Stories from DMACC students, faculty, and staff.https://openspace.dmacc.edu/coronaviruslife/1008/thumbnail.jp

Hill, Matthew

English

Open SPACE @ DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College)

Des Moines Area Community College Open SPACE @ DMACC Life in the Times of Coronavirus: stories from students, staff, & faculty Coronavirus (COVID-19) 5-7-2020 Life in the Times of Coronavirus Matthew Hill Follow this and additional works at: https://openspace.dmacc.edu/coronaviruslife Hill 1 Matthew Hill 4-24-2020 Jerrine McCaffrey Comp 2  Once in a Lifetime   Throughout our lives, we are always uncertain of what our future holds. I would have never guessed at the beginning of this year that the entire country would be shut down due to a pandemic. This virus is definitely impacting different people in different ways, but it’s going to take all of us to come out of it stronger than before.   Before I left for spring break I knew that I would probably not be returning to DMACC for a couple of weeks. I never would have guessed that I wouldn’t be returning for the rest of the year and possibly not starting college on time next year. The virus seemed like it was so far away since it was still just coming into America. We were uncertain of what would happen but decided to cancel our spring break plans to protect ourselves from Covid-19. Instead my brother, dad, and I decided to take a day trip up to the beautiful, driftless region of northeast Iowa. We decided this would be safe since we hardly ever come within 50 feet of another trout angler. This trip consisted of a two-hour drive before we came across our first stream full of trout. We tied on our lures; mine was a silver spinner that I hoped would flash and attract the trout. Then we hiked down the steep hill to find our first stream. Usually, the trout are feeding in the deeper holes or rapids so I knew that was where I would throw my first cast. I saw the perfect spot to throw my first cast, so I flipped open the bail of my reel and slung the spinner straight towards the other side of the stream. The spinner hit the water like a rock, throwing up tiny water droplets into the air. I slowly reeled in when suddenly the line went tight. At this point, I knew I had hooked my first trout of the trip. I reeled in quickly and saw the colorations of a smaller rainbow trout. I was super excited, especially since it was just my first cast of the trip. The rest of that day went by very quickly and we were only able to catch one good-sized keeper to bring home. Although we didn’t catch a lot of keeper-sized fish, it was still a great time to see the beautiful scenery that northeast Iowa has to offer and spend some quality time with my dad and brother.   School during this pandemic has been completely changed of its normal schedule. Both high schools and colleges have completely left their in-person classes for the remainder of the year. This is taking away many valuable memories from thousands of students and faculty. I have found that one of my favorite things Hill 2 about DMACC in Boone is the people that are there. These people are truly there to help you to succeed. This is one of the things that I miss most about being fully online. For me being online has been going okay, but it is definitely harder than being in face to face classes. Before we went online I had only taken one online class in high school which was not my favorite. It’s tough being a hands-on learner and having to do everything on a laptop. These challenges will make me a more rounded person as I continue to grow and eventually get a job.  The challenges that all of us face during these tough times will stick with us for several months after this, but together, I believe, will help strengthen our economy and view on life. Throughout my life, I have definitely taken simple things for granted whether it is eating with my family, going to a sporting event, or simply just going to the grocery store. These are all things that many of us view as a given instead of a privilege. I know that for the rest of my life I will never look at the things we get to do the same way again. Every opportunity that you get to go out and spend time with people should not be overlooked. These times are when many of us create life long memories and build relationships.  The pandemic might seem like it will never end right now, but, eventually, we will look back on this time and realize that we all got through it together. It’s important to spend as much time as possible with loved ones because you never know what’s going to happen in life. Next time that a friend asks you to do something what are you going to say?  Matthew Hill DMACC Student 

Life in the Times of Coronavirus

https://openspace.dmacc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&amp;context=coronaviruslife

Life in the Times of Coronavirus

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