Our world is fighting a battle with an invisible, and quite often deadly, enemy. Struggling to understand how best to cope with this threat, many people have turned to creative and imaginative ways to help conceptualize and document the impact of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) on their lives. Humanity finds ways to adapt to environmental and social circumstances everyday. Many have adjusted to wearing masks and social distancing, and regardless of political backgrounds, recognize that everyone has been affected by this global pandemic in one way or another.
March 2020 was the beginning of the shutdown that closed the state of California, the nation, and the world. COVID-19 altered everyday lives and is continuing to affect global and local economies. With the death toll and infection numbers rising daily and the anticipation of a forthcoming vaccine growing, North County San Diegans (and more specifically California State University San Marcos students, faculty, and staff) have shared their firsthand experiences with the pandemic from stories of loved ones getting sick, to losing jobs, to photos of CSUSM graduates on parade, empty Southern California beaches, and closed businesses.
Stories & Snapshots: Documenting a Year of the Pandemic is a snapshot of what was collected by the University Library over the course of nearly a year for the Together/Apart Archive. It focuses on the resiliency of our campus and surrounding community during these difficult times and takes a closer look at the daily challenges and celebrations through their artistic eyes.