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Lessons From a Pandemic

Voices

Voices is a series of first-person narratives written by members of the NC State community reflecting on experiences that have shaped their personal and professional lives.

Teresa Benjamin holds up her golden-framed diploma from North Carolina Wesleyan College

Jul 19, 2023

Make Something of Yourself

NC State employee Teresa Benjamin makes a case for the value of a college degree and why it’s never too late to pursue one. 
Professor J. Mark Scearce in his office

Apr 19, 2023

Setting Love to Music

The score for Carolina Ballet's Orpheus & Eurydice contains a message of love — lost, regained and lost again. 
breast cancer survivors gathered during the 2023 Plahy4Kay game

Feb 9, 2023

Cause for Celebration

Monday’s Play4Kay game at Reynolds Coliseum was powerful medicine for cancer survivors like NC State staffer D'Lyn Ford. 
Tomeko Brown with a copy of her book at a bookstore

Dec 15, 2022

The Power of Perseverance

NC State staffer Tomeko Brown shares the story of how she became an award-winning author during a time of great transition — and transformation — in her life. 
Anne Lesky headshot against backdrop of bright pink azaleas

Nov 21, 2022

The Gift of Music

In her own words, Anne Lesky shares the story of how carrying on a beloved workplace tradition has reawakened her passion for singing. 
The Jacques-Cartier River runs between forested ridges in Jacques-Cartier National Park in Québec, Canada.

Jul 28, 2021

Climbing the Mountain of a Lifetime

NC State's George Elvin tells how a backpacking trip in his youth inspired him to seek a career designing green, climate-resilient housing. 
Dave Herpy at Lake Raleigh

Jul 23, 2021

‘Happiness Is a Journey’

Personal tragedy reframed Dave Herpy’s outlook on his life and career. Here, he shares his story — and the six principles that guide him every day. 
woman standing by Lake Raleigh

Oct 29, 2020

Surviving Breast Cancer

In an intimate first-person account of her experience with stage 3 breast cancer, NC State staffer Clarissa Spencer demonstrates an unbreakable spirit — and the power of faith and family. 
self-portrait sketch of a woman with flowers

Aug 26, 2020

How the Pandemic Affected My Struggle With Bulimia

As a public health expert, Lindsey Haynes-Maslow says she assumed the pandemic would impact our country heavily. But, in this first-person account, she says that she was not prepared for its impact on her. 
man sitting in chair donating platelets

May 20, 2020

Life Blood: Why I Donate Platelets

In a first-person account of his experience donating platelets, Jeff Braden describes how a once-foreign concept transformed into an act of service — and why he continues to give during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Justine Hollingshead, chief of staff for NC State's Division of Academic and Student Affairs, and Peter Groenendyk, director of housing at UNC-Wilmington.

Apr 29, 2020

2 Decades on the Front Lines of Emergency Response

No matter what kind of crisis you're going through, there are constructive ways to deal with it, says Justine Hollingshead, chief of staff for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. In a first-person account drawing upon her experiences as an emergency responder, Hollingshead shares strategies for getting through the coronavirus pandemic. 
More than 5,000 people march outside the Federal Building in Los Angeles in May 1983 to draw attention to the emerging AIDS crisis.

Apr 2, 2020

Lessons From a Pandemic

No one survives a pandemic untouched by the experience, says NC State editorial director David Hunt. In a first-person account of his work covering the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, Hunt sees parallels with today's coronavirus outbreak.