This piece is part of a series where we interview students about their quarantine experiences and concerns.
Alina Chen is a 3/5 Chemical Engineering major who was on co-op at Zimmer Biomet this semester. But since the pandemic started getting worse, she has been stationed at home after her company had to let all co-ops and interns go.
Audrey Dsouza: How has your life changed since the start of COVID-19?
Alina Chen: My life has dramatically changed. I went from being busy every second of the day, to doing absolutely nothing. I would work for 8 hours, come home, eat dinner, and work on whatever club stuff I had to do. Now I’m just chilling at home trying to figure out what to do.
AD: Can you share what happened with your co-op?
AC: I was supposed to be on co-op this semester, but on March 16 they said they weren’t going to allow co-ops to continue working due to health reasons. At that time, they said that we’d be able to come back after two weeks. Then it got pushed for another two weeks, and then I got fired. Fired is a harsh word, but because of budget reasons, they had to let go of all of the interns and co-ops. So, now I’m jobless. I’m trying to find another job but it’s not going too well. I can’t even take classes this summer, because Stevens doesn’t offer ChemE classes over the summer.
AD: How are you passing the time these days?
AC: In the beginning I was knitting. I finished the scarf that I started last November and then I made another scarf. Then I ran out of yarn and started crying because I didn’t know what else I could do. Now I’ve been pretty much relaxing, been watching a lot of Grey’s [Anatomy]. Occasionally, I go to my aunt’s place since she lives on the same road. I learned how to play mahjong. All I do now is play mahjong so I’m pretty much an expert. I’ve caught up on my sleep.
I’ve also done a lot of baking. I recently made a rose apple pie, banana bread, banana muffins, banana cookies, apple tart, chocolate chip cookies, and lots of other things that I can’t think of. But things are better and I’m relaxing.
AD: What are your plans for this summer?
AC: For the summer, hopefully, I can find a job or a research position. I’ve applied to many places and reached out to some professors, so hopefully, I can get something. I’ve enjoyed not worrying about anything at home but I don’t think I can take it much longer. I need something to do.
AD: What do you miss most during quarantine and what are you excited to do once things return to “normal”?
AC: I miss my freedom. I can’t stay at home, I need to be free. I miss seeing my friends, eating out, and just going out for no reason, just because I want to. I didn’t realize how much I loved going out until I had to stay at home. There is always someone trying to get up in my business at home and there’s no way of escaping.
AD: Do you have any inspiring messages to share with other students?
AC: We’re all in the same boat. Stay positive. Hopefully, this all will end soon.
Biggest thanks to Alina for being willing to be interviewed! If you also have a story or experience to share, please email me at adsouza@stevens.edu.
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