The following story was written by CMNS 390 student Ms. Conboy about an interview with fellow student Ms. Moore. This story is part of a class assignment teaching students to practice soft communication skills –empathy, trust and intimacy – and showing how those skills become the cornerstones of interpersonal communication. This story is being shared with permission.
It was a colder June morning when I spoke with Ms. Moore about her educational journey and work/ life balance. Due to the Coronavirus induced pandemic, we had our meeting online through Zoom. Ms. Moore is a dedicated, multitasking 22-year-old student enrolled in the Okanagan College BBA Program; she is now graduating with her degree in marketing. Ms. Moore immigrated from Scotland roughly ten years ago, along with her two younger brothers and parents.
I began the meeting by expressing my frustrations with Covid-19 and its restrictions on social aspects. Ms. Moore immediately agrees and explains how she misses her family in Scotland.
“Aside from missing your family back home in Scotland, has Covid-19 impacted any areas of your work or school life?”
Ms. Moore looks off to the side as she ponders her response; “it has taken a toll on my mental health and ability to escape my daily stressors,”
I empathize with Ms. Moore, she has been working multiple jobs from a young age as a full-time student. “I understand that completely. The pandemic has taken a toll on most of us. Could you tell me more about managing your stressors?”
“Of course, throughout my life I have struggled with general anxiety disorder as well as stress management issues. My father was ill with an immune disease much of my life which turned into a cancerous blood condition. I take on a lot from my surroundings, but it makes me proud of who I am today and the work ethic it brought me.”
Ms. Moore and I have gone to school and worked closely together for about four years. With minimal financial and career guidance, she has maintained a positive mindset throughout her entire educational journey.
“Wow, I am so sorry to hear that. Do you mind sharing what you mean by taking on a lot around you?”
She responds, “I have a bad habit of feeling too much for others before putting myself first; I think this came from always wanting to make sure my brother’s feelings were protected. During the pandemic, I did this by overthinking situations I cannot control, which stemmed from the fear of others being in some danger. It took away from actual daily commitments such as school and work.”
I further question, “But the way you have come out of it and who you are today is amazing. Was there anything that helped manage your stressors?”
She smiles to herself and looks excited for a moment. She begins, “Actually, there is! I recently got back into the gym and made a better self-management schedule. Even setting daily goals and keeping active weekly.”
“That’s great, Ms. Moore! I am happy that you have found ways to help your stress management. Is there anything that helps maintain your progress?”
“I learned that sometimes in life you get dealt a bad hand, but everyone is dealing with their own bad hand, and it’s how we come out of it that makes us who we are.”
I smile and nod in appreciation of this perspective, “Was there a time where you felt proud of your progress during a more stressful period of COVID-19?”
“Honestly, I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder a few years ago; it became a heightened, ongoing struggle for me to complete school assignments or exams from home. The hours I spent at my desk in my room seemed endless and hurt my self-drive and confidence. I am extremely proud of how I pushed through working and learning from home whilst dealing with internal conflicts.”
“I am sorry to hear. I sympathise with you as it was already a hard transition, regardless of added stressors. Was there anything that helped motivate your progress under these conditions.” I ask one last question to gain an insight on teqniques that could benefit my future.
Ms. Moore sat up straight in her chair and slightly adjusted her camera. She confidently responds, “The advice I can give is to take note of everything you get done throughout the day. Even the small accomplishments; like making your bed in the morning. That alone is something that kickstarts my day with a fresh mind and eager attitude.”
“That’s great, thank you!”
A brief silence occurred as I reflect upon the hardships that each individual journey brings. After thanking Ms. Moore for her time and vulnerability, I ended the call feeling very impressed. Her growth and ability to manage work with inner turmoil is profound; I never would have guessed which hand of cards she had been dealt.
The Department of Communications is interested in how meaning is made in a range of contexts, including advertising, television, film, popular culture, and the internet. Explore how communication is fundamentally related to the development of self and society and examine how the messages of the contemporary world influence perception of such issues as gender, race, class and community.
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