How are you feeling right now in the midst of a pandemic?

So right now, obviously, I’m still paranoid going into crowded places especially because people don’t wear their masks properly — like their noses are still exposed. On subways people sit next to me although they should be social distancing. Right now, New York is a lot better than when it started. I go to my clinic twice a week so I’m just kind of used to being around people. 

What do you do to keep yourself sane?

I’m like always busy [laughs], but if it’s not going to the clinic, I study or I exercise. I’ve been postponing going to the gym. I binge a lot of Netflix. 

Before the COVID-19 affected the U.S, how did you first react to the disease?

I did not take it very seriously. I thought it was — like if you get the virus, it was like the flu and that masks weren’t helpful. That was my first overall impression.

What concerns you the most from this experience?

I guess the selfishness of Americans. Because you know in the South, they’re like, “Masks shouldn’t be mandatory ” and “it’s against individual rights,” you know… like what the fuck? We are doing this for everyone not just for you. I think Asian countries are responding better. Like in Korea, they even have apps to track the virus — such as people who enter the country— and they wear masks. But here, we are still number one in cases. No secret that the President is an idiot. 

What are some things that you have realized from this experience?

I mean, I guess what was interesting is that I used to judge people who wore masks. But now, I understand it more. That’s one thing. During this whole incident, there is the Black Lives Matter movement and had the pandemic not had happened , of course this movement existed before, but because people are at home, they’re likely to research the matter. It opened my eyes to systemic racism. Also, I learned to cook more. 

As soon as this is “over,” what do you wish to do immediately?

Go back to Atlanta. See my mom. I haven’t seen her since New Year’s.

“I guess the selfishness of Americans. Because you know in the South, they’re like, ‘Masks shouldn’t be mandatory’ and ‘It’s against individual rights,’ you know… like what the fuck? We are doing this for everyone not just for you.”

What is one advice you have for others?

Don’t be scared to go out. You should still go. Just be safe about it. 

What do you crave the most right now?

Honestly, I miss going to bars and chilling with my friends. 

What brings you joy especially at times like this?

Cat! I have my brother’s cat. I live with my brother and boyfriend so they keep me sane. In terms of the pandemic, we’re not too paranoid. We hangout together inside and outside — so having that company during this time is nice.