Neumman students document pandemic experiences
ASTON >> While isolated in their homes, communication students at Neumann University are staying on the air, sharing their experiences and that of others as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic. The project, titled the Coronavirus Diaries, is being aired on the school radio station WNUW 98.5 LP FM and through its social media platforms.
“I was brainstorming with Professor Janis Chakar, asking how do we keep students active and on the air, documenting what is going on, when we talked about the corona cast,” said WNUW station manager Sean McDonald, who was instrumental in setting the series up. “We’re in media, we have to be on. My students are still working, still doing remote work, still listening to new music.”
“The idea is to make people feel less alone and more connected, as well as create an archive of the pandemic experience,” Chakar wrote in an email. “People participate by recording themselves in isolation using the voice memo app on their phone and emailing it to WNUW@neumann. edu or by calling the station and leaving a message.”
The program is not just for students; anyone can contribute. A interesting sample is that of Kimberly Goulart of Spain who tells of venturing out of her apartment in hard-hit Barcelona to go to the grocery store. Much like Delaware County residents are now confronting, she prepares with gloves and masks. At the store, signs on the floor remind her to stay 2 meters apart. While they have toilet paper, other items, such as yeast and tomato paste, are sold out. “I was afraid I was going to touch my face, but I stayed in the moment,” Goulart said.
Most of the 60 video diaries, which last from two to seven minutes, are from students in the Delaware Valley. One is from an international student still on campus, junior Erika D’Mello, one of a small number of students unable to safely return home during the pandemic.
“When I first heard about the coronavirus, I didn’t think much of it. I thought it was going to go away within a couple of weeks,” said D’Mello, who is on the school field hockey team. “People were being very dramatic when we had class discussions and I remember talking about how the school’s not going to shut down. Here we are now. It’s been kind of stressful. I’ve chosen to just stay and take it one day at a time because I don’t want to risk not being able to come back in the fall season. My heart really breaks for all the spring sport athletes who are unable to finish their college careers.”
She added not being with her family during this time of uncertainty was difficult, but she was lucky to have a support system at school to help her through it.
The series, which airs every hour on the 0:15, is also available on social media.
McDonald said he had only three days to set up the system which allowed the school to stay on the air for both television and radio. Using his experience working with local media, he was able to set up the system. The school has also been able to supply a number of local radio D.J.s with equipment to broadcast from their homes at a professional level. “It was a big adjustment, McDonald said of the remote work.
“Any way we can remain connected, we’re going to do it,” McDonald said. He added the school will incorporate the lessons they have learned into future classes. “I think it will continue and evolve, even after virus is over.”
“We could
sit and wallow or take action and create something or do something. I chose the later,” McDonald said.
McDonald believes the 100 communication students to have found the coronacast up-lifting. Students have been able to hear professors and other students that they may not be connecting with during the pandemic. Not everyone is communicating with other students on the video platforms such as Zoom or FaceTime and “it’s been really good, therapeutic almost” to hear someone from class, according to McDonald.
For those who would like to add their own coronavirus diary, email an audio file to WNUW@neumann. edu or call 484-424-9687 and leave it as a voice mail.