Mohamed Rzane

Juan Correa

04-29-22

Aurora, New York

SPEAKERS: Juan Correa and Muhammad Rezan

CORREA: I'm Juan Correa with the COVID Oral History Project at Wells College. Today's date is April 29. I'm currently in Main building with Mohammed Rezan. This is an unrehearsed recorded interview. Thank you for joining us today. I like to begin by getting to know more about your background. Could you start by telling your full name, date of birth and where you were born?

REZAN: My full name is Muhammad Rezan as on date of birth 25th, October 2000. And I was born in New York City, Brooklyn.

CORREA: Okay. And you say he was born in Brooklyn? Clearly?What was it like there? How's it similar and different from Aurora?

REZAN: I lived in Brooklyn, but like till, like I was two years old. And then I moved to Italy. So I lived in Italy most of my time. And different from our Aurora, it's very different from Aurora. It's the cities, I grew up in the city, and Rome, that's where I grew up. It's very different from Aurora. Aurora, there's really nothing and you had to adapt. And I kind of like it, so it's cool.

CORREA: So you like the differences?

REZAN: I like the differences. Yeah.

CORREA: So, talking about Aurora, now we get into like, family. Who do you consider your family? Can you tell us about your family?

REZAN: Well, family, I consider family both, you know, friends and family. But family itself, like Yeah, my mom, dad and sister, whatever. But like, they have been living overseas for like, now three years. And it is a challenge that I had to adapt to it, which is kind of cool. But also, I said friends, because friends were the families that we chose to have. So that's also, you know, a good thing to have around.

CORREA: Of course, always. Tell us about the people who, tell us about the people you live with, and the people you lived with growing up?

REZAN: Well, people I lived with growing up, it's, you know, different culture. Italy, it's kind of similar to here. But still, it was different. And I've talked in a different language and everything. But also coming here having like a roommate in the first year and everything it was, kind of to adapt more and understand more like how there's a different culture here. And it's pretty neat. It's very cool.

CORREA: So who were you close with?

REZAN: Closer with...

CORREA: When it comes to family

REZAN: Family..? I would say Mom, definitely.Yeah, close with my mom a lot.

Yeah, that's your heart. [Interviewer (Juan) giggles]

CORREA: Alright. So we talk about family like, what were you like as a child? Could you share a special memory about yourself as a child?

REZAN: Well, I was a quiet and silent child. Really never said or did much. I would do shit. Yeah. But, it's more, under the table not seen. And yeah, that's 00:03:00pretty much how it was very silent. And yeah.

CORREA: Wells College. Let's jump ahead in time where you started to think about college. When did you first start thinking about going to college? And what expectations did you have for what college will be like?

REZAN: I started thinking about going to college as soon as I realized that you don't finish school after you graduate high school. So about the age of Middle School, probably something like that. You start thinking about, oh, you have to go somewhere, whatever gets some good grades. And I had big expectations as to how difficult and stressful it would be. And it is. It's more stressful and more difficult. And it is what I expected it to be. And no regrets.

CORREA: When did you first hear about Wells College? And what made you decide to come to Wells? And what were your experience hoping to have at Wells? What did you hope?

REZAN: I hoped for?... I really don't know. I mean... I really hoped it would be a different atmosphere from, you know, the stress of being in a city and everything with here also the campus, and it is, also there's a different atmosphere about it and it's school. Pretty much didn't have a lot of expectations.

CORREA: What did you plan to study when you started college?

REZAN: I planned to be a business major, but ended up being a biology, with a minor in environmental science.

CORREA: So why did you decide to switch?

REZAN: I took some classes and I really just, also back in high school, I was more into the economic side of it and everything. And then I just literally just came in here took business classes, couldn't do it. Took some science classes, loved it more and yeah, definitely better.

CORREA: So we talk about college and the major. What do you plan to do after college?

REZAN: Mycology study of fungus? That's it. Yeah, another graduate school, of course. And PhD in mycology. And after that, work with sustainability and the use of fungi and mushrooms

CORREA: Alright we talked about Wells College. Let's jump into early COVID. Let's turn to the pandemic now. When did you hear about COVID-19 for the first time?

REZAN: It was an evening after practice and dining hall, probably 2020, 00:06:00somewhere in March. And it was just a joke. It started as a joke, and then ended up being a serious pandemic. And we all had to leave. And it was a very, very different situation. I was not expecting that. And at the end, we adapted to it, online courses and everything. And it was very difficult. But, it went quick, I think. It went way quicker than I was expecting it to be.

CORREA: You talked about how people said it was a joke. What were people saying at that time? How did you feel about these initial conversations that were happening regarding COVID?

