Michelle Campusano, NDB counselor

The Catalyst (TC): What is your (initial) reaction to the masking guidelines?

Michelle Campusano (MC): My initial reaction was honestly anxiety. We have been wearing masks for so long, it is almost a part of my identity. But with that, I know that the new masking guidelines are in response to the mass public getting vaccinated and staying healthy and safe. 

TC: Why do you choose to wear a mask or not wear a mask?

MC: For me, I am definitely in between. I will wear it when I am walking around the school and out and about in town, but in my office, or in some other places like the gym I am comfortable. Plus, it is absolutely amazing that after two years I can see smiling faces!

TC: What do you think of people who think differently from you: Those that are or are not wearing a mask?

MC: It is a personal choice, however on both sides there needs to be respect. There is no physical harm to someone if they choose to wear a mask. I have seen and heard people make comments to those who wear a mask. For example, when I was visiting my hometown of Truckee, I stopped by Reno, which is in another state where the mandate has been lifted for a while. I chose to keep my mask on and I had others come up to me and tell me “I do not need to wear that here, and there is no need”. My response every time was, “Is my mask doing physical harm to you?” With those not wearing a mask, again it is a personal choice. I am in the middle, and I respect both personal choices. As long as respect is consistent, there should be no problem.

TC: Do you think dropping masks in school was the best decision for the state to make?

MC: This is actually very interesting. We all know that schools are one of the top places where you get sick. I remember when I first started working in schools, I was always sick. I do see the benefit of wearing masks in school because of that reason, however, I also do understand that we are two years into mask wearing. We are learning to coexist with this pandemic. I agree that it should be strongly recommended, but up to your personal choice that suits best for you and your family. 

TC: Do you think there should be an online option for community members that are not comfortable with these masking guidelines?

MC: This is a sticky topic and a really good question. For those who are not comfortable with the masking guidelines, I empathize with them. This is so hard, and there is so much grey area. This is not a black and white situation for those who fall into this category. As far as the online option, unfortunately I do believe that if it is within the means of the community and have the proper resources (enough staff to run just online, enough financial assistance, etc.), then it should be an option. However, we are not currently at that point as a community as we are just coming out of a pandemic and resources are limited as is.

TC: Do you think the mask optional policy will lead to good or bad consequences?

MC: I guess we are all buckled in for this crazy rollercoaster and we will all find out together.