Zack Rybak
Social worker
Due to the nature of my work, I’m mostly just surviving. I cope with it by having a wonderful dog and a wonderful wife. I’ve been trying to read more books and novels, and write more. One night a week, I play intramural volleyball. It’s something that I look forward to. I get to socialize and get my mind off my work.
Alyssa Nishihira
Physician assistant
Thriving. When I compare to where I was personally last year, I’m in a better place in all aspects of my life—like, professionally and businesswise. I do think that things can always be better, But I’m content where I’m at. I just moved into a new condo and have a new job and have started a business.
Ryan Cosner
Mechanical engineering graduate student
Just surviving. Early this year, I was hit by the wildfires, and my garage burned down with my treasured car in it. It was a 1980 Mazda RX-7. My dad and I restored it; I loved that car. Due to the damage to the property, I had to move into the very noisy dorms, and I had to get acquainted with new people. This is my final year in school, and I really didn’t need all this.
Mike Grant
Business owner
As a business owner, it’s a little of both. But right now, I’m thriving due to the community that supports our business. In the winter, it’s about half and half—half thriving and half surviving. Customers are out and about now that summertime is here with the nice weather. I’m a local; I grew up here and have a lot of contacts in the community, and we give back to the community with scholarships and donate to various organizations like Pop Warner and the schools.
Alora Gearhart
Political science student
At this point, I would say thriving—but in a nonconventional way. Looking at the future has always been a struggle for me. In today’s climate, it makes it even more difficult for me to look at the future. But it makes me hone in on focusing on what I can do, to do what’s best for myself right now in the present.