely brings in fear and Like, "what's gonna happen next?"

What are what are you afraid of?

Um, I think I'm just afraid of one death of someone I care about. But also just kind of not having the control on that situation.

Yeah, that makes sense. So, um, let's go back a little bit to we are talking about the media. Um, how do you think that they are currently portraying the pandemic?

Um, I think right now, they're kind of downplaying it a bit more. They're not making it into the build big deal that it is. Because, you know, just watching the news right now. They still have like, the graphic of how many people have died and how many people have COVID. But they're talking about a different story. So it's definitely a bit bizarre to just see as that was a second thought, but like, not as big of coverage as it is.

Yeah. Perhaps maybe it's because it becomes such an everyday thing. It's just become part of our lives.

Yeah.

Um, So have you noticed the media portraying any, um, like teens and young adults in their coverage?

I personally, not that I'm seeing, like, I haven't seen a whole lot of people my age or younger, even giving, like their thoughts about what's going on? I think because everyone's scrambling and trying to figure out what they feel what they think.

Yeah. Do you think that the voices of teens and young adults are important?

Absolutely. Yeah.

Why do you think so?

Mainly, because we're the next generation, this is going to become our planet. And we have just as much as say, as someone who's 50 years old.

Mm hmm. Yeah. Um, so, as the school planned to go back to school in the fall, do you think that they were listening to these voices?

No, I don't.

What were they saying that they didn't listen to?

And they were basically saying how everything's gonna be fine. Everything's gonna go back to normal. Don't worry about it.

Yeah. And that's the board talking?

Yeah,

Um, what messages should they have been saying instead?

I think they should have instead been like, "we understand that this has been really hard on everyone. Mental health is really important, especially during this time, um, don't be afraid to take time to take care of yourself." Instead of just acting like everything was normal.

Yeah. Do you think that there was enough of an effort by younger, the youngest, the younger generation teens to be heard by the school board?

I don't think so.

What what could people have done?

I think people could have, like, emailed the school board. I do know some people that sat in on school board meetings.

Mm hmm.

Which I think helped, but it's just kind of a struggle of. They don't want to listen to the younger people.

Mm hmm. Yeah. Um, so do you think that the return to learn might have been different if more young voices had been heard?

Um, I like to think so. But of course, we can't know.

Yeah. So what did you think should happen when you got will when everyone went back to school in the fall?

Um, I think personally, I think we should have done, um, people who could learn from home [stay at home], and then those who didn't have computers or Wi Fi would be learning in person with masks and social distancing. Yeah,

So like, sort of a hybrid model?

Kind of, yeah, but just based on need.

Yeah-- What-- How would you define need in this situation?

Um, I think I would define it as people who would either need, who would need, like face to face learning? Or who needs a lot of care like special needs students. Um, students who don't have the resources at home, and the only way they get them are at school.

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Um, what was your impression when you heard what the final plan was-- to go back to school?

Um, I was definitely scared. Yeah, I'm definitely a little disgusted and kind of angry. But they it? It felt personally like, they didn't care.

Yeah. And what was the plan?

Basically, go back like nothing happened with masks and arrows on the floors.

Yeah. Do you feel safe at school?

Um, not really, no.

Yeah. What is inadequate that's happening?

Um, too many people at school who don't think it's real and don't listen to the instruction that they're given. And I think a lot of that comes from home-- their homes, too. Because if your parents talking, "this isn't real, nothing to be afraid of," then the kid's gonna think this isn't real. There's nothing to be afraid of and there is and then it's hard to kind of juggle that because it's their personal belief.

Yeah. Do you think that the way that parents talk at home is a huge impact on their kids?

Oh, definitely.

Yeah-- How do you think that-- Do you think that having to wear masks at school has changed anyone's opinion, Um, or forced them to rethink?

I like to think so. Yeah. But I know a lot of people are still on the whole anti mask like, "Oh, I hate it." Like "I can't breathe and breathe breathing in co2" that kinda thing-- like, all right. Just kind of take a step back.

What's your impression of anti maskers?

Um, bluntly-- selfish.

Why?

Because they're taking their own discomfort as an excuse to put others in danger.

Yeah, I've heard some people saying it's their civil right not to wear a mask. What do you think of that argument?

Well, you could argue the same it's my civil right to run over the mailman. Obviously, not to that degree, but it's definitely a lot to say that your rights are more important than the lives of other people.

Mm hmm. I've heard it compared to like, the seatbelt law. Do you think that it's any different?

Not really— No, because it protects yourself and everyone around you.

How do you think people could go around go about changing the minds of anti anti mask group?

