Reflecting on the Anniversary of COVID-19A graduate celebrates at Mt. SAC's drive-thru commencement

Reflecting on the Anniversary of COVID-19A student attends one of the limited in-person classes for essential workers

EMT students in a class socially distanced

Reflecting on the Anniversary of COVID-19Tables keep students physically distant for in-person classes

Reflecting on the Anniversary of COVID-19A graduate prepares to receive his diploma during the drive-thru commencement

Reflecting on the Anniversary of COVID-19Mountie Fresh workers pass out healthy food at a drive-up food pantry

COVID-19 One-Year Anniversary

Friday, March 19, 2021

Moment of Silence at 12 PM

Mt. San Antonio College's faculty, staff and students shared these reflections after one full year of overcoming the challenges created by the pandemic. The president sent a letter earlier in the week.

Students walking to class

Faculty Sarabjit Kaur, ABE I wish everything to be back to normal, but must say that I learned a lot during pandemic.
Students walking to class

Staff Jennifer Stephenson, ACCESS - Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services I am reminded that we are not promised tomorrow and to tell the people I care about how much I love them. Solitude is lonely only if I let it be. Furry friends can be the best friends of all. I miss my people. SO.MUCH.
Campus building

Faculty Christina Bellanca, American Language I look forward to the "small talk" during breaks or before classes with my students and colleagues. I have learned that the absence of "small talk" leaves a big space.
Building 9B

Student Elizabeth del Rio, Architectural Design Sharing space with my professors and peers will be all the more cherished once we return to in-person instruction. An immersive learning environment is dependent on being surrounded by like-minded people.
Business Building

Staff Ana Uriarte, Assessment What I learned from COVID-19. I learned to appreciate the people in my lives, even the annoying ones. It is in the interaction with others that create memories. I learned the importance of spending time with others because the next day they may be gone. Life is to short to have regrets, worry about little things, and putting things off for another day. Life is about living it to fullest, but more importantly with others that bring us up and create memories that we will cherish.
Students walking to class

Faculty Danielle Dervishian, Biology I will always remember the unity I felt with my colleagues and students. The level of empathy has been amazing. Students were patient with me through my own mistakes and mental health struggles, and I with theirs. Thank you to everyone that showed me compassion! I hope you feel I have extended it to you as well. I wish for us all to continue to avoid assumptions about one another, and to care deeply about the wellbeing of everyone in the Mt. SAC community.
Students walking to class

Faculty Sarah Scott, Biology I came to realize how much I rely on my co-workers to help me improve as an instructor and to inspire me to try new teaching techniques. I also found myself missing the energy I get from students as they react to what I am saying. Zoom is a distant second to face-to-face live interactions in all aspects of my job!
Students walking to class

Student Fusiana Johnson, Communication I look forward to a hopeful next year!
Students walking to class

Faculty Franciella Jaimes, Communication In loving memory of all the lives lost during this pandemic: friends, family members or both. Through it all...One thing we did NOT lose was our HOPE.. Hope for a brighter day. Hope for a brighter month. Hope for a brighter year. Here we are - IF' we are blessed to post a reflection, that means we made it to the other side. Our HOPE carried us through the darkness and uncertainty that plagued us ALL, as we did our very best to conduct business as "close to usual," under chaotic global circumstances. Thank you to the extensive support extended as we transitioned into Virtual Instruction. May the entire Mt. SAC community continue to heal as we turn the page into a brighter CHAPTER, filled with HOPE and a Double Dose of EXTRA MOUNTIE STRENGTH!
Students walking to class

Staff Katherine Butterbaugh, Community Education One year seems like a lifetime of change. One thing I learned is how resilient the Mt. Sac community is and I am beyond proud to be a part of. It took creativity, courage and lots of pivoting to bring us successfully to today. May we always remember our strength. #MtSACStrong
Students walking to class

Student Matthew Atrach, Computer Engineering Even though these were some of the most challenging times, because of Covid-19, I have come to the realization that I love learning through online school. It helps so much since I'm in an environment that I'm comfortable in, no fellow students around me to distract me, and I don't have to waste money for gas or for parking permits at the campus. I know these are hard times, but we have to think about the positive aspects about anything and always think that it could be worse.
Students walking to class

