Day 125: Finally, at the Beach!
Day 125: July 29, 2020
Global Cases: 17, 177, 560; Deaths: 669, 570
Egypt Cases: 93, 356; Deaths: 4, 728
Zeinab Amin
Professor, Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science
Associate Provost for Assessment and Accreditation
Unlike many people I did not feel COVID-19 put a halt to my normal life! The lockdown was an opportunity to use my time wisely and efficiently. Working from home meant zero commute time, minimal distractions, and a pleasant and comfortable work environment. All this allowed me to be more productive.
With regard to social interactions, I am definitely not a party person. I have not been experiencing loneliness during lockdown.
I know the value of being in the company of close friends and family, but I can also have a good quiet time alone. I enjoy my time immensely with a good book, classic music, a painting, or in self-reflection, meditation and during long daily evening walks.
I keep in touch with my children over different apps as they are living abroad. We had four virtual family birthday parties via Zoom during the lockdown period. They were all special celebrations!
Having said that I am coping well with the lockdown, I have to admit that I faced some challenges during the past few months. During the spring semester the workload was crazy. Remote teaching and online student assessments were challenging. Trying to connect with my students individually while managing different projects in the Office of the Provost was overwhelming.
I tried to remind myself everyday that it’s important to take time away from my screen but with the heavy workload that was easier said than done. I had difficulty turning off and relaxing and throughout the spring semester I felt I am never off work.
There was always this last email and last task to be done. When I managed to have proper breaks away from Zoom meetings and away from work it was nice to have a bit of time for myself, like working on one of my coloring projects.
PS: Finally, I am writing to you from the beach.
