Chemistry teacher Emma Travassos

What was/has been the most difficult part of the pandemic for you? Why?

“ I’m not from the central Massachusetts area so this meant that in the height of the pandemic I was going to be moving into my own place, living on my own, and starting my real adult life. The first few months felt very lonely. Although I did have friends in the central mass area, we were all very COVID-19 conscious and didn’t see each other often, if at all. The most difficult part was definitely joining a new community and not really being able to meet new people and check out new places due to the virus.”

What is something good that has come as a result of your pandemic experiences?

“Due to the pandemic I started having a virtual game night with some college friends of mine who moved to another state after graduation. Through them I met some new friends and traveled to visit with them last summer. We definitely wouldn’t have started this game night had the pandemic not been a thing and we were all looking for something to do.”

What word or phrase best represents the last two years for you? Why?

“Eye opening. The combination of teaching during a pandemic while also in essence starting my career, and by extension my independent life, has lead to exposure to a lot of different obstacles and scenarios and I’ve definitely learned a lot and grown as a person in the last two years. Although it wasn’t always the most fun and oftentimes felt stressful, I think I’ve gained some valuable skills and perspective that have made me a better teacher and person.”