The rural vs urban quarantine experience
by Shane Duquette
edited by Dina Martucci
(Photo: wealthmeta.com)
Students in rural and urban areas are facing the same issues during this quarantine.
Students all of the US are facing the same problem with having to adjust to online classes seemingly overnight. With students being home they have to deal with issues where they live while finishing their work online. These issues can come with living in more populated areas compared to less populated.
FPU sophomore Alessia Federico lives in Malden Massachusetts. Federico said, “I think the situation is hard to deal with for everyone, regardless of where they live.” She went on to say the roads to Boston have been the “emptiest I’ve seen in a long time.”
On the other side of things, students in rural areas are seeing the same kind of effect. Jada Gastia is a part time student in her senior year at the University of Maine in Augusta. Living in a more rural area, Gastia is able to go out in her yard and even down her street without worrying about exposure.
Federico said, “Covid has caused a huge change in how I live my life now. My classes are all shut online, my work has shut down, and I’m not able to see my friends or family unless it’s over the phone.”
Gastia has similar feelings saying, “The greatest problem I’ve experienced since self-quarantining has been my inability to see my family. I already live at a distance from most of my close relatives, so it’s been stressful to be away from them for an extended period, especially when there are young relatives who do not fully understand the need for separation.”
Boston brings in people from all over New England who work there or just want to visit, and with that number decreased, life there has shown to be different. Federico said, “Boston is a proud city, and we’re all one big family, so being apart from people, even strangers, shows how different life is like without each other.”
The social distancing does not seem to be affecting those in more rural areas as they are still able to go outside without worrying about coming within six feet of others. “I find it easier to deal with social distancing because I live in a relatively rural area. I have the capability to walk out into my yard without worrying about exposure.”
The situation of social distancing is harder for those in more urban areas. Urban areas can visually see a decline in people going out into cities while rural areas are not being as affected by staying six feet away from other people.
Shane Duquette is reporting from home while trying to finish all his work for his last semester in college. After graduating he plans to apply at local recording studios and music shops.