REZAN: I really didn't... I just hoped for the better. I really just hoped for the better because I also am, as I said, grew up in Italy, having family members there and everything. It's different like, that country hit hard with COVID and it got first there and everything. So I believe that it was going to be a serious thing. And a lot of people just didn't really believe it. And there was a joke, and a lot of people didn't really want masks. And yeah, it keeps going.

CORREA: When did you know COVID was turning into something serious? And how did you feel about it?

REZAN: I knew it when I was in New York City during the pandemic, because I had to stay there. Campus wasn't allowed and everything. So that's when I really saw it. Like, yes, numbers are getting higher. It's getting a serious thing. And we're in online classes. We're not really sure when are we coming back? And it was first a spring break break. They added us another week. Then they gave us another week, then they were like, let's just transition online. So, that's when I knew it was a serious matter.

CORREA: So basically, you were a student at Wells when the pandemic began.

What did you think when spring break was extended? What did you think when classes went online?

REZAN: I didn't like it. It was a very difficult transition. But I still did good.It still was like very difficult. I'm glad that we came back to in person. Because especially when the science classes and a lot of stuff. It was like mostly labs too. You can't do them online. So, I'm glad because that was difficult. It was mostly self taught and it's very difficult to focus on a screen for a while and seeing someone talking to you. And so, I don't like it.

CORREA: We talked about early COVID. Now let's go into lockdown.

Where were you when lockdown down started?

REZAN: I was in Brooklyn, New York. That's where I was. And I was renting an 00:09:00Airbnb for myself. And yeah, that's where I was.

CORREA: Who did you spend lockdown with?

REZAN: By myself. I didn't want to stay with family members. No one nothing and yeah, I stayed by myself.

CORREA: Nobody else?

REZAN: Nobody else.

CORREA: Okay. [Interviewer Juan giggles] That sounds fun, I'm not going to lie.

REZAN: It wasn't. [Both speakers giggle]

CORREA: It wasn't fun?

REZAN: No, it was very boring. Because I used to do stuff too, I used to go out, and still it was a serious matter. But I would just go out and do my nightly walk and whatever. And come back. But still there was no one to communicate with or see or just crack a joke. You had to call and see and whatever. But still, a lot of people took it seriously and I took it seriously too. So especially in those first months. Yeah, I didn't see anyone, it was boring.

CORREA: Okay, you say you was by yourself. So, that's clearly a big change that involved locked down. Tell us what you did during your daily life and routine, during this time.

REZAN: I felt like a bat. I had no sleep schedule. I mostly slept during night and I did my homework and classes in the morning. So, I would sleep, wake up, do your thing. And then you're just free. So you're watching, or you're playing video games, or you're doing more homework. And there was really also no time to do physical activities or anything outside. So yeah, it was, it was very strict.

CORREA: I'm still stuck on the fact that you said by yourself.

REZAN: Yes. Yes.

CORREA: The whole thing.

REZAN: It was not the whole thing because I couldn't last it. And before coming back to school, they gave us the date, it was like late August, I went to PA and stayed with one of my friends there

CORREA: What challenges did you face during this time? Clearly it was because you was by yourself. But, what other challenges did you face during this time? And how did you overcome these challenges? If you even overcame them?

REZAN: Well, it was mostly challenges during, I mean, academic wise. So it was tough to kind of get some understanding on what am I doing on the subject wise. And what I did to overcame them was just to kind of self doubt yourself. But still, I reached out to professor's on a email, told them I need help. And yeah, they did reach out. So mostly, that was the problems academic wise, but then it was a problems with, yeah, it was just boring. There was nothing to do. So I had to find something to do, just to make as a hobby. So I mostly played bass or whatever. But yeah

CORREA: Were there any unexpected benefits that emerged for you during lockdown?

REZAN: Repeat the question.

CORREA: Sorry. Were there any unexpected benefits that emerged for you during lockdown?

REZAN: Expected benefits, right?

CORREA: Were there any unexpected benefits that emerged for you during lockdown?

REZAN: Yeah, benefits. More like I had more time for academics. So it was mostly focused for studying and doing your thing.

CORREA: Alright we talked about lockdown. Now let's talk about being a college student? In what ways did the pandemic impact you as a college student? Were you able to meet these challenges?

REZAN: Yeah. I did meet the challenges. I basically just went with it, went with the flow. And I just hoped that everything would be better quicker. And yeah. [Interviewee (Muhammad) giggles]. We're back at it junior year and yeah that's it.

CORREA: You say you back at it, but so can you, compare what Wells was like prior to COVID to what Wells was like, during the pandemic.

REZAN: Prior to it, it's similar to now, like at this moment, we are in a way very similar to what Wells was before, but still Wells before was people with no masks still, and COVID wasn't a serious thing. But the transition in the moment, my sophomore year, fall semester, that was very tough, because it was mostly COVID testing every week, there was no vaccine, no booster. So if someone wore to get COVID, they will go get locked down in Dodge. But still, it was mostly just everyone had the thought of, okay, if someone gets COVID a lot of people will get COVID and we'll be back sent home. So that was the challenge too.

