1990
1990
CLASS NOTES
I asked ’90s, “In what way(s), big or small, has the pandemic changed you (or your outlook, or your habits, or your values, or your self-knowledge, etc.) forever?” Here is Part II of your answers. Deborah Cornavaca writes: “Working in state government throughout the pandemic, it has solidified my conviction to lead with empathy.” Scott Spring says: “Somebody said the pandemic is destined to turn each of us into ‘a hunk, a chunk, or a drunk.’ If I’m honest, I’ve been moderating between all three of these. One habit that’s been great for my mental and physical health is my daily GOOTH (get out ofthe house) for a 60-90-minute walk.” Christine Smith writes: “The downside: I have a permanent fear of opening my laptop to bad news, my wine habit is well over the CDC guidelines, and I’ve developed a much-lower threshold for tearful breakdowns. On the other hand, I’ve realized that I’m more determined to pursue my goals, virus be damned. Case in point: Early last March we were offered an opportunity to buy the house next door before it went on the market. We live on a lake and had always dreamed of expanding. I remember thinking that I wasn’t going to let some stinkin’ virus get in the way of our family’s hopes and plans. I channel this feeling now whenever I’m feeling blocked or overwhelmed by Covid-19.” Lauren (Waller) Smith writes: “I think the pandemic will cause me to be much more cautious about adding either things or people to my life. This has actually been a kind of nice time because I’ve spent it with the person I love most in a serene space without a lot of clutter. It really would have sucked to spend this much time surrounded by things or people (or both) that I didn’t enjoy.” Carrie Connelly writes: “Covid-19 has reminded me how much I prefer hosting one couple or a person, rather than an entire mob. In the future I’m going to try to stick with hosting intimate but more frequent dinners, where conversations have a beginning, a middle, and an end (and I hope at least some of those dinners will be indoors, and not all by the fire pit). Oh, and yoga—that’s been a healthy, calming addition to my workouts.” Mike Kennealy writes: “Here in Massachusetts I serve in Gov. Charlie Baker’s cabinet as the secretary of housing and economic development. Two conclusions that will always stay with me: the ability of so many actors (state government, local government, the healthcare system, the business community, nonprofits, etc.) to mobilize and work together was inspiring to see and continues to this day; and the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on communities of color means that the pandemic has exposed serious inequities across our society in housing, healthcare, economic opportunity, and other areas. We have a lot of work to do.” Dana Weintraub writes: “I got a new j ob, engaging young girls from underserved neighborhoods and kids with disabilities with sports! Check it out: www. bawsi.org.”
—Rob Crawford, 22 Black Oak Road, Weston, MA 02493; crawdaddy37@gmail.com
Rob Crawford
