It’s hard to believe that we’ve been living
with COVID-19 for as long as we have – on one hand, it feels like we’re all
still adjusting to this new way of life, but on the other hand, it’s hard to
imagine what life was like before COVID-19 became a part of our daily reality.
I’ve said this a few times over the past
couple of months, but I’ve never been more proud to be a New Yorker than now –
watching our city’s response to the seriousness of this pandemic and witness it
go from the worst place in the country to one of the best has solidified my
pride to be here. It’s rare that I take public transportation these days just
so I can keep myself and those around me safe, but when I do, I’m continue to
be impressed to see that every person is wearing a mask, is consciously
maintaining physical distance from one another, and is simply doing their best
to stay safe and keep those around them safe.
I wear my mask everywhere I go – it’s
become a part of my external batch of necessities: wallet, keys, phone, mask. I
also bring hand sanitizer with me at all times – if I’m in a grocery store, I
try to be mindful about everything I touch. Even if I go outside to take out my
trash, I try to think about how many other people in my building that have
touched those door handles in the same day. You’ve heard it a million times –
always be washing your hands, and pay attention to how often you’re touching
your surfaces and your face. It’s so simple, but SO IMPORTANT. We live in New
York City, which means that we all share so many things throughout the course
of one day. It’s so important to be as safe as possible.
I’ll spare you the obvious, like wearing a
mask and washing your hands and carrying hand sanitizer. So instead, here are a
few other rules of thumb to consider while living here in New York City so you
can stay safe and keep those around you safe as well.
Socialize in small groups
I know every
person’s circumstances are different when it comes to living space – maybe you
live with roommates or live in a different borough than your friends – but this
is the time to get creative when it comes to hanging with your friends. If a
member in your group has an outdoor space, declare that person the host! Bring
snacks, drinks, and games and have a night in instead of congregating at
outdoor bars. Not only will this keep you safe, but you’ll save so much money,
too. Be sure to dress warm and travel with layers, as November is the
unofficial start of winter weather!
Order takeout
By now, you’re
likely aware that the restaurant industry is struggling due to the dining
restrictions that the CDC has set in place. So this is the time to give those
delivery apps some attention! Not only will you be able to support local
businesses that value every dollar they get, but you’ll get fresh and amazing
meals delivered right to your door! Be sure to tip well, too, as people are
battling the outdoor elements to get your food to you quickly and safely –
especially now that the weather is getting chillier!
Set guidelines and rules for yourself
Over the past
couple of months as we’ve adjusted to all the phases of reopening, it’s been
very tempting to do ALL the things that I’ve wanted to do since the city shut
down. But again, I have to be very thoughtful and mindful of my safety and that
of others. Because I’m fortunate enough to be able to work from home for my
job, it’s easier for me to stay in during the week. So that I not only continue
practicing safety but also satisfy my urgency to socialize and visit with
friends, I reserve one day during the weekend to hop over to a different
neighborhood to visit and catch-up with those I haven’t been able to see. This
one-day-a-week has proven to be a successful practice, as I get to look forward
to that one night a week that I go out, and I also feel that I’m staying safe
and staying home as much as I can. Bonus: because I’m not going out as much as
I used to before COVID-19, I’m saving so much more money, too!
I’ve realized that I’ve reached a point
where I’m completely used to physical distancing and wearing a mask – it
certainly felt bizarre and uncomfortable for the first couple of weeks and
maybe even months, but you’re probably like me now, where it’s just customary.
In fact, when I’m watching TV or a movie and I see people together in large
crowds without masks, I cringe – of course I know that scene was filmed
pre-COVID, but it’s strange to think of a time when that’s how we all
congregated.
There are certain events or activities that
have changed due to the pandemic and the safety measures we have to take to
avoid large crowds. I miss catching a movie at the theater or traveling to see
my favorite band at a huge venue. I miss amusement parks and comedy shows.
While the true experience of those events have shifted, many of these
industries have pivoted their platforms to virtual experiences so that they can
continue bringing in revenue and you can continue to enjoy the event – it’ll
just have to be from your home!
I’ve pulled together a collection of
virtual New York City experiences happening in the month of November, but keep
in mind that one of the huge benefits of so many events going virtual is that
you’re not geographically bound to just the city! So do some research and see
what other events are being held that you can “attend” without even leaving
your couch!
