IU student creates ‘Quarantine Buddy’ program
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – A student from Indiana University has developed a virtual program to maintain social connections by remotely pairing people together based on similar interests and areas of study. IU Bloomington junior Evan Catron founded “Quarantine Buddy” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide an outlet for students dealing with stress and anxiety.
Catron says he created the Quarantine Buddy program because the pandemic has created a situation for college students who are now physically isolated from friends, classmates and teachers.
“I started it because the first few days of quarantine I realized I got depressed; I did not leave my bed or even shower,” said Catron, who is staying in his campus apartment. “I knew there had to be people out there in the same situation as me.”
Catron, a biology major on the pre-med track, says the program started out focusing primarily on students but is now reaching a broader audience. He says he’s matching mothers of students, recent graduates, high school students, graduate students, and IU alumni.
According to Catron, the program has had 500 people sign up from over 60 colleges and universities in nearly 100 cities.
IU Bloomington chemistry professor Cate Reck says Quarantine Buddies is a great way to address some of the anxiety students face.
“Talking face to face with someone who is facing the same situation — someone who will listen without judging or criticizing — is one of the most effective ways to diffuse anxiety,” Reck said.
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