*** Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing a series of Q&As featuring OAC community members to showcase how people are coping with our uncertain - but collective - state. We’re hoping these will help connect and support our community (in a small way) during these isolating and challenging times. Look after yourself and those around you. ***

Josh Moran is an honours agriculture student finishing up his third year. He’s also just been named as 2020/21 president of the Student Federation of the Ontario Agricultural College (SFOAC)! Josh is from Long Sault, ON but is finishing up his semester from his place in Guelph. With all course instruction being moved online, things are very different for Josh and all students across Ontario. We recently connected with him to find out how he’s doing.

How are you spending your days when not doing schoolwork? 

When I am not doing schoolwork, I’m playing my guitar and writing music. I’m also finding time to cook new meals and exercise from home.

How are you finding social distancing? 

Social distancing is challenging; as someone who enjoys being social, it’s hard going without in-person physical interactions over this extended period. However, it’s what you make of it that counts, which means finding ways to stay in touch with others and doing things to keep yourself occupied and happy. It has been a good time for self-reflection, and I’m finding ways to be thankful for that.

What are some ways you are staying in touch with friends and family? 

I’ve been fortunate to catch up with some old friends over this time, making phone calls and reaching out to people I otherwise wouldn’t have. I also FaceTime and call my parents, sister and grandmother quite frequently. I’d call my grandfather, but he has trouble hearing over the phone!

What’s brought you the most joy over the last few days? 

I’ve been trying my best to make myself and others laugh. I’ve been watching quite a few comedy specials over the past few days that have helped me keep my spirits up, specifically “Ball Hog” by Tom Segura [1]. For me, it’s important to be able to laugh and approach difficult situations with a sense of humour. Being able to share that with other is important too, I’ve been making short videos to try and make my friends laugh and that been very enjoyable as well. All in all, humour is a great coping mechanism during these times.

Do you have any advice for your fellow students during these uncertain times? 

I’d first and foremost like to tell everyone to stay safe! I’m also by no means an expert, this is my first pandemic as I’m sure it is for many of us. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to take this opportunity to learn. I don’t mean course material or assigned readings but take some time to learn about something different, something new and fresh. Whether that’s through art, music, reading, or whatever, it doesn’t matter. I personally have been using this opportunity to learn new scales on the guitar! Take the steps and put in the work to develop new knowledge and skills. It’ll be empowering and rewarding to progress and begin developing a passion and more in-depth understanding of something that you may otherwise never have approached or thought of doing.