Abstract
In this interview, Heidi Sasseville, Senior Sales Clerk at the Brown University Bookstore, discusses her experiences living through the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Sasseville begins by recalling that she heard about COVID-19 on the news and that changes to her day-to-day life came on suddenly. She explains that before everyone was sent home for an undetermined amount of time, few precautions were implemented at the bookstore or at the Providence Performing Arts Center or Vets Memorial Auditorium where she also volunteers and works. She adds that shows at those theatres were postponed or canceled seemingly overnight.
Sasseville goes on to talk about changes she notices in her community. She notes the decrease in ridership on public busses in Providence, modifications at the grocery store, and people policing each other on the streets. She notes that her biggest challenge has been trying to keep busy and finding different virtual and socially-distanced activities. Sasseville concludes by saying she hopes people are friendlier to each other throughout and after the pandemic.
Recorded on May 5, 2020 via Zoom
Interviewed by Amanda Knox, Pembroke Center Assistant Archivist
Suggested Chicago style citation: Sasseville, Heidi. Interview. By Amanda Knox. Pembroke Center Oral History Project, Brown University. May 5, 2020.
Biography
Heidi Sasseville was born and raised in Rhode Island. She began working at Brown University in 1998 and earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Johnson & Wales University in 2016. When she is not working at the Brown Bookstore, Sasseville is a volunteer usher at both Providence Performing Arts Center and Vets Memorial Auditorium.