This piece is part of a series where we interview students about their quarantine experiences and concerns.
Mya Phu is a first-year student at Stevens studying Computer Engineering. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, she would commute to and from campus from her home in Jersey City. Today, she’s sharing what that was like and how her daily life has been with her family being frontline workers.
Audrey Dsouza: How has your life changed due to COVID-19?
Mya Phu: I’ve lived in Jersey City for my whole life now (I’m 19 years old) and the Asian American community has grown quite tremendously. When I was younger, it was bustling with Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Indians, but now there are more Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese people too. Near my house, the Pathmark even closed and a 99 Ranch opened there instead (it’s a popular Asian market chain). Before the outbreak, every part of Jersey City was bustling with culture and I was proud to be part of such a diverse community. We had festivals and locations that celebrated these cultures, even in school, we dedicated assemblies to spreading and showing different cultures. This still continued on into college.
During the beginning of COVID-19, I did see some wariness in public areas. But it was never too concerning, as these areas were already unhygienic, like the PATH, bus stops, or shortcut alleyways. However, soon I did start to see some change in my life: the constant wearing of masks, washing hands, using hand sanitizer, and not seeing everyone besides family began to wear me down. The 99 Ranch beside my house began to have long lines of people waiting to just get in, and people would drive by staring in awe or disdain.
The biggest reality check for me was thinking this would pass over and be just another disaster that we bounce back from, when suddenly my aunt was diagnosed with the COVID-19. She was a nurse caring for patients, and my parents are still working outside (even longer hours due to shortage in employment). My concern has only been growing wider. Everything was going down, I didn’t have my part-time job anymore, couldn’t see my friends or family sometimes, and my schoolwork didn’t just pile up, but grew in difficulty. I am a heavily visual, hands-on learner, as opposed to just textbook reading. Although I’ve calmed down and adapted to my new lifestyle, I miss being able to see my friends and hang out with them, going to our favorite gyro spot, or the cafe with the best Vietnamese iced coffee.
AD: As a commuter, how are your experiences related to COVID-19 different than most folks who lived on campus or in their own apartment?
MP: I used to commute on the PATH or bus to get to campus, and that also required walking to the stations or stops. Before the crisis really blew up and we were all still going to school, it was a tough time. I was at risk since my classes were in the early morning, causing me to commute during the rush hours of people going to NYC and the downtown parts of Jersey City. At first, I did not wear a mask or even carry hand sanitizer, as my usual routine would just be to wash my hands at the cafe I go to before heading to campus, or in the bathroom. It was not the best decision, so quickly I acquired a mask and baby wipes for my daily commute. The trains were packed and hot at most times due to the overwhelming body heat and heater, and so many times would people stare at me or another passenger (usually Asian) when a sneeze or cough was heard.
AD: Do you have any experiences related to xenophobia or racism tied to COVID-19 you want to share?
MP: My commute was usually 30 minutes long in the morning, and only 10 mins at night since I carpooled with some friends. Since the start of COVID-19, during those 30 mins, I began to experience racism and xenophobia. When the news of the COVID spread and I did not have a mask at the time, I was asked so many other passengers where my mask was, or why I was not wearing one. Mind you, those passengers (usually an older, white woman) didn’t have a mask either. As the COVID hysteria increased, this situation only became more common for me.
Another time, I was rushing to school and was seriously considering skipping class, but I was determined. I reached the station and it was the peak of rush hour, at a time many cases were starting to pop up in NJ and NYC. So, I was surprised to see that most of the cars that passed were packed like sardines, except for one. I was upset (yet slightly elated) when I saw that this car that was not packed, because the passengers inside were all Asian (or looked Asian). At first, I thought it was just a coincidence. But sadly, I observed that people would rather pack themselves in the other cars, or wait for the next train to come, than get on to the car with Asian people. It was so baffling to me that I was able to sit down on a seat, instead of my usual standing and suffocating under people’s arms. I think we were all disappointed on that train ride.
AD: What do you miss most during quarantine and what are you excited to do once things “get back to normal”?
MP: I miss the freedom, the company, and the ignorance of my own mortality (and my family’s as well). When I pray (I’m Buddhist, but we don’t go to the temple, we just pray on the occasion for good health and fortune), I always pray for my family’s health. Except, my prayers have never been this intense or as sincere as they are now. After my aunt was diagnosed, I took my prayers very seriously and really hoped that the will of life wouldn’t take it too lightly. I am an only child and my family means everything to me. My friends describe me as a family-oriented person. I miss going out with my family, having BBQs, playing sports and shopping. I even miss the grocery shopping I would do with my aunt at 6 AM in the morning to Costco (the $15 box of macarons is such a steal with a $1 churro). I miss going out with my friends or even just myself to cafes, restaurants, or anywhere in general. My cold, empty house only reminds me that my parents and family are still working outside their homes and are in danger of so many things.
AD: Is there anything you want other students to know about your experiences?
MP: Be strong. Even after this whole ordeal passes, there will still be aftershocks, and it’ll take a long time for us to all heal and think of it as just some flu or sickness. To my friends at Stevens, I miss you and hope that wherever you are, you are safe and healthy. Thanks for listening to my TED talk!
Biggest thanks to Mya 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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