Class of 2020, we see you

 

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It’s Wednesday and week five of remote classes and online learning, so we’re checking in with Rochester students to ask: How are you?⠀ ⠀ “Starting online classes has definitely been an adjustment, but it is actually going a lot better than I thought it would. While I miss my favorite campus study spots dearly (a piece of my heart currently resides in the Periodical Reading Room), I’ve been able to set up a nice spot in my dining room where I can focus pretty well. I appreciate how accommodating and creative my professors have been while adapting to zoom. One of my professors even made a class drinking game, where you bring your favorite health beverage to class and have to drink every time a dog barks, a parent walks in, the wifi goes out, etc. While this is not the senior spring I imagined, I’m so grateful for the continued support of my friends, family, and professors despite the distance between us, whether that is six feet or 600 miles.” ⠀ —Rachel Goodman ’20 (@rgoody21) is a health, behavior and society and psychology double major from Needham, Massachusetts⠀ ⠀ ➡️ Swipe for a video message from Rachel and her sweet pupper named Pepper! “Hi, everyone! I’m Rachel Goodman and I’m coming to you from Needham, Massachusetts, with my good boy, Pepper. I hope everyone is staying safe, healthy, and practicing social distancing. I know I’ve gone through the big list of important activities. I have watched ‘Tiger King,’ I cleaned my closet, I re-downloaded the House Party app, but I’m starting to run out of some ideas, so if you have any quintessential quarantine activities, please let me know. Just a message to my fellow seniors: I’m thinking of you right now. It is a tough time, it is weird. I am feeling it, too. But let’s continue to hang in there, check in on each other, and support each other through this. So, in the meantime, please stay safe, stay home, and wash your hands.”

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on Apr 22, 2020 at 10:35am PDT

 

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As we head into our fourth week of remote classes and online learning, we’re checking in with our students to ask: how are you? ⠀ ⠀ “My situation is a little different than most undergraduates. This semester, I landed an internship at NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (@nbcsnl) in New York City as a music intern and moved back to my home in Queens. The only class I needed to graduate is senior design, so I’ve been working on this project all semester and used FaceTime to call into my weekly meetings with teammates and professors. Working remotely was not a big change for me. What’s been different is the home life. SNL stopped production because of the virus. I have three siblings—two in high school and one who attends Drexel University—and our dining table has become a huge library. It’s fun for the most part, but being in the same space 24 hours a day with the same people can become boring quickly. We’re learning to cook new things together and watch new shows. We’re adjusting.”⠀ ⠀ —Zoë James ’20⠀ Audio music engineering major ⠀ from Queens, New York⠀ ⠀ You can find student resources and reach out to people and support at https://uofr.us/not-alone/ #ROCatHome #NotAlone

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on Apr 14, 2020 at 12:03pm PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “I’m currently at home with my brother and parents. It’s been nice to spend time with my brother, and I have really been enjoying my mom’s delicious home cooked South Indian food. I’ve finally gotten back to reading for pleasure, something that I couldn’t do in college. Since leaving the River Campus I’ve found myself missing unexpected things. I miss the trees on the Academic Quad, and the view of the clocktower from the Douggie steps. Some things I knew I’d miss, like studying with people in Rush Rhees, or those random run-ins with friends around campus. Remote learning has been interesting. The freedom to watch lectures whenever I want has been nice, but I’ve found that lab classes are difficult to transmit virtually. These past several weeks I’ve been adjusting to our new reality. I’ve realized that, moving forward, it’s up to each person to find the motivation and drive to help others who are affected by the COVID-19 crisis and create the best possible future after this pandemic. I know that the Class of 2020 is up to the task. I’ve spent four years learning how amazing they are.”⠀ ⠀ Vennela Pandaraboyina ’20 (@vennela98) is a cell and developmental biology major from Acton, Massachusetts⠀ ⠀ ⬅️ Swipe to see Vennela enjoying one of her favorite remote learning activities.

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 13, 2020 at 12:52pm PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the days leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “I remember during my college admission process when the University of Rochester asked me what would I contribute to campus to make it Ever Better. I answered with positivity and my annoying knack for optimism. During these trying times, I look to those qualities again to help me and my peers move forward as best as we can. Since being home, I’ve been able to expand my fleet of plants, try and fail at different cooking masterpieces, and resume my love for art and painting. I know it’s not as great as being on campus surrounded by friends, but if Rochester taught us anything during those cold months, it is resiliency, and I know our community will come out stronger and better together.⠀ ⠀ Rita Pecoraro ’20 (@rita_pecoraro) is a financial economics major from Cheyenne, Wyoming. She also served as treasurer for the SA Appropriations Committee this year⠀ ⠀ ⬅️ Swipe (and sound on!) to hear the Students Association’s Zoom rendition of “YMCA.”