Um, don't be hostile. One thing that I've learned is you cannot use a harsh tone. You have to be very kind and understanding and just kind of plant seeds of like, "Well, what about this, like, have you ever thought about this? Like, maybe this is the thing." Don't don't get hostile because then they're going to get hostile right back and stop listening.

Can you think of any instances of interactions with an anti masked person?

Absolutely. This is Harlan, Iowa.

Do you have any stories you can tell us?

Uh, I have one from school. every single Friday, I think so far. This one girl has kept saying and fought with the teacher on how masks are dumb and that she shouldn't have to wear them and that she's breathing in co2. And every single time, I just bring up my views on it and very gently just say, "Well, what about this, like, have you thought maybe it's to protect you." Just trying not to be condescending, or mean, because I know that they're not going to listen to me if I get a little snarky with them. And even at work, this one guy yesterday was like cursing and swearing because he had to put a mask on for five minutes while he was in the store. And I remember my boss, just like shaking your head and rolling your eyes just like I have to wear this for eight hours. So it's definitely just like, all right, like perspective is really important.

Yeah, um, let's see, um, how is your family experienced the pandemic?

Um, that was a little hard, mainly because as teachers, they really can't get it. Because then it would impact pretty much everything. their salaries, their lives, their students. But it like a couple of my family members have had it-- like cousins, aunts and uncles-- which is definitely scary because they are on the older side. And it's, I don't know, it's definitely impacted our lives and family.

Yeah. How do your parents talk about the pandemic with you?

Um, fairly casual. Mainly just like little reminders. Like, "Don't forget to grab a mask, like, get some hand sanitizer." Just like little reminders.

Do you think that normalizing those sorts of things is helped you?

I think so. Just so it's not such a scary time for everyone. Yeah. Including my parents.

Yeah. Um, how is the pandemic affected your involvement in activities?

Um, I think it's definitely decreased some activities. Like I said, the book club isn't meeting anymore. Jazz Band, we're all like 10 feet apart. And I'm, like, 50 feet apart from the rhythm section. Band everyone's far apart and can't share stands. We all have masks with holes in them for instruments. So it's definitely different. And weird. Yeah, but we're all still together, which I guess is the main idea, but it does seem kind of removed.

Yeah. Um, do you think that there's been adequate consideration for the pandemic for most of your activities?

Um, I think so. Obviously, I'm not an expert in it. Yeah. I don't know what's happening. I think we're doing an okay job of keeping things under wraps.

Yeah, that's great. Um, what parts of your senior year has been have been most affected By COVID?

Um, I think mainly classes and extracurriculars. Because you get so used to having the big idea of, "Oh, yeah, a football game with pep band and marching band and oh, can't wait for like homecoming dance" and that kind of thing. And it's just gone.

What, what are you missing out on?

Um, well, personally, I never really plan on going to those big dances. I'm not really missing out on that. But I definitely think that we're kind of getting, you know, like, the whole high school experience kind of taken away a little bit, which is fair, because it's first safety, which I get. It's just, just kind of stinks.

Yeah. So, one of the biggest changes since the beginning of the pandemic, is the results of the 2020 presidential election. What changes do you think we'll be seeing with the administration that that will be put together by President Elect Joe Biden?

Um, I'm definitely hoping that it's stricter that it'll take into account the greater majority of people, as well as people who are likely to be unaffected by it.

Yeah. What changes would you most like to see?

I'd really like to see a change in the hostility between people. Yeah. And that's definitely hard for someone like me, who's very compassionate and empathetic. And it's definitely hard to see your fellow classmates like fighting amongst each other. Yeah, on such petty issues.

What's the source of this hostility?

Um, I think just not being open minded, and just not considering people who are different, has definitely bred hostility, because, you know, ignorance breeds hate, which is from fear, and it's just, it's not a good cycle to be stuck in.,

What is, in your opinion, the best way to combat ignorance.?

Um, I think gentle knowledge, and reminding and learning. Because, like a big part, especially of BLM, and everything has just a big part of it has been unlearning and relearning, which I think is so important because, you know, you learn things in history that just aren't true anymore, which is a bit of a, like, culture shock, almost, but it's important in order to move on.

Yeah. What have you learned through this pandemic, that has most changed your wutlook, um, or through BLM, or whatever [else] has happened this year?

I think it's definitely helped me get an insight on other people's lives. You know, being a tiny little town in Iowa definitely has you're removed from a big picture. So I think everything is just kind of helped me realize that there are other parts of the country that I should know about.

Yeah, for sure. Um, so what was your reaction when you found out the early results of the election showing Joe Biden as, as the winner over President Donald Trump?

Um, I think relief was very big in our household at least.

Why were you relieved?

Um, I think just knowing that all the people won't have a figurehead to rationalize and feel comforted by, like, all their hate and hostility.