Cocktail Making Class, November
1, 2020
I’ll be the
first to admit to you that I’ve been sipping on a little bit more wine since
we’ve been spending so much more time at home. And I’ve found myself missing
the days of ordering unusual drinks at bars and experimenting with something
I’ve never had while out on the town for dinner. If this sounds like you too,
you might be interested in this event, hosted by Eventbrite. In this virtual
event, you’ll learn a variety of classic and original recipes that you can
easily make at home and wow your guests the next time you have a low-key get
together. This is a great way to test out your own cocktail-making skills while
also adding a few more tricks up your sleeve!
Virtual Job Fair, November 10,
2020
No matter where
you are in your career, whether you’re still in school or thinking about a
career change, this event is one that you shouldn’t miss! The organizer,
JobFairX, has pulled together a wide variety of industries that are looking for
talented people to join their teams, and this virtual event will provide you
the opportunity to network and engage, share experiences, and broaden your
search capabilities. Since the pandemic has rocked our economy so drastically
in just a matter of months, the job market has shifted just as much – so this
is one you should be sure to attend!
NYC Trivia Night, November 10,
2020
Whether you’re
new to New York City or have been around for a few years, this event is a great
way to test your knowledge of the great Big Apple – against people from all
over the world, nonetheless! Since this event is strictly virtual, you’ll be
able to participate without even leaving your home! Order in takeout, crack
open a beer, and see how much you know! You can either play independently or
with a team, so be sure you have all those details ironed out before you
register so you can get ready to test your knowledge as soon as the day arrives.
Acting 101: Beginning Technique
and Scene Study, November 10, 2020
If acting is
something you’re serious about or if it’s a passion that you’re trying to hone
in on while living in this strange time, this might be the virtual event for
you. While this particular experience is a bit pricier than other virtual
events discussed so far, you’ll know that you’ll be getting the experience of a
lifetime. Check out all the other opportunities this group has if you’re
interested in other virtual events!
Zoom Comedy Show, November 28,
2020
If we’ve all
needed a laugh together, it’s now. If you need something to entertain yourself
following your Thanksgiving festivities, this is the place to “be”! With
comedians from some of the most well-known shows and networks, you’ll be set to
laugh your socks off! Be sure to register soon, because this event is filling
up quickly.
It’s almost hard to think about what our
world was like before COVID-19 became a part of it. I find myself referring to
the time before the pandemic as “pre-COVID” when I’m telling a story, which is a
strong indication to just how big of an impact this experience has been on all
of us. In an odd way, this pandemic is the one that that we’re all experiencing
on a universal level. Each personal experience is unique from the next, and
it’s certain that this is something that none of us will forget for the rest of
our lives.
Beyond the physical aspect of the pandemic,
the virus itself, this moment in time has impacted and affected so many factors
of our lives. One of the biggest ways that it’s taken a toll on is our mental
and emotional health. Whether we’ve lost our jobs or had to take pay cuts, or
if we’re far from family and live alone, or even if we’re already living with a
chronic condition and are having trouble accessing our primary health
specialist or our treatment – this experience is unique for each and every one
of us, and it’s more important than ever to make sure that we’re all taking
care of our mental health.
I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I’m fortunate enough to be able to work from home full-time without my pay being affected. While I still get to “see” my coworkers via Zoom, I’m certainly missing the in-person interaction that came with the office, especially with those that I don’t work that intimately with. Because I live alone, I relied on those day-to-day in-person interaction to fill the need of human intimacy – now that I don’t have that, there’s a level of daily loneliness that has increased.
I’m also the only one in my family that
lives here in New York City. My family members are spread out over the states,
so visiting them hasn’t been a realistic option for me. Again, I’m thankful for
our technology these days to keep us in touch, and with FaceTime and Zoom, I
can be sure to “see” them on a regular basis, but to the same idea above, it’s
certainly not the same.
Something else that I’m grieving that I
wasn’t expecting is the city itself. Sure, the past couple of months I’ve been
writing about how there’s still plenty to do and see here while we’re in the
middle of this pandemic, but I also won’t lie to you: it’s not the same.
Because I’m spending so much more time inside my studio apartment, there are
many days when I practically forget that I live in the best city in the world.
When I was commuting to work, taking the subway, transferring at Times Square,
and passing thousands of other New Yorkers a day, I truly felt like I was
making the most of my experience of living in this great city. Without that,
there’s a level of removal that I’m feeling – I feel like I miss the city, even
though I’m still here.
Paying attention to all of these new
feelings and emotions is crucial as we continue to move forward into the next
couple of months. I still maintain my weekly therapy sessions (virtually, of
course), and every week, my therapist starts off the conversation with