Art expresses students’ pandemic fears, struggles
It was supposed to be the first year of college for many students.
But the closing of campuses during the coronavirus pandemic, being away from friends and the lack of in-person activities took an emotional toll.
But 65 UC Riverside students expressed their feelings about going to college in a pandemic through a winter quarter class project.
Their final project was designing a memorial commemorating “Being A Student in 2020-2021” that represented the class’ theme of “history, memory, silence and resilience.” From visual sketches and photo collages, to expressive poems and TikTok dance videos, students showcased their creativity through virtual classes in March. All wrote an explanatory piece to go with their art.
“They’re all experts at being students during the COVID-19 (pandemic). It was clear to me that they’ve had a lot to say about what they’re experiencing, and they have a voice,” said Alejandra Dubcovsky, a UCR associate professor of history. “The idea is to give the students a community, with others who feel the same way, and a chance to work together… I wanted them to push themselves to try something that became a really necessary creative outlet.”
Dubcovsky’s students were mostly freshmen and transfer students in UCR’s College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, who have been together all school year in a program called CHASS F1RST. Many participants are also the first in their families to attend college.
The projects will be part of the university’s COVID-19 archive.
Dubcovsky said she saw a “kaleidoscope of unique experiences” in the art.
Some pieces addressed hardships such as food insecurity, the experience of being an undocumented student or being kicked out of their homes during the pandemic. The project became a healing outlet for students, many of whom have never met in person.
“I learned how remarkably resilient and hopeful these students are. They showed up under their trying circumstances,” Dubcovsky said. “It was humbling and inspiring at the same time. The pandemic can take a lot out of you, but it also gave a lot back.”
Elizabeth Miller, the teaching assistant, said that with most of the class being first-generation college students and the children of immigrants, it was a way to get them more engaged, especially while distant.
“These students are juggling school, work, caring for family, and a host of other responsibilities,” Miller said. “When they are given agency to make choices and apply their knowledge in creative and thoughtful ways, students can produce brilliant work like this.”