Knowing the mental and emotional toll that the pandemic has taken on students, Palm Beach Atlantic University President Dr. Debra Schwinn decided to schedule Zoom calls with students in isolation every day at 5 pm.
Schwinn, a physician and mother, said that she is concerned with the effect that social isolation has had on her students, and this personal project is aimed to lift their spirits. These calls have already been attended by as many as 15 people at a time.
Through her daily 20-minute Zoom calls, Schwinn is able to ask students about their mental and physical wellbeing, if their basic needs are being met, if they are in need of some provisions, and have any prayer requests.
This initiative has allowed Schwinn, who became the university president shortly after the pandemic began, to develop a closer, more personal bond with students.
“It was the one unique thing I could do,” said Schwinn. “Who, besides myself, could Zoom every night, really get a feeling for what is working from a systems perspective and give that caring, personal touch?”
Isolation Experience
Quarantined students are provided with communication with university health staff and delivered meals. They can also continue their classes online, but the experience can still be draining.
Palm Beach Atlantic Junior Tabitha Maher, 20, has been quarantined three times for displaying symptoms of COVID-19 infection and has found isolation to be uncomfortable. Schwinn’s Zoom calls and genuine interaction have allowed Maher to regain some connection with other people.
“It is really rewarding to talk to other people who are going through a similar situation. But it is also knowing that the president of the university is looking out for you, and she wants to hear your voices, your concerns and what is going on,” shared Maher.
