Family and Solidarity
Family
These items discuss family life during quarantine, touching on both positive and negative moments. Some of the individuals interviewed feel grateful for the time with their families, but at the same time, many are balancing feelings of loneliness, being separated from the Carleton community. Not all of the items or interviews are directly connected to Carleton, giving insight into a mother-child relationship and a grandmother's Mother's Day celebration in a nursing home away from her family.
This current sophomore at Carleton reflects on her priviledge, living with a family that supports her and that lets her be independent. She touches on specific family members such as her sister, graduating from high school, and her father, an infectious disease doctor, and the heightened struggles they have been dealing with, whether it be missing out on senior year of high school or having a job that is so crucial in this time.
This nursing home in Richmond, Virginia is bringing families together via letters, posters, and pictures. Residents' families were allowed to send something in for Mother's Day and was revealed to the residents during a Mother's Day celebration. This is an example of a lady receiving her card, clearly happy that she is able to remain connected to her family. Overall, this item reflects nursing home staffs' attempts at keep families in touch during the pandemic.
This interview between a current Carleton student and a teenage nursing home assistant provides an example of how nursing homes are keeping residents happy, connected with their families, and social with each other, despite social distancing requirements. This document touches on blood related families, but also the families and communities that exist within the nursing home.
This transcribed interview between a current Carleton student and a New Jersey mother highlights the pandemic's impact on intimate family relationships. This mother is very grateful that she has had more time to spend with her young son as she has worked from home due to COVID-19. In addition, she reflects on her growing relationship between her and her sisters, despite social isolation. In the end, she admits it is hard to block out her worries and anxiety during this pandemic.
This document is a testimony from a current Carleton student that happens to be an only child. They admit they are used to a lack of social interaction being alone quite freuqently, yet explaining how it has been more difficult than ever before only seeing their parents everyday. Without Carleton friends around, and not able to physically see grandparents or other family, this student explains social isolation during this pandemic. Even though they are with their family, being a part of a smaller immediate family can be difficult for a child, no matter what age.
In this testimony, a student still on campus reflects on his relationship with his family members as they are so far apart during this global pandemic. He explains how he really misses his family, causing him much anxiety and stress, often failing to call his family because it makes him miss them even more. He feels guilty not being home, but he knows remaining on campus was the right decision for him.
In this testimony, a Carleton student explains her family situation during the pandemic, explaining her father's compromised medical state and her mother's strengthened relationship with her brother in France.
Solidarity
These items reflect solidarity within different communities. Some central themes are displaying support and appreciation for first-responders, promoting hope and positivity, and celebrating the class of 2020. Using lots of creativity, these items display how communities attempted to remain hopeful and grateful despite a pandemic.
Chalk art has been popping up all over suburban neighborhoods. This specific driveway sends a message of hope, love, mental strength, and health, promoting solidarity between neighbors.
These signs outside of a nursing home in Naperville, Illinois demonstrate solidarity as they support all nursing home workers in the country, exclaiming that they are "heroes." These signs also have the dual purpose of promoting job applications, hopefully attracting more applicants as the nursing home outwardly shows its respect for and solidarity within the healthcare and residential living communities.
This sign outside of Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois aims to encourage solidarity within the Metea community, asking each individual to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19, working together to keep their area safe. Also, by displaying congratulatory messages for the class of 2020 on their sign, Metea fosters a sense of unity and positivity, virtually bringing the seniors together to celebrate their accomplishments, despite social isolation.
This child created some posters to show how his community supports the first responders! He refers to the medical community as his heroes, further promoting this heartfelt message from a young boy.
A familly used chalk to show their appreciation for all their community has done to keep them safe, including images of a stethoscope, mask, and heart.
A community magazine promotes solidarity within their neighborhood, asking people to place candles and other illuminaries outside of their front doors to show their support and appreciation for the first responders.