Challenge

LEADING THROUGH

CHALLENGE

Roan Scholars learned about leading through challenge with a visit to the Boone Dam, where they saw firsthand the massive repair project underway. The COVID-19 pandemic also provided Scholars many opportunities to lead through challenge, as they found ways to serve their communities during a time of need.

FROM BULGARIA TO APPALACHIA: DOCUMENTING THE PANDEMIC

Larissa Copley ’21 had long dreamed of spending a semester abroad. Two months into her spring semester at the American University in Bulgaria, though, that dream was cut short when Larissa received word she had to return to the United States. "There was no time for proper goodbyes and no time for closure,” she said. “It was just a lot of emotions to process in a very short amount of time.”

After nearly 30 hours of international travel, Larissa arrived back in Tennessee. “I spent the following weeks struggling to grasp the reality of my situation,” she said.

To help come to terms with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her college experience, Larissa enrolled in Professor Melissa Schrift’s Anthropology summer seminar on the pandemic. Students in the course documented the pandemic in Appalachia in real time, primarily through photography and interviews.

“I found that sharing my story was therapeutic,” said Larissa. “The course also reminded me that everyone else has a story, too, and that everyone else also has the right to be hurt.”

Tiffany Cook ’21 also participated in Professor Schrift’s course. One of the

THE BOONE DAM REPAIR PROJECT

The Boone Dam Project, once completed, will be a seven-year construction project, with a projected cost of $450 million. Roan Scholars got an up-close look at the technical, scientific, and managerial expertise required to carry out such a large-scale project when they toured the dam in October 2019.

In October 2014, a sinkhole was discovered near the base of the embankment at Boone Dam. That discovery initiated a massive remediation project to ensure the dam’s stability. The dam, opened in 1952, plays a critical role in the series of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dams that control water levels and generate electricity.

Scholars learned about the history of the TVA, the original dam construction, and dam safety from Veronica Barredo, TVA Senior Program Manager, Civil Engineering. Barredo also walked Scholars through the highly technical repair process and talked about her experience working on dam projects around the globe.

The TVA’s focus on safety for the downstream public and its workers was a key theme throughout the visit.

Scholars also visited Boone Dam’s control room and learned about the dam’s primary functions that include flood control of the South Fork Holston River and generating hydroelectric power from the river’s current, which supplies roughly 46,000 houses with power.

Thinking about how individuals and organizations show leadership in the face of challenge was a significant takeaway for Tiffany Cook ’21. “In situations like the sinkhole at Boone Dam, which is a critical issue, you have to learn how to lead and take charge and better serve those around you,” said Tiffany.

As the COVID-19 pandemic upended the spring semester, Scholars responded with resilience, creativity, and a commitment to service. Here we share some ways Roan Scholars stepped up and made a difference during these challenging times.

Austin Ramsey ’21 has built Pointech, a thriving technology consulting business, while still an undergraduate at ETSU. As the COVID-19 pandemic required businesses to make rapid adjustments to their operations, Austin was there to guide his clients through that process. Austin shares some thoughts and reflections on what he has learned from this experience: "Social-distancing and remote work has truly helped us learn how to better collaborate amid challenges and obstacles. As the CEO of Pointech, I have the opportunity to consult with businesses and help transition them to remote work environments. Through these transitions, I have learned that communication has never been more critical. This is where utilizing digital platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams can not only help boost collaboration but also allow us the opportunity to think outside the box and re-imagine how we do business. ... Furthermore, I think that we are starting to see the trend of the future as technology will become more and more valuable for a business's success."

Addie Fairchild ’22 stepped up to serve in her home community in Ashe County, North Carolina. While continuing her nursing coursework online, she took a part-time job caring for patients at a long-term care facility. Addie shares about this experience: "My work at the long-term care facility involves assisting residents with their meals, making their beds and straightening up their rooms, and spending quality time with each resident. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, residents were able to move freely throughout the facility and participate in activities. Because of the outbreak, our facility is trying to promote social distancing by not allowing residents out of their rooms and only allowing phone calls with family and friends. This lack of socializing is very hard for our residents. ... I am grateful for this opportunity and I am glad that I can give back to my community in a way that also develops me professionally."

Addie continued to work full-time over the summer at a local rehabilitation center. She was grateful to learn in a skilled nursing rehab setting and “from the employees … so that I can be the best nurse that I can be in the future.”

images Tiffany captured was of mail hanging on her grandparents’ front porch. “My grandparents have been heeding warnings seriously,” explained Tiffany. “They began hanging any mail received on a string on the front porch for a few days to allow it time to ‘air out’ and kill the virus.”

Inspired by the work in Professor Schrift’s course, Larissa led a team to apply for grant funding from the Clinton Global Initiative University and its COVID-19 Student Action Fund. The fund will support select students at universities around the world who are committed to address the COVID-19 pandemic, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

The proposed project is called “Story Quilt,” an oral history project on the lived experiences of Appalachian communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on adaptability, resilience, and diversity. Several ETSU students contributed to the project, including Tiffany, Sam Garcia ’23, and Shivam Patel ’22, all of whom also participated in Professor Schrift’s seminar. "We have the capability to further develop our understanding and give rural Appalachians a voice through this project,” said Larissa.

Olivia Bostic

’23 serves as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Washington County Life Saving Crew in Abingdon, Virginia. While completing her full-time coursework during spring 2020, she also worked 3 shifts (24-36 hours) each week helping those in crisis in her community. "Serving my community has been equally fulfilling and scary during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Olivia. “When I began working as an EMT, I never thought I'd encounter anything like this. I'm grateful, however, because this time has taught me how to better protect my patients and myself in everyday life and in the event of another pandemic. It has also reminded me that having a strong team is a necessary part of working in EMS and how proud I am to work on the front lines.”

While completing coursework for her pre-nursing requirements,

Rebecca

Frazier ’23 of Waynesville, North Carolina helped assemble goodie bags and baskets for essential workers in her local school system. "We received large donations of Easter candy and other goodies we used to create the treats. I have learned that a big part of being a leader is showing gratitude and encouragement to people who are taking risks to help others. This is just one small way to show my appreciation for my local heroes," said Rebecca.

Rebecca continued to serve her community during summer 2020 by completing her Summer of Service at REACH of Haywood County and working at a local summer camp that serves many children in foster care.