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 14, 2020 at 11:52am PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “Looking back on my time at the University of Rochester, I’m filled with love and gratitude for the incredible people and memories I have made through being on the women’s lacrosse team. This team brought me everything, from teaching me to work hard and to never give up, to bringing me my best friends. There was never a dull moment on this team, and in particular, this year we really would had something special. I can’t put into words how incredibly grateful I am to have been able to spend the amount of time that I did with this specific group of women; they have helped me grow not only as an athlete, but as a person and that is a credit to each and every person on this team. The fact that the other seniors and I did not have this sport and team to come back to is heartbreaking. There was so much left to accomplish this season, so many laughs to be had, bus rides to take, blue/gold challenges to win. But I am so grateful for the times we did have, and I would not change a thing about these last three and a half years; I know I will always have a family with these people and I cannot wait to see what they achieve in the years to come. “⠀ ⠀ Maggie McKenna ’20 (@mags_mckenna) is a financial economics and mathematics double major from Brighton

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 12, 2020 at 11:12am PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “I’m still living in Rochester, in an off-campus apartment. It has been hard staying motivated, but creating art makes me to feel productive. I’m artistically inspired frequently these days. I hate what’s going on, but I do my best work when I am sad. I guess it’s good to know something positive can come from something negative—and have tangible evidence of that idea. I get lonely, but this is the first time I’ve ever had a full space to myself and a big fear about graduating and being a “real person” was how lonely I would be. I used to think I could never lively myself, but I am, and it’s OK, and even nice at times. I think a big part of why being alone is awful, is FOMO (fear of missing out). But since no one is allowed to see each other, there isn’t really anything to miss out on. The hardest part is imagining what life would have been at school. Sitting on the quad in the sun, surrounded by my peers, bopping from one set of friends to the next, just being with each other.”⠀ ⠀ Daniela Shapiro ’20 (@cds.art) is a philosophy major from West Orange, N.J., and the author of the graphic novel “The Stories of Survivors.” ⠀

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 11, 2020 at 10:42am PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “Since the abrupt end of my final semester on campus, I’ve been home in Chicago completing the rest of my coursework. The biggest benefit that I’ve gotten from being home are the nightly meals my mom prepares, and the quick access I have to talk and laugh with my 16-year-old brother. The biggest challenges have been having the self-discipline to focus in class and not open additional tabs on my laptop while my professor speaks. It can be easy to get relaxed with online classes, so I’ve been taking extra measures to stay on my toes. What’s helped me most with focusing has been playing library white noise to drown out any distractions in my home. This has been the best option for me to feel isolated, and ultimately zone out. As a graduating senior, the biggest takeaway has been to take everything at face value, and to always put in what you want to get out. Rochester indubitably prepared me for the real world and has definitely sharpened my work ethic and who I am as a person. Though it’s disappointing knowing my senior year won’t end the way I hoped, I have a great sense of closure knowing that the relationships I built will last for years to come.”⠀ ⠀ ➡️Swipe for more words of wisdom from Eugene➡️⠀ ⠀ —Eugene Nichols III ’20 (@ginonichols) is a communications and social advocacy major from Chicago, Illinois

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 10, 2020 at 11:30am PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ “As finals approach, I find myself frequently studying at my kitchen table, in Staten Island with my two brothers who are also in college (we’re triplets)! It was really tough when our varsity softball season was cut short right before my team was supposed to go to California for spring training. So to stay active and in control now, I run almost every day through Great Kills Park and try to cut time on my average mile. I go there whenever I need a break from studying or want to get away and unwind. This is a tough time for everyone, but I am confident that our Rochester community will come out on top. Best of luck on finals and congratulations to all the seniors!” ➡️Swipe to see Anne Marie at Great Kills Park on Staten Island➡️ —Anne Marie Cortes ’20 (@amiecortz) SA vice president and a financial economics and political science double major from Staten Island, New York

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 9, 2020 at 6:31am PDT

 

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Happy Friday everyone! Connecting with us today is Maya Loncar’20 and her family in Sterling, VA! @maya_loncar , a second year MM student in Guitar Literature and Performance, and her musical family are performing the first movement of Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins! #eastmanconnects #eastmanconnectsthegap #eastmaneverywhere

