When the news of the pandemic first hit, senior Maxine Nwachukwu thought KU’s decision to cancel classes would just mean an extra week of spring break. As time passed and the pandemic continued, she realized the pandemic was serious. She became concerned for not just those in other countries who she had been hearing about on the news, but for those in the United States, her family and herself. 

Nwachukwu is working full time on top of completing her classes from home. She feels like her schoolwork is non-stop and she is often stressed. She now lives alone because her roommate’s parents would not allow her to return to Lawrence during the pandemic. The lack of socializing on top of school and work is exhausting for Nwachukwu. This semester has left her feeling burned out. As a senior nearing graduation, she has decided to alter her future career plans. She initially wanted to move to California to work in the film and television industry. However if the pandemic is still going on when she graduates, she hopes to work remotely or freelance. She is still hopeful she can move to California once the pandemic is over.