Faculty Sara Mestas, Counseling I look forward to our newer students seeing the campus for the first time. I cannot wait for them to see how beautiful our campus is, full of life and hope.
Students walking to class

Staff Duneen Duffin, Counseling In loving memory of so many long-time friends that were considered family that I have lost during this pandemic. I will keep positive. I put my trust in God and know that one day his promise will come true that we will never be sick again. What a blessing that will be. Cherish those you love today even more so.
Students walking to class

Staff Melissa Candell, DREAM Program May we cherish the lessons learned in this past year and may we move forward focused on what truly matters: life, love, health, and gratitude.
Students walking to class

Faculty Maria Estrada, English, Literature, and Creative I learned how much I love my family. I learned I do not mind being at home. I learned how important my friends are to me. I learned that I miss hugging people close to me. I look forward to the day that we can leave our homes without fear and interact with one another again.
Students walking to class

Administrator Marisa Natalia Fierro, Foundation I learned that empathy can be a rare gift from our friends, neighbors, colleagues and members of the community. Despite how scarce it appears, it exists, and it thrives where it lives. Grow empathy. In loving memory of my mother, Natalia, my forever North Star.
Students walking to class

Student Venkata S Nayani, Graphic Design In loving memory of my dear mother-in-law, Mrs. N. Manoram, and My uncles Dr. P. Narasimha Rao and Mr. P. Ram Prasad and many more around the world. May your soul rest in peace.
Students walking to class

Student Gabriela Flores, Journalism This past year, I remember the fear, the anxiety and the chaos that developed all around me and covered every inch of the world. I remember the numbers rising, the panic buying, the tears, the endless thoughts of "When will this end?" Now, a year later as we begin to see a turning point in this pandemic I remember those we've lost: friends, family members, complete strangers who were once a beautiful light in this world. After a very chaotic year that was full of change and division, I look forward to going back to normal-even if we have all learned to adapt to this new normal. While we continue to push forward I hope we can remember those we've lost and cherish those who remain. 2020 was a life changing year, it impacted everyone both big and small. I hope once this is over and life as we know it returns to normal, we all cherish our time here and treat others with respect. I look forward to the future. May those we've lost and continue to lose to this pandemic rest in eternal peace.
Students walking to class

Administrator Heather Jones, Natural Science Division I remember one year ago when I found out campus was going to close. I was in the planetarium with a lobby full of little kids and I realized that this was the last field trip group we were probably going to have long time. I got a little teary eyed on that day. Little did I know how long we were going to be shutdown! I'm looking forward with excited for when we can have students and visitors come through the planetarium again soon.
Students walking to class

Student Delilah Adams, Nursing I learned that no matter the precautions you take and even almost dying from the covid-19, it’s not in the doctors hands or just my will! It’s Gods will whether or not he wants me here on this earth. Thank you Jesus for sparing my life.
Students walking to class

Faculty Joy Elizabeth Hass, Nutrition I send sincere condolences to those grieving loved ones lost to Covid19. Also virtual hugs to those that have experienced other forms of loss. I have tears of gratitude for the encouragement, and togetherness fostered through creative virtual means. The human spirit cannot be stopped, compassion and passion will propel us bravely forward. Appreciation for each and every day has skyrocketed through this experience, wishing those who may read this a bright, and newfound passion in your life, and a flight of energy in the direction of hope and prosperity.
Students walking to class

Faculty Danelle Cole, Older Adult Department What a year ingrained in my mind.....the highs and lows, the achievements and struggles, the blessings and heartache. It still feels surreal looking back at when this all started and where we are today. I have learned we are more resilient than we ever knew and every time there is a challenge, I can always find the blessing within it. I dedicate this year of love and reflection.....to my former boss and friend that was lost way too young from the virus.
Students walking to class

Faculty Stacy Bacigalupi, Psychology This has been a long year. It's been challenging, to say the least. I learned that we (students, faculty, staff, admin, etc.) are capable of a lot more than I think we realized. I learned that compassion for ourselves and for others is more important than ever. I miss my students and my colleagues. I look forward to what's in store as we continue to navigate this pandemic, as well as the other challenges we have been faced with this last year.
Students walking to class