CORREA: Alright, in what ways did like, there was clearly a change during the pandemic. What do you think of those changes? You clearly don't like them? --Wells has many traditions

REZAN: Oh, yeah.

CORREA: How were they impacted during the pandemic?

REZAN: I honestly think that, and is my honest opinion, Odd Even got ruined because of COVID. And I was a member of Odd Even, and I am still a coach. I was supposed to coach this year and I didn't just because we had that moment where it broke and no one did anything. No one knew what to do. So now there's a lot of people trying to do something and we still don't really understand how like traditions were, because a lot of people pass the traditions to other people. 00:15:00And yeah, then when you try to tell them something, you're the only one that knows it and a lot of people don't know it. So, that's one of them. And, [phone alert] other challenges it's really...for tradition wise, it didn't really changed that much. May Day, it's going to happen. So it's mostly Odd Even that got ruined. But, sports wise also. Yeah. Everything's back to how it was? Pretty much.

CORREA: Do you notice any differences of the pandemic, between the community at Wells and your community back home? How did this difference impact you? If you notice a difference?

REZAN: I mean, there is a difference, because I went back home last summer, and COVID was still kind of a thing there. And there is a vaccine, but not a lot of people had a vaccine. So it was more strict, you still need to present your vaccination if you go out. There's still stores that closed earlier than expected and it just was a switch that is like a difference that I saw in the two communities, while here was more eased, and not that strict because it was more advanced in a way. But yeah.

CORREA: We talked about being a college student, Wells College, COVID. Now let's jump to the government. As scientists learned more about the virus, government officials began to impose mandates. What did you think, when the mask mandate began?What was your thought?

REZAN: That it was, I mean, yeah, a good idea. I didn't disagree with not wearing masks, I do hate wearing a mask. And don't get me wrong, I still wear my mask, though. It's just, I'm a science major too so I believe in a virus, it will easily transmit. But still, masks don't really do a job. So we might need even more than one mask or two or three, whatever. But I do agree with the mask mandate, and I didn't really find it a problem, as a lot of people do find it a problem, though.

CORREA: What were your thoughts when a vaccine was announced?

REZAN: That I'm gonna go get a vaccine right away, because I was like, I'm not gonna get tested every week. And I was an athlete too. So I had to get tested multiple times. I straightly went to do the vaccine. No questions.

CORREA: We talked about the vaccine. What do you think of the vaccine mandates, where certain areas had to have the vaccine, in order to get it.

REZAN: I don't mind it. I've always been vaccinated since I was a kid, my mom always been putting me into vaccines and stuff like that. And I do believe in the vaccine, like it will help you. But I also respect other people's opinion of 00:18:00not wanting to get vaccinated or anything. But still, in my position, where there's a mandate like that, I didn't really care. I had my vaccine. So in a lot of places also where I worked in returns, and mostly summertime, they're required vaccines. So, it's just a way to keep the community all immune ties, also becomes better.

CORREA: Alright, vaccine mandates like what do you make of the controversy that emerged over these mandates?

REZAN: I don't buy them. I mean, there's a lot of controversy. That's about everything. And anything. So and we talk people talk humans talk, so we'll get through it. It's it's just a matter of time. It's really just a matter of time. I agree with most of it

CORREA: The government provided stimulus checks during this time. What did you think of this decision?

REZAN: I thought it was a good idea. But I didn't get any. Because I still wasn't fully American in a way, I was, I still have my passport and everything. But I didn't work any job at the moment. I had no work experience in the US. So I didn't get anything. But I thought it was a good idea to help people that was in need.

CORREA: So the stimulus checks didn't impact your family at all.

REZAN: No, not at all. Because mostly, my family live overseas, they have nothing in relation to the US. And me, I never worked here before. I was just a tourist. I was born here and yeah. When I started working and everything, the stimulus checks didn't change. But I didn't get most of the stimulus checks.

CORREA: We talked about stimulus checks, changes, COVID-19, your life at Wells College. Now let's jump into the political side of this. Several political protests took place during this period. Many had to do with COVID. But others was associated with Black Lives Matter and other social movements? Did you or others around you participate in these protests? And if you did, can you please tell us this experience? And why was it important for you to get involved?

REZAN: I mean, it was a beautiful experience, because partly I am black. My ethnicity was Moroccan and in Italy we have a lot of immigrants too. So there's a lot of hate, and mostly towards Moroccans. So racism, I do believe it exists. And I've seen it, and I still see it. But it's just, it was a good opportunity 00:21:00to stand and just talk and just say that we're both equal and anything is equal and everything is equal. So I did participate, and it was beautiful. It was also kind of shocking because it was almost the first time in the process, and as I said, during the pandemic, I was by myself. So it was like a yes, let me just go in there and speak up.

