xt7d7w676r82_18 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7d7w676r82/data/mets.xml https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7d7w676r82/data/2020ms084.dao.xml unknown 346 Megabytes 189 digital files archival material 2020ms084 English University of Kentucky The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. In This Together: Documenting COVID-19 in the Commonwealth Collection Coronavirus infections -- Social aspects -- United States -- Kentucky COVID-19 (disease) Epidemics -- Kentucky. Diaries -- United States -- Kentucky. In This Together - Rita Basuray COVID-19 reflections text In This Together - Rita Basuray COVID-19 reflections 2020 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7d7w676r82/data/2020ms084/Digitalfile_2020ms084_018/Multipage41.pdf 2020 June 26 2020 2020 June 26 section false xt7d7w676r82_18 xt7d7w676r82 Libraries

Special Collections Research Center

In This Together

Documenting COVID-19 in the Commonwealth

Name: Rita Basuray
Date of Submission: 2020 June 26

Biography: As staff, I teach short courses at UK. I’m at an age where I can retire, but I continue
to teach because I love to see those “aha” moments in students. We have 2 dogs, two sisters,
Snoopy and Dooby. They really love it that we have been home since March 13. I think that
they have kept us (my husband and I) sane, encompassing us with their unconditional love. I
finished graduate school in 1983 with a PhD in Human Reproductive Physiology. My work life
included directing labs for human infertility, a pharmaceutical company and now teaching. I
attached a word document, but I can forward the actual photograph if you wish. I dabble in
painting once in a while and I’m a complete amateur. Thanks.

COVID-19 Experience: I teach at UK as staff, and was furloughed (administrative non-pay
status) for 3 months. Initially, the news was shocking and stressful, but I managed with the love
of my husband (my best friend) and our two sweet dogs Snoopy and Dooby. To relieve stress, I
started to make cotton masks and paint. Basically I keep busy. COVID-l9 is still an abstract
concept, as I haven’t lost anyone near or dear. I dread the day I face COVID-l9 directly or
indirectly before we find a cure or a vaccine. Until then, I don’t want to lose my humanity in the
sea of morbidity data. We are of retirement age and teach because we want to. I really enjoy
seeing the “aha” moments on students’ faces. We also love to travel. I’m hopeful that we’ll be
able to resume in-class teaching and travel soon.

Our dogs Snoopy and Dooby encircle us with their love, while we are home. Snoopy and Dooby
are sisters from the same litter. Snoopy is white speckled with grey, brown and black. Dooby is
brindle (brown and black). One can see stitches on her belly. She had just had surgery (and is
fine). My husband (Sumit Das) and I both teach at UK. We’ve been home (more or less, 3 trips
to UK, 2 trips to the vet) since March 13. Location — home.