As a newly hired faculty member, Professor Melissa Greene-Blye takes an interesting perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic at the University of Kansas. Upon starting at KU, Greene-Blye was worried that the university would have to close two weeks into the semester. Luckily, her students from KUJH have been mindful when they come into the studio because they do know that it is a privilege to still produce shows in person. Because of Zoom, she says  they were able to reach more sources who might not have been pursued originally. 

The KUJH team is her only obligation this semester, so she has felt like she has been able to remain more present to her students and provide support to them. However, she does worry about their mental health that comes as a result of the pandemic and the election. On a more personal note, Greene-Byle feels particularly supported by Dean Brill and the other administrators. The Journalism School has had a proactive awareness and initiative to take action during the pandemic. Greene-Blye reminds us that if we remain mindful of the moment, we can benefit from this.