A post shared by Eastman School of Music (@eastman.school) on May 8, 2020 at 8:59am PDT

 

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Happy Monday everyone! Kicking off the week with another episode of #eastmanconnects featuring @nakanishimusic and @grace__meredith ! Naomi (BM’20) and Grace (BM’20) are performing “Rainbow” written by jazz pianist Keith Jarrett! #eastmanconnectsthegap #eastmaneverywhere

A post shared by Eastman School of Music (@eastman.school) on Apr 20, 2020 at 12:33pm PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “Remote learning has been a really odd adjustment to make. I’ve taken over my parents’ dining room table and pretty much made it my own office. I’m just trying to make it through these last few days and find time to get outside and stay active. Of all my college experiences, those related to being a member of Rochester’s track and field program easily represent some of my most meaningful and defining ones. That’s what made it so bittersweet when my time as an athlete came to an abrupt end in March. While I fully understand the need for the social distancing measures required to contain COVID-19, it will always sadden me that I missed out on some of those pivotal moments and memories with this truly special team. My first year, I tore my ACL early during the indoor season. At the time, I was afraid that along with losing the rest of the year, I had lost the opportunity to join the team culture. Instead, I was met with so much support from my teammates and coaches and ultimately made some of the friendships I hope to carry with me long after college. Being able to come back and represent the team at championship and national meets and trying to push myself to lead by example has been a tremendous privilege for me. I am so proud to have been a member of this team.”⠀ ⠀ ➡️Swipe to see how Lonnie continues her track and field workouts from home ➡️⠀ ⠀ —Lonnie Garrett ’20 (@lonnie_garrett)⠀ Chemical engineering major from Columbia, Maryland⠀

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 8, 2020 at 12:07pm PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “Switching to remote learning has been smooth for my computer science classes. My professors are able to deliver lectures over Zoom and we can continue to do our programming assignments. Unfortunately, all of my musical performances have been cancelled, and it can be challenging to stay productive during my practice sessions. I’m grateful that I was able to move a marimba from @eastman.school to my apartment in Rochester, so that I can keep practicing. I probably walk past Eastman once a day, and I’m used to seeing 100 other students on the street. So it’s weird to know that the concert halls and practice rooms are empty. My percussion professor is inviting professional percussionists and composers from all around the world to join us for studio class over Zoom, which is a great learning opportunity. I’m looking forward to the day when I can attend a concert and play for people again!”⠀ ⠀ ➡️Swipe to hear Oliver’s stylings on the marimba➡️⠀ ⠀ —Oliver Xu ‘20, ‘20E (@oxuperc)⠀ Dual degree student majoring in percussion and computer science from Livonia, Michigan

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 7, 2020 at 12:28pm PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “I’m at home in Atlanta with my parents and brother, and we’re all quarantining together. I’m comfortable, I’m happy, and I’m supported by them. It’s incredible to see how this pandemic is affecting the world. As an international relations major, I’ve always been interested in how certain events are so powerful that they can change how our world works. Most significantly, I think we are being forced to reflect on how much we care about things that we can barely see—be it climate change, the global refugee crisis, or a microscopic virus. Like many, I miss life on campus, whether it be joking with friends in passing, or grabbing lunch with classmates. But, amid these personal struggles and letdowns, I believe it is also important for us to see how we are all part of a bigger whole in this world. By realizing this, perhaps there can be a silver lining to the crisis.”⠀ ⠀ ➡️Swipe to hear more from Nate➡️⠀ ⠀ —Nate Leopold ’20 (@nate.leo)⠀ International relations and political science double major from Atlanta, and a four-year member of the Yellowjackets men’s soccer team⠀

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 6, 2020 at 11:41am PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “Transitioning to life at home has been quite the adjustment. I’m used to spending many hours a day in a silent library and now I’m in upstate New York with my two very cute, but not so very quiet puppies! My mom and brother are also here, and we are all healthy, so I feel very blessed. At first, I was able to spend my extra free time hiking, but now most trails are closed. So, I’ve resorted to painting scenes from my favorite hikes instead! Here’s a painting I’m working on right now of Lake Road in Keene Valley. Finding motivation to finish my senior spring semester online has certainly been a challenge. Plus, I’m an extreme extrovert, so I miss being around lots of people! My friends and I hold weekly Zooms to stay connected and we usually end up laughing for about three hours each time. I’m looking forward to being able to hug all my friends and family again. Stay safe and healthy everyone!”⠀ ⠀ ➡️Swipe ➡️to see Amanda’s video: “I took at an awesome hike in northern Lake George right before many trails got closed. I went with my friend Lauren. We drove separately and hiked 10 feet apart the whole time. Super views!!”⠀ ⠀ —Amanda Guido ’20 (@amandaguidoo)⠀ Molecular genetics major from Lake George, New York

