Category: Uncategorized

By: Annemarie Darr

As Covid-19 hits the world, many people, such as myself, sit and reflect. A pandemic like this has not been experienced by the majority of us in our lifetimes and this is a new and trying time to live through. Many people look back at the 1918 flu epidemic and wonder how people passed the time through that time period and stayed sane without technology at their hands. Many students have struggled with the loss of friends, routine, and daily life through this epidemic and it has affected them greatly. 

Personally, I have struggled with my mental health the most through this period of quarantine. For someone who is extroverted and thrives off of social interaction and a routine, I took the hit of social distancing and isolation pretty hard. I started feeling myself break down a little day by day and soon learned I was not alone. As I looked through social media, many people were in the same boat. Isolation, for them, was causing many mental difficulties. Nick Esposito, a student at Texas Chrisitian University says,

“ It’s really hard being away from home right now, but the smarter option was to stay at my apartment and try to concentrate on school work as much as possible. I really miss my family and I worry about their safety.”

Many students have opted to stay at their dorms or apartments, away from family in fear that they will pass along Covid-19 to them. Other students such as Matthew Mayberry, a student at the University of Iowa, have found that they are lucky in aspects of quarantine.

“ So far my family and I have been healthy. Both of my parents still have their jobs… I don’t have too much to complain about” said Mayberry.

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So, what can students do to help stay somewhat sane during this extended period of quarantine?

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The world may not have been prepared for Covid-19, but as we continue to adapt and overcome, remember that nobody is alone. Reach out to friends, stay in contact, and do the best you can everyday. We will overcome it!

By: Annemarie Darr

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We’ve heard of love stories like the ones in Hollywood romances and wonder if love stories like that one exists in real life. Paula Hoffman (73), of Cedar Rapids will tell you that they do, in fact, exist. 

Hoffman met her husband, Geno, on Sep. 18th, 1967. She was 21 years old and he was 26. Hoffman went to a drive-in that he worked at to get an ice cream cone. Shortly after that same night, he came into town to drive around to see if she was available, and she was. They went to go watch car races in a nearby town, and their date lasted until 1 a.m. Later that same week, on Saturday, he proposed.

“My parents and friends were probably scared for me, but Geno was established, he was 26 and I was 21, so they were probably not as concerned as if we were in high school,” said Hoffman.

Hoffman remembers that she wasn’t nervous at all with him. She was ready to marry, after all, her first impression of him was, “Wow.” They got married three months later on Dec. 16, 1967. She remembers that their song was “Hey Paula” by Paul and Paula. A song she says she still holds close to her heart. 

Hoffman doesn’t remember many hard times being married to him, except living on a farm with him three miles from a hard surface road. The hardest time she experienced happened when he passed away at 58 years old. 15 years later and she still thinks the world about him every day. She didn’t watch them dance together on video until he passed away. 

“He loved me like I had never been loved before.”

Pictured above: Geno Hoffman

She said she has never forgotten the love that he had for her. When asked for advice on what someone should do to make a relationship last she said, “Appreciate what you have.”

Today, Hoffman participates in Coe’s Intergenerational program and enjoys eating out when she is able. She also loves stand-up comedy and talking to new people.

“I remember the first time Annemarie asked if I wanted to meet Paula, said Sarah Latting (’22). She had talked about her so much and I was excited. When I met her, she gave me a huge hug and we laughed at Buffalo Wild Wings together.”

Eliza Sundermann, (’21), has never met Paula in person, but knew that she liked her right away. 

“I see Annemarie and Paula texting every day and planning little dates together. It’s nice to see a connection like that, you wouldn’t expect it,” said Sundermann.

With years of experience in love, Hoffman holds on to what she remembers. She is continuously thankful for the time she got to spend with Geno.

“It’s better to have loved liked that than to have never had it, because you can always recreate it in your mind.” 

By: Annemarie Darr

A recently opened facility to help area women victimized by human trafficking held a fundraiser last week. Chains Interrupted and St. Luke’s Hospital held the fundraiser on January 22nd at a Cedar Rapids Pizza Ranch.

While it’s difficult to get statistics on underground criminal enterprises, experts say Iowa is a hotspot for human trafficking, with 52 cases reported in the past year.

“Human trafficking in the United States is the second leading illegal way to raise money, with drug trafficking being the first,” said Marilyn Gerhold, an emergency department social worker at Saint Luke’s. 

Gerhold says the transition houses look for more help everyday through donations. 

“Anything from volunteering, holding fundraisers, or just speaking up about it can help,” Gerhold said. “I got involved working through Stop Abuse for Everyone and working in the emergency department at Saint Luke’s. I’ve worked closely with victims and they really need someone to be an advocate for them. Sometimes it’s about going above and beyond.” 

Fundraising organizers shared information about how to spot signs that someone might be a victim of human trafficking, including the presence of bruises and wounds, scars, malnourishment, or being disoriented or being submissive.

“I never knew how common human trafficking was. I’ve seen it in the news here and there but it’s nothing compared to how bad it really is,” said Askew.

To get more involved in the cause you can go on Chains Interrupted website, https://www.chainsinterrupted.com or contact them by phone at 319-369-4415 to volunteer. 

Pictured above: A handout describing steps to take to avoid the dangers of human trafficking.

Nancy Mastache was asked what she planned to do after college. As a business major, she has many hopes for her future.

Hi everyone! My name is Annemarie Darr and I am a junior at Coe College majoring in Communication studies. I am passionate about writing and getting stories out there. Some things I enjoy doing are writing poetry, hiking, and working out!

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