And do you think that will change after January? Or do you think it's gonna stick around?

I mean, I think it'll always be around. Like, that's not really something that's gonna change. People are just who they are. But I think it will help, especially with him out of the spotlight, that people will start to kind of come together again and not be so polarizing with each other.

Yeah. Do you think that Donald Trump fuels the polarization?

Yeah, I do. Yeah.

Um, can you tell me about the moment that you found out that Joe Biden had won the election?

I think it was, well, it had been kind of gradual, just because, you know, you're in school, but you have like the election on the tab like in the package. You just keep checking it every like five minutes. So definitely, it was relieving to know that for sure, like, "Oh, thank God. We're gonna be okay."

Yeah. What do you think it would have been like, was another Trump presidency?

I think it would have been a lot worse.

Yeah? What do you think might have happened?

Definitely more riots? Um, I definitely think he probably get impeached again. Um, I don't know, just so much hate would build up-- so much intolerance and just ignorance and this frustration between everyone.

Yeah. And how do you think Joe Biden [as president] will help with that?

I think it'll just kind of calm everyone down.And just kind of, because, you know, the fire was like, up here [holds hand up high], and kind of lowering it like, okay, everything's okay. Like, we don't have to hate each other anymore.

Just kind of defuse the tension?

Yeah-- at least I hope.

I hope so, too. Um, so this is my last question on the pandemic. And it's a bit of a long one. I'm gonna read you a couple sentences. And then I'll ask you a question about what I just said. So many news networks, including the New York Times, the BBC and Politico, have speculated that the 2020 2021 school year will be a last school year, causing students to fall behind for years to come. According to media outlets, the learning loss could be profound, especially in low socio economic communities who have access to fewer resources. Many politicians are especially worried about standardized test scores, which can impact ratings and funding for school, as a student yourself, what do you think of the idea of a last school year?

I definitely think that it's important to consider, and that it's a very good point to be made that, you know, especially lower income towns, that are definitely 1,000% struggling, because they don't have the resources to get all their bases covered, and to make sure that their students are getting that information [to learn]. And it's really just unfortunate, but it ultimately comes down to, you know, either in there learning, or, you know, people are gonna die developmentally, and it's definitely unfortunate, but it's just kind of a sad reality that we might have to face.

Yeah. Um, do you feel like this school year has been sort of lost because of the pandemic?

Um, personally, it hasn't really affected my learning, at least, as far as I know, I guess. Um, it's felt pretty normal in terms of like, material that I'm learning. But I definitely for other people, that's not the case.

Yeah. Um, so we've covered a lot of ground today. Now, we'll kind of step away from the pandemic, we'll end the interview on a little bit of a lighter note. So let's look a little bit into the future. And it's okay, if you haven't decided what exactly you want to do, because I know, it's hard. Um, so what are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I've already been accepted Buena Vista University. So that's where I will be going for college. And I will be on track to become a medical illustrators-slash-scientific Illustrator. Um, so any pictures you see in like [science] textbooks, that kind of thing, I'd be the one drawing them and making them and I would stand in for, like, scientific studies, autopsies, that kind of thing and be drawing about what I see to them to put in like medical textbooks and stuff.

Yeah. Um, how did you land on medical illustrator?

Um, well, cause, you know, arts, as I said, in the beginning of the nterview, art has always been a part of my life. Um, so it, it definitely was like, "Okay, I want I want to do something with art, but also realizing that you know, the environments really important to me," making sure that that the environment doesn't completely crumble to dust around me, is really important. So, and I was talking to one of the representatives at BVU and I'm just like, "you know, I really want to be an environmental engineer, but I also really like art so it kind of stinks that I can't do both." And she's like, "Well, why don't [you]? why not? Why can't you?" I was like, "you're, right" So just like, yeah, we kinda put art and science together. I was like, "All right, cool."

Um, So how did you land on Buena Vista?

Um, I think it was for a drama club field trip, we were doing a theater workshop and I just like immediately fell in love with the campus and the people and the professors and just the whole, like, one teacher to seven student ratio. That was just like, Wow, that's amazing. Just like immediately in love with it.

How would you describe the vibe you got on campus?

Um definitely relaxed, and cozy.

Mm hmm.

Because it's not-- It's only like, what they say like 800 students there and that sounds amazing.

Yeah, um, all right. So this will be my last question.

Okay.

Was there anything that I didn't ask you that you wish I would have?

Um, I don't think so.

All right, perfect. So thank you very much for taking the time to sit down with me today. You've been your answers have been very informative. And I hope that there'll be a valuable contribution to this project. Thank you very much.

Of course.

Yeah. All right. I'm gonna go ahead and stop the recording.