Staff Rondell Schroeder, Purchasing I learned we are not alone, we may feel small, separate, and all alone. But humankind came together and faced the unknown. Good work continued, food, home, and kindness. Although many suffered we are stronger for it. Let every new day be one day closer a better world.
Students walking to class

Faculty David McLaughlin, Radiologic Technology I love that my students have hung in there. As hard as it has been for us, I expect that many of my students have had it harder. Still successful too. Here's to the students!
Students walking to class

Administrator Barbara McNeice-Stallard, Research & Institutional Effectiveness I will remember the negative impact of the virus and those it touched - always. I will also remember the positive consequences of being more purposeful in being closer to my family and friends for many more hours each month. Those memories will feed my heart forever. I will always be thankful to Mt. SAC leadership for giving me and my team the time and space needed to adapt to the situation. Keeping us safe, giving us the common message of hope was so important to our success. I will always be thankful for the researchers who analyzed, assessed, and evaluated the situation and came up with brilliant ways to conduct on-demand COVID research in a dramatically short timeline. They make their work look easy every day and some days there are struggles that we can't begin to comprehend. They are amazing professionals!
Students walking to class

Administrator Madelyn Arballo, School of Continuing Education This year has been challenging and has also brought isolation, deep losses, and fear for our health and our families. But it has also shown the best in humanity including our college family. No matter how hard it’s been, Mt. SAC's team has continued to demonstrate resilience and commitment to support the communities we serve. Thank you in particular to staff who have placed students and staff needs before their own by returning to the campus to support their colleagues and teach students.
Students walking to class

Faculty Claudia Sanchez, School of Continuing Education I learned that although life can abruptly change for what seems to be the worst, it is only temporary. Love perseveres and humankind is resilient! With God all things are possible!
Students walking to class

Student Ashley Kinder, Sign Interpreting & Business Mgmt In this last year has tested my whole being. I have struggled with online classes, yet persevered and somehow overcome. I was told never to do online classes growing up as I have ADD and it challenges me greatly. But I have literally gotten straight A’s through this pandemic. My work as an essential worker has challenged me with how much ruder customers can get. We went from helping each other to riots and then flat out not wanting to wear a mask. It’s been a roller coaster. Being a single mom and actually pulling my daughter out of school to homeschool just added to all of this. God is good though and we have survived. Even with getting COVID as a family we have gotten through it. I will dearly miss my great aunt we lost due to COVID and my middle school drama teacher Mr. Hood. Both of these people had a big influence in my life. And I pray for our world daily. May God bless you all.
Students walking to class

Student Sandra Rakel Garcia Chupina, Sociology I wish all of us have peace and strength in our heart for our love one that pass away they are in a better place and so this virus can go away and make a different in our life's.
Students walking to class

Staff Lucy DeLeon, Student Services "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." Maya Angelou I learned to be flexible and be willing to change. I learned to be patient and empathetic for those around me who were dealing with the sudden change in how we live. I look forward to normalcy but keeping in mind that what happened before COVID won't be the same. I will stay positive and not resist what will be.
Students walking to class

Administrator Victor M Rojas Jr, TRIO & Rising Scholars In loving memory of all those we have lost. Especially my grandmother, Elvira, and two uncles, Daniel and Marcos.
a jacaranda tree

FACULTY Briseida Ramirez, AWD In loving memory of my tía Maria.
the wildlife sanctuary pond

ADMINISTRATOR Uyen Mai, Marketing and Communication I think everyone is mourning the loss of someone or something. In a single year, I lost two aunts, one uncle and a nephew. They didn't die from COVID-19, though this challenging year likely contributed to their passing. These losses aren't really counted in the public health data, but they're real, and they're often invisible. For those of us who remain, I hope we always remember the irreplaceable value of good health and personal connections. Their importance has never been more apparent.
adult basic education building

FACULTY Mary Ann Gomez-Angel, Adult Basic Education In memory of those who have passed on due to complications of COVID-19 Rest in Peace.
yellow plant

ADMINISTRATOR Jill Dolan, Public Affairs I have always known that relating to others is what makes me whole, both personally and professionally. This past year confirmed that on a large scale. The lack of real connection, isolation, grief and uncertainty has proven a challenge to overcome daily, sometimes hourly. I look forward to seeing and hugging my co-workers and taking walks around our beautiful campus.