CORREA: Did the pandemic factor into your decision in any way? And were you engaged in these discussion topics in any other way outside of protesting?

REZAN: Can you repeat the question?

CORREA: Okay. Did the pandemic factor into your decision in any way? And were you engaged in these discussion topics and other ways outside of protesting?

REZAN: The pandemic affected me in what way?

CORREA: Did it affect your decision on Black Lives Matter, protesting?

REZAN: I mean, it really didn't affect it. I've always had the... I mean, I've always thought the same thing that yes, there is racism, and we must stop it. Because it is seen and it's getting out of hand. So it was really not a, it really didn't affect my decision, but it just made it more, affirmed it in a way. So it just made me go out and be in one of those processes.

CORREA: Just to repeat this question, because you was a little confused. Were you engaged in these discussions or topics and other ways outside of protesting?

REZAN:With other people?

CORREA: Yes.

REZAN: Not really. I don't talk politics a lot with a lot of people. Because I know there's a lot of people with different opinions. And, I try not to go towards politics a lot because I've always been known to the argument that gets people on edge. So yeah. [Interviewee (Muhammad) giggles)

CORREA: We talk about..

REZAN: I mostly just try to ignore people's opinion about politics and not just go with it. So I don't really talk to people about it, or anything that happened during the pandemic, but that applies.

CORREA: Okay, we talk about protesting politics, government, COVID-19, Wells College, we've talked about everything, a lot of stuff so far. Now let's jump into how all that affected you and your family. So now I'll like to talk to you on your personal experience with COVID. These questions will focus on illness, 00:24:00and possibly bring up grief and other challenging topics. Remember, we skip any questions that make you feel uncomfortable. Did illness impact you and your family?

REZAN: It didn't impact me, it did impact my family back home. My dad did get it and it didn't really hit him as different people, he didn't really get that sick he was asymptomatic and everything. So they just immediately went into lockdown, different ones and yeah, it didn't affect me either, I dodged everywhere and COVID itself as soon as I got vaccinated and boosted. But yeah, I do know people that did get affected by it a lot.

CORREA: As I go on, just know, if you don't feel comfortable answering these questions...

REZAN: It's completely fine. I got you. It's completely fine.

CORREA: How did this personal experience with COVID impact your outlook on the pandemic? And looking back on those experiences, what did you take away from them?

REZAN: [Interviewee (Muhammad) confused]

CORREA: Almost like, what did you learn from COVID? Or your experience with COVID? What did you learn from it.

REZAN: Mostly my experience with COVID, it was you know, it was the first pandemic that I... I mean it wasn't really the first pandemic. But, the first pandemic that was serious serious enough to everyone be cautious and safe. But... learning from it, was to mostly just be safe. And also get vaccinated to save your family members. [Both speakers giggle] That's mostly what I learned.

CORREA: Going back to normal, now that vaccines are available and cases are decreasing, life is getting closer to how things were prior to pandemic. How do you think that transition is going? How do you feel about the transition back to normal?

REZAN: We're trying our best. We're trying our best. It was definitely, a lot of people were expecting it to be that quick. I was expecting it to, I was hoping it to be that quick. I mean, not gonna lie, here especially in the United States are doing way better than what I've seen in Italy this past summer. So, there's this advance of people trying to come back to the normal life. And it's, it's good to see, but it's also... good. It's done good properly, I don't see any problem with it.

CORREA: How do you make decisions about mask and such, when mandates lift?

REZAN: Decisions about when to wear a mask, for example?

CORREA: Yes

REZAN: I don't wear my mask outside. And I really don't follow the six feet rule or anything, but still when I'm inside and I see a lot of people wearing masks, and it's people that I don't talk to a lot, I do wear my mask. But if it's people that I know, and we're hanging out or something like that, I don't wear my mask. And it's mostly about-- it's the special places. My class, you still have to wear a mask, because we're just trying to be safe and everything.

CORREA: You mentioned be safe, what lessons or knowledge have you gained over the past three years of the pandemic that you would take with you to your future?

REZAN: I didn't get COVID once. I never got it. So I've always washed my hands and made sure I you know, got a new mask and everything after eight hours or whatever. But still, it's mostly just luck. It's just be safe and, people tried to be safe too, and still got COVID. It's really just... it's mostly luck. I don't think I had like anything that I just got from it.

CORREA: Alright, as we conclude this interview. Are there any topics you expected or hoped that we will cover that we haven't addressed today?

REZAN: No, not really.

CORREA: Are there any topics in our conversation that you would like to revisit?

REZAN: No, not really.

CORREA: Alright. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

TRANSCRIPTION: Juan Correa 5-7-22

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