I just moved to Austin, Texas. Here’s what I learned.
// Week of August 16 //
Hey there, everyone!
Thanks for joining me on this journey! And, a special shoutout to those of you who voted on our Instagram stories to decide what I do this week.
If you’re new, I’m Alexa, and I just moved to Austin, Texas. I’m sharing how I’m getting to know the city and becoming a more sustainable and engaged citizen.
It was a somewhat-busy week as I started orientation this week, but on that note, my schedule will only get busier when classes start.
Here’s what I’ve been up to this week!
Everything is Bigger in Texas, Including My Frustration about Covid
We all thought that Covid-19 wouldn’t affect our daily lives by this point… but this week, taking public health precautions was the most significant thing that I did to be a better citizen.
The delta variant is spiking across the country, but particularly in states like Texas. Austin is in Stage 5, the county recommends extra precautions for residents right now.
For me, I started wearing a mask again when I got to Austin. But in a way, Covid became real to me again when my orientation was online this past week instead of in person to minimize potential spread of the virus. I’ve been navigating conversations with those around me about masking and vaccination that I didn’t encounter at home.
As a New York Times article noted, Texas is in a tricky spot with Covid-19. Because the governor banned mask and vaccine mandates, universities can’t require students to take those public health precautions. However, ICU’s are at or near capacity across the state.
My classes are in person this week, but I’m very aware that this could change. I will wear a mask and socially distance as much as possible– but as I’m sure you’re aware, Covid-19 is still very real.
On our Instagram stories, our followers voted for me to join a racial justice organization this week. I signed up to get email updates from Austin Justice Coalition (AJC) a few weeks ago and I was very excited to attend their Black Art Matters event next weekend. Unfortunately, the event was canceled due to the delta variant.
But, I plan to get involved with AJC in other ways. This statement from their website summarizes their mission:
Austin Justice Coalition is a Racial Justice Group that educates and builds community power for people of color who live in Austin, Texas that need support, community, and liberation during a time of systemic injustice in America.
I filled out their volunteer interest form and look forward to getting involved!
The Eight Manmade Wonder of the World
Our followers voted that I visit the downtown library this week. To be completely honest, I actually visited the library two weeks ago with my roommates. And it was great!
This is the crown jewel of libraries. I mean, nothing against the Minneapolis Public Library and the Nashville Public Library, but the Austin Public Library is the eighth manmade wonder of the world.
It’s six floors of books, sunlight and joy. There’s even a garden and solar panel installation on the top floor. Plus, the whole library is LEED certified.
I love that the city invested in this awesome space for its residents. I’ll definitely be back for some weekend study sessions.
This week, I finished On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed, which I borrowed from my local library.
The book was mostly about Gordon-Reed and her personal experiences as a Black woman from Texas. Through her life stories, Gordon-Reed provides a window into the tumultuous racial history of Texas. From slavery as a part of the state’s founding to segregation to the celebration of Juneteenth, race has always been part of the state’s history.
I’m planning to learn more about race as a part of the history of Austin in the coming weeks.
Coming up next week, I’ll be learning more about a few of the topics I’ve promised to get to on Instagram: our local government, Afghan refugees in Austin, and my composting journey.
Check back on Friday for the next Alexa in ATX article, and follow Novel Hand on Instagram for more frequent updates!
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