@maskuptcu

Student-led social media project to advocate for safe mask-wearing practices on TCU's campus

In Fall of 2020 during the beginning of our school year, COVID cases skyrocketed to upwards of 550 on and off campus. Fear ran rampant as students worried they'd experience a nightmarish repeat of March. Rumors swirled through campus that students would be sent home to take class on Zoom once more for the semester.

Some students championed mask-wearing to the point that a shame culture arose, while others emphasized personal freedom above all else. Division and tension reared its ugly head. Rules were enforced, but there was little discussion behind the "why" of it all.

In the midst of the chaos, I realized there was a story to be told. There were stories to be told. Stories of why students choose to wear a mask, beyond "it's the rule." Stories that could promote change. Stories that could unify and lead to deeper understanding.

In an effort to encourage empathy and vulnerability, I started a social media campaign on Instagram called @maskuptcu adorned with the hashtags #maskuptcu and #iwearmymaskbecause. In the campaign, I took photos of students wearing their mask and holding up a white board with their personal reason for masking up. In the caption of each photo, participants shared a detailed story behind their statement on the white board.

Responses of all kinds arose -- everything from "#iwearamaskbecause my best friend is stuck in Vietnam and I want her to come back" to "#iwearamaskbecause I want to experience live theatre again." The initial participants were TCU Resident Assistants, but eventually the entire school got involved. Hall Directors, Dining Hall Employees, Vice Chancellors, and even the Chancellor himself, Victor Boschini, made appearances in the campaign.

Quickly gaining recognition through story reposts and shares, #maskuptcu became the chatter all across campus.

Fortunately, COVID cases on TCU's campus dropped weeks later, and I believe my campaign helped people reframe their decision to wear a mask in a more human light. I believe it helped students, professors, and horned frog fans alike consider the implications of their actions and the stories of their peers.

@maskuptcu was an acknowledgement that in the thick of the pandemic, wearing a mask was about more than just rules, it was about loving people.

Ultimately, my efforts were recognized by Craig Allen, Director of Housing, as well as Kathy Cavins-Tull, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. I was featured on TCU360, the TCU student newspaper, for my efforts. I was also featured on the American Campus Communities' website and Instagram page as an American Campus Communities Champion. Through my nomination, I was able to make a donation to a charitable organization of my choice, Union Gospel Mission of Fort Worth, an organization dedicated to providing food, shelter, and supportive services to thousands of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness.

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TCU360 Article

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American Campus Communities Instagram Feature

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American Campus Communities Website Feature

