EKU McNair Scholar is Being Part of the Solution

In the greatest pandemic in over 100 years, EKU McNair scholar Cara Copeland is choosing to be a part of the solution.

Cara is a junior psychology major aiming for a doctorate in school psychology.

Cara has established an impressive record of undergraduate research and is dedicated to helping people and improving the human condition. 

Cara is helping people in her community by being a front-end employee at the Kroger store in Shelbyville, Kentucky.  She assists people at check-out, serves as a cashier, helps shoppers find items in the store, and sanitizes carts and products.  But there are risks. For Cara the risks include being close to family members who are especially vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.  Cara says, “It can be challenging in taking all the precautions I can to ensure I don’t bring this disease home to my family.”

Nevertheless, Cara says one of the best parts of her job is witnessing her community come together.  “Our community has been especially supportive of grocery workers. I’ve witnessed local businesses cater free meals to us as well as customers bringing us protective masks they made at home.”

Cara says, “My advice for people working with the public at this time is to be responsible.  Wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself and others.  And be patient.  Fear can bring out the worst in people and many people are acting outside their normal character at this time.  Everyone is going through a difficult time, and regardless of how someone may treat you, do your best to be empathetic.”

Cara’s work helps people secure what they need so they can keep their families healthy and safe at home.  To that end, Cara says, “I’m blessed that I can be part of the solution.”

Published on May 22, 2020