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 5, 2020 at 1:31pm PDT

 

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Four years ago, they donned their white coats on their first day as medical students, and today I had the honor of conferring the degree of Doctor of Medicine—via a video call—to the @urochestermed Class of 2020. This wasn’t the ceremony they had hoped for, but this is the profession they are prepared for. To the School of Medicine and Dentistry Class of 2020, congratulations and Meliora! #URochester2020 #URHeroes

A post shared by Sarah Mangelsdorf (@urochestermangelsdorf) on Apr 8, 2020 at 3:33pm PDT

 

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Connecting with you today from Dallas, Texas is @ashhfong ‘20 performing Rhapsodie by Marcel Grandjany! If you’d like to see more Eastman Connects be sure to give this a like! Message us if interested! #eastmanconnects #eastmanconnectsthegap #eastmaneverywhere

A post shared by Eastman School of Music (@eastman.school) on Apr 15, 2020 at 12:04pm PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “I got the news that school was over when I was in the middle of a match. I felt extremely overwhelmed and sad. Knowing that was going to be my last match ever, I had to pour my heart out to end things with a win. There were so many events to look forward to this season, and so many more memories to make with my teammates. However, looking back at it, I’m grateful to have been part of this experience and have so many good memories and times with my teammates and best friends. I’m staying on the River Campus. I’ve walked across campus to get mail, and it’s pretty sad and quiet. I spend most of my time in my dorm, but I go on runs every evening around Genesee Valley Park. I’m also trying a lot of different restaurants around Rochester. Nothing feels real anymore. Every day feels the same.”⠀ ⠀ —Yifan Shen ’20 (@yi.f.shen)⠀ Microbiology and business double major from Taichung, Taiwan, and a member of the Yellowjackets’ tennis team

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 4, 2020 at 12:03pm PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “Being at home in Chicago has had its ups and downs. It’s great to be able to spend time with my family as we have not had this much time together in a while. It has also been nice to see my brother—whom I normally do not get to see because we go to different schools—and learn what he is working on for his degree. There have definitely been challenges in terms of making and maintaining a schedule, which was a given when I was in Rochester. It also has been an adjustment in terms of continuing classwork and research while not on campus. Having to figure out what I need to be successful has been a challenge, but the adjustments are slowly becoming normal.”⠀ ⠀ Brian Filipiak ’20 (@bfilips) is an environmental sciences major from Chicago. ⠀ ⠀ ???? Swipe to hear more from Brian on how he and his family avoid going “stir crazy” during quarantine.

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 3, 2020 at 12:15pm PDT

 

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Class of 2020, we see you. ⠀ ⠀ In the weeks leading up to the conferral of their degrees, we meet members of this year’s graduating class to hear how they’re doing. #UR2020⠀ ⠀ “I’m staying in the house I’ve been renting in Rochester the past year and a half. Before all of this happened, I usually spent only a few hours each day in my room sleeping. If I was awake, I’d be on campus going to classes, working at WRUR (as chief engineer), or hanging with friends. Now, I’m here all of the time. Remote classes are going well. It really helps that lectures are recorded so I can rewatch something if I need clarification on a topic. And I’ve been extremely appreciative of my professors’ willingness to conduct class in a way that allows students to ask questions whenever they need. I’m also a TA for “Engineering in Antiquity,” taught by professor Renato Perucchio. I attend Zoom class lectures so I know what students have covered, and I’ve expanded my office hours. The events of this semester are shocking. My hope is that our expanded availability will help provide some sense of normalcy and support throughout the rest of this semester.”⠀ ⠀ Nathan Nickerson ’20 is a mechanical engineering major from Wilmington, Delaware⠀ ⠀

A post shared by University of Rochester (@urochester) on May 2, 2020 at 12:41pm PDT

 

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Happy Friday everyone! Continuing this series with @katieknudsvig performing Vaughan William’s The Lark Ascending! Katie ‘20 was supposed to play this piece in her degree recital but since it was cancelled, we are sharing it with all of you today through Eastman Connects! #eastmanconnects #eastmanconnectsthegap #eastmaneverywhere

A post shared by Eastman School of Music (@eastman.school) on Apr 10, 2020 at 8:02am PDT