In our ongoing series on how MACES members are dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 Rod Louisa, our new MACES President, talks about how he see our “new normal”.
What has been the biggest challenge for you during the past few weeks of physical distancing and did you find a way to overcome it?
Rod Louisa: Lately, we are entering a phase in our lives that is now a new normal. While it is extremely difficult and challenging for all of us, the silver lining is that we have been forced to rethink how we work and interact with each other. While everyone is now forced to work remotely, the experience is not easy for everyone, but knowing that so many of us are going through the same thing has helped me through this difficult time.
Working and studying remotely can come with its distractions, from email notifications, family commitments, to social media alerts, and of course Netflix; how do you stay focused?
Rod Louisa: While acknowledging so many feelings that many of us are having: fear, stress, anxiety, loneliness, and isolation, I find it extremely important to have a schedule and plan my day and week ahead in other to stay focused.
Once the local travel restrictions have been lifted, where do you want to go? Why?
Rod Louisa: When things are back to normal, whenever that may be, the first thing I want to do is visit my family in NYC and hug them. I am also looking forward to going to a restaurant, bar or cafe. I also want to go on a road trip across Canada this summer and spend as much time visiting our beautiful country.