by Lesly Mazariegos

Towards the end of the Arrupe Immersion trip in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, we received the news that all USF students were to return back to campus due to the outbreak of COVID-19. It was also announced that the rest of the semester would be remote. At that moment, I did not know how to feel, what to expect for the rest of the semester, or how the pandemic will affect us all. Because it was Spring break, I was able to slow down, process everything, and stay updated with emails from the school and other programs. 

After the trip, as a group, we continued to follow-up with one another. We created a meaningful and trusting relationship that we carry on today. Social media was one way we kept in touch with each other but also communicated through WhatsApp. We participated in small fill-in sheets about our interests, how we are coping with the pandemic, and how we are able to stay active. We shared this with one another and learned more about each other. The transition from normalcy to remote learning was difficult but the support from one another created an easier shift.   

Every program had to find a way to transition to an effective method of remote learning and interaction. As a lead tutor from the UM tutoring program, we brainstormed how to continue building community. The first step was to check in with tutors and update them on the next steps for the program. Throughout the semester, as tutors, we created small projects that could support the learning of the tutees. In addition, the UM tutor program created an Instagram account with the goal of showcasing USF tutors’ interests, activities, and how they are staying active during the pandemic. Tutees from the program are able to view this account and stay connected with one another. This creates a network of students where we can all feel part of a community. Now, more than ever, it has been important to find ways to feel connected in times of social distancing.  

We continue to build community through the UM tutoring program. Before tutoring sessions, I initiated a small informal check-in with USF tutors. Monthly tutor training sessions also serve as a space where we all connect, share how we are doing, how online tutoring has been so far, and how we can better serve the tutees through remote learning. Through my experience with the UM tutoring program, I found it important to help create a space where we can all feel comfortable sharing what’s on our minds which in turn helps us all feel more connected with one another.  

I am finding community this semester by continuing the relationships made through the Arrupe Immersion program and by creating a space where USF tutors and tutees can feel comfortable talking about their day, their well-being, or anything else on their mind. Especially during this heavy political climate, pandemic, and virtual interactions, it is important to find and build a space where we can feel connected and comfortably talk about our well-being.