STUDENT’S TALK- ONYEKACHUKWU VANESSA ANYAKWO..

1. Can you please introduce yourself to everyone here?

ANS: My name is Vanessa Onyekachukwu Anyakwo. I was born and raised in Nigeria, West Africa. I came into the United states in 2016 with my family and currently living in New york.

2. What is the name of your school and course and level  you are in school?

ANS: I am a student of Stony brook university, Long Island, New York and am entering my 4th year in college.

3. How did you feel when you heard  that there is going to be a lockdown due to Covid-19 and that schools are closed?

ANS: I actually felt really upset because I started to think of other students such as international students who don’t have relatives in the country and what their fate was as well as students who couldn’t walk for graduation, faculty and other activities that will be affected.

4. You have been home for a very long time, no outing, school and all, what will say has changed about you or do you feel you are the same person?

ANS: I feel like I have evolved on a more spiritual, emotional and physical level. I have started paying attention to my surroundings and being aware of what is going on in the world and what is really important.

5. As a student expressing this lock down, what will you like to tell the government to do?

ANS: There are many individuals in the country single-handedly training their selves through the university and they have to work 2-4 jobs to pay their tuition and since this lockdown affected a lot of citizens causing them to be unemployed, they are unable to pay off their student loans and even tuition. So, I will like the government to assist students in this area because there are lots of students struggling with paying their tuition and loans.

6. Are there any setbacks you may face if school is to be opened now?

ANS: Yes, a lot of them. One of them will be the extracurricular activities where students get involved and engage in fun activities with their peers. Another setback will be classes. I know classes were moved online but it will still be difficult to have certain classes online because some students might struggle learning virtually.

7. As a young lady of your age, will you say covid-19 is real because most youths don’t believe that they can be affected?

ANS: Yes, I believe this virus is real. If I am being honest, I was definitely saying in February/beginning of March that this virus isn’t real and that it will just disappear like it came, but after seeing how it gradually affecting a lot of this, I believed it was real because ignoring a situation even with clear evidence is a disease. At some point, I was very scared because I have never experienced this before in my life.

8. Most students at home may have lack of doing school work, this covid-19 has affected them deeply and they may not be able to focus on school, what will be your advise to them?

ANS: My advice will be not to panic and remember why you started. There have been many obstacles in life that you’ve faced, and was able to get over them, so don’t let this virus stop you from achieving greatness.

9. How will you feel if school is to be opened today and what will be the first exciting thing you will love to do?

ANS: The first exciting thing I would love to do will be connecting with my peers on a  physical level because I am currently in a program for the summer and even though we see each other virtually, it will be more fun to be with other in person while also social distancing.

I am so grateful VANESSA for doing this interview with me, its been so wonderful for you to express how you feel.

Okay, I hope you have enjoyed this week’s Student’s Talk. Join again next week to talk with another special student. Please keep safe, do all you need to do to be protected. God bless you all.