The impacts of COVID-19 have resulted in a constantly changing environment. I am a Ph.D. Student, Graduate Assistant, Professor, and Home-Based therapist. How I fulfill those roles has changed over the past month. That being said, I fully recognize how fortunate I am that every single one of those roles has been adapted to where I work from home. While the constantly changing environment has been stressful at times, my heart goes out to the students.

I know some students and clients who have either lost jobs or are working 60+ hours a week now due to COVID-19. The students have done a tremendous job articulating what barriers they are facing and requesting more flexibility on my part as a professor so we can adapt the course accordingly. The two courses I am teaching this semester were initially in person and have now been transitioned to online.

As a therapist I am now seeing clients via telehealth, which is difficult for some clients who do not have a stable internet connection. Some of my home-based co-workers have been furloughed. So I have been very fortunate to keep my job at this time. Personally, I have started doing the grocery shopping for my parents to help minimize their risk. On the plus side, my dog is pretty stoked that I am home so much.

Paige Klemme, MSW, LSW
Doctoral Student
Indiana University School of Social Work