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wear my mask because disease doesn’t discriminate and COVID-19 affects all humans. I know that my actions could have the potential to affect the entire community which I care for so much and I don’t want to have to live with the guilt knowing I did nothing to protect it. Caring about those around me doesn’t mean I’m a liberal or a conservative, it means I’m a good person.”
- Allen Campoy, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wrote “It’s all a Matter of Respect” because I think that’s what wearing a mask really is all about: respect for others. Whether I agree with wearing one or not, I will do it because I think it shows respect for those who think it is important. It’s about being a part of something much bigger than myself.”
- Victor Boschini, Chancellor of Texas Christian University
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wear my mask in an effort to love and serve those around me well on a daily basis. It's a matter of humbling myself to serve the needs of the greater community. In a time where love and respect seems to be scarce, I hope people know I care about them when they see me wearing my mask. I wear a mask to care for you and your safety; not my comfort.”
- Maurice “Mo” Mull, Hall Director
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“My wife is an Emergency Room Physician and my daughter works in a Neuroscience research lab. She will eventually be a Doctor as well. These very intelligent women have dedicated their lives to studying and practicing science. They are experts. They did not receive their information from the TV or a website. I choose to listen and acknowledge those who are only influenced by facts.”
- Adrian Andrews, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wear my mask because it’s a very necessary act of selflessness. It’s quite obvious that this virus has risks that affect an enormous amount of individuals. It would be insanely selfish of me to not do my part to reduce the spread by doing something as simple as wearing a mask. It’s time to display a little compassion. The world is bigger than me. The world is bigger than you.”
- Kynnedi Rone, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wear my mask because your health matters!! My health matters!! Our health matters!! Our health is something we should not take for granted and it is so important that we protect our neighbors and protect ourselves! I wear my mask because it is a simple gesture to show that you value your health and the health of others around you!”
- Gracelyn Pugh, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmaskbecause
“When we first started wearing masks, I honestly hated the way it inhibited my breathing and stopped me from greeting other people with a smile. But as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, my faith drives everything I do. And Jesus taught us that loving our neighbors — loving everyone we come into contact with — is one of our most important missions in this life. I believe wearing a mask, this little act of selflessness and humility for a neighbor’s sake, is exactly what Jesus meant when he said to love your neighbor like you love yourself. For Jesus, and for my neighbor, I wear my mask out of love and with the hope that every person I meet is a little healthier and a little safer because of it.”
- Kalina Fajardo, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wear my mask because I want everyone around me to feel safe. I am very much a people person, so I interact with a lot of people daily. The least I can do is try to protect those I interact with. Each person has their own background, history, motivations, etc. Because of this I want to make sure that no one feels concerned for their safety if I approach them or vice versa. Most of all, I want to be able to safely continue enjoying my time with others on our beautiful campus for as long as I can!”
- Andre Giammattei, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“The reason I wear my mask is because your health is important to me. It’s really that simple. I value your health, your life and the people you love. Face coverings (especially masks) are shown to be one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Knowing that information, I wear my mask because it is an easy and effective way to protect your health. No one should get sick or die because of someone else’s personal decision.”
- Ethan Mito, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“This summer I was an essential healthcare worker and saw the detriment that this virus inflicted upon senior living communities. The residents’ physical and emotional well being were compromised, and as many of them are nearing the ends of their lives, seeing what they had to go through without the comfort and companionship of their families was heartbreaking. I continue to wear my mask today to protect other caregivers from getting sick, unknowingly spreading the virus to at-risk patients, and to contain the spread so families can once again spend time with their loved ones.”
- Cassidy Wiggins, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“As I’m sure most people can relate, once COVID happened and things shut down, we had several things taken away from us. Whether that was summer plans, a summer job or internship, the remainder of ones senior year, or most devastatingly, loved ones and people close to us, we’ve all lost something in the past 5 months. I wear my mask because I want to stop having to grieve over things that are continually being lost. I want all of us to be able to have those exciting opportunities again without fear of it being taken away."
- Elaina Romeo, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“This is a global pandemic that has affected countless people directly and indirectly. Even though I’m not immunocompromised, there are people around me who are and I don’t want to put them at risk. I care about the people around me, so I put my comfort aside for the safety of others.”
- Becca Curran, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wear my mask because it is an action of love. You think love is cheesy, but that’s not the type of love I am talking about.
I love my parents and my siblings. I appreciate the work and sacrifice my parents have gone through to give me an education and a truly engaging, life-giving college experience. Three years ago, from a Vietnamese airport, my mom sent me to America. She rarely cries, but she cried that day. I wear my mask because I will not let those tears be wasted. Love isn’t neglecting the sacrifice of your family and friends who have poured into you to get you here. It is not a cheesy love. It is a painful, sacrificial, difficult, beautiful, and selfless type of love that wearing your mask is about. It is a love I am asking you to give, because Vietnam’s borders closed this April and that means I am hoping everyday from now until November 24th that our actions can open them up again.
Covid spreads like wildfire, but love does too. This beautiful, difficult, self-giving love can change the course of all our lives. Will you give it?”
- Tram Nguyen, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“It’s not my choice to put others lives in harms way because of a little discomfort. Additionally, I wear my mask because I want to protect everyone, including myself. These masks are scientifically proven to slow the spread of COVID-19, so let’s all please uphold to those TCU ethics and make this campus safer for ourselves, our families, as well as all our vulnerable populations. #ASaferCampus4Everyone”
- Chase Berry, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that there are certain issues facing our country and our world that are much bigger than our personal inconveniences. At the same time, however, that is hard. It is hard to put ourselves second and even harder to understand and comprehend the consequences the arise from the actions we take. The consequences are there though, and through them we have seen the damning consequences of ignoring simple precaution like wearing our face coverings and physically distancing. Let us acknowledge and appreciate those who are putting their inconvenience aside for the greater good and strongly advocate toward those who may not see the damage they can cause. We will be a stronger, healthier, and happier community because of it. Wear your face covering as a sign of compassion and empathy. Two things we could all use and share with others, especially right now.”
- Cristian Padilla, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wear my mask because the TCU experience is too valuable to miss out on.
Looking back at my three years at TCU, I've had the opportunity of creating lasting memories with the people I hold very close to my heart. From football games to Christmas tree lightings to spontaneous midnight trips to Taco bell, I will cherish these moments forever. I wouldn't have traded my experience for the world.
That being said, the fact that I am "looking back" at my experience at TCU only being in my SECOND week as a senior is frightening, frustrating and heartbreaking. I'm sure most current freshman lost the chance of making memories during graduations, banquets, recitals, and goodbyes.

Let's not repeat the cycle. Wear a mask.”
- Brayden Raqueño, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I care about the livelihoods of others. There are so many people on campus whose job is to be a resource to the students that are here, including Hall Directors, the Housekeeping and BLUU staffs, the office of Student Development Services, and many others. If we go home, these people won't have any students to serve (there's only so much Zoom programming people can do). I wear my mask so that we can stay on campus and the people who care for us on this campus will still have their jobs!”
- Rebecca Thompson, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I believe that wearing a mask is not about us as individuals, but rather about loving our neighbors and prioritizing their safety above our own comfort. It is a sign of respect and solidarity, and a great way for us to do justly, walk humbly, and love mercy (Micah 6:8). Do justly: show everyone impartial respect by not making them uncomfortable. Walk humbly: put others above ourselves. Love mercy: choose compassion over potentially exposing others to covid. Let’s show others that we love and care about them!”
- Violet Comer, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“As our numbers continue to rise on campus, it is vital that we play an active role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. We all want to stay on campus until November 24, but that won’t happen if we continue on our current trajectory. Let’s stay diligent in our wearing of masks, social distancing and RESPECTING our fellow horned frogs. We CAN do this together!”
- Collin Pittman, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“Upwards of 800,000 people no longer have the ability to. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, almost one million people's lives have been taken before they should have been. One simple action can keep both you and others safe in a time where safety is not afforded to everyone. Wearing your mask is about respecting those who have lost their lives to a disease that may not have affected you. Wearing your mask is about your own safety and the safety of your loved ones.

There are going to be a lot of people missing from their family's holiday pictures this year, and no one else should have to deal with that pain. If you were to ask any of the people who lost their lives to COVID-19, they would tell you that you should wear your mask. I wear my mask for those people and so that that number doesn't rise any more than it already has.
- Robby Gay, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“COVID-19 is such an unpredictable virus. It affects people differently and there’s no way of knowing whether we’re a carrier or not if we don’t display any symptoms. Wearing masks and keeping our distance are simple ways to slow the spread and minimize exposure. It may not sound like much but it really is the least we can do to ensure we’re doing our part in staying safe!”
- Raquel Amaya, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I want my family to be able to watch me walk across the graduation stage in May. I have 5 older siblings and for as long as I can remember, I was always brought to all of their activities —science fairs, swim meets, football games, art shows, graduations (so many graduations), you name it and I was probably there. I've been waiting to graduate from college for so long so my siblings could come and celebrate this accomplishment with me, so that they could come and be proud of their baby sister. It isn't often that all 6 of us are in the same place these days, but I pictured my graduation being this event where we were all together and they realized their baby sister had grown up. I wear my mask so that when I walk across the stage, I can look out and see my siblings smiling back at me.”
- Kataryna Lewyckyj, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wear my mask because I'm not willing to put my loved ones' health in danger. I wear my mask in case anyone around me has COVID, yes, but also in case I have it and don't know it. A person's choice to wear or not wear a mask impacts far more people than that one individual. Not wearing a mask puts at risk the health and even lives of every person with whom the individual comes into contact. For the sake of other students, wear your mask.
I wear my mask to protect my family. My brother goes to TCU. I want to know that he is safe. My dad is a professor at TCU. Before the end of the very first week of school, he was notified that two students in his class had tested positive for COVID. I hated hearing that; it scared me. I want to know that he is safe. He goes home every day to my mom and two sisters. I want to know that they are safe. My grandma lives in Fort Worth. I want to know that she is safe. For the sake of my family, other families in the community, perhaps even your own family, wear your mask.
I wear my mask because I'd rather have a mask on at TCU than not have one on at home. This is my senior year. This is my last semester of classes, and I want so badly to enjoy it at TCU. This is a semester of "lasts" for me, so it makes me incredibly sad to think that it could be taken away from me by people who are blatantly disregarding safety precautions. For the sake of everyone who wants to stay on campus, wear your mask.”
- Meghan Bettencourt, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“There is nothing convenient about COVID, but I think we all can agree that it is wonderful to be here on TCU soil, and it is worth wearing a mask in order to stay here. Education is obviously a large part of our lives at TCU, and jeopardizing others' education because masks are inconvenient is not only selfish, but extremely disrespectful to peers, TCU faculty, and staff. There are many majors and minors that rely on in-person classes in order to function properly. Just because you aren't affected by this pandemic, does not mean no one will be. Wearing a mask is not giving into conformity, it is not political, it is simply putting others' health and safety over personal comfort or resentment. Let us love and respect others on campus by acting as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in our TCU community!"
- Joe Rhoads, Student
#maskuptcu

#iwearmymaskbecause
“I wear my mask because we, as a collective group, are better safe than sorry.

Wearing a mask is not political, and the inconveniences that come with wearing one will never overcome the pain this virus has brought people across the country.

I want to stay on campus. I want y’all to stay on campus, because we deserve that experience. But if y’all don’t start taking this seriously, that will be taken away from us.

It shouldn’t be this hard - we shouldn’t have to start a campaign for college students to care about the lives of others.”
- Brett Rawlings, Student
#maskuptcu

@maskuptcu

​​@maskuptcu was an acknowledgement that in the thick of the pandemic, wearing a mask was about more than just rules, it was about loving people.

@maskuptcu was an acknowledgement that in the thick of the pandemic, wearing a mask was about more than just rules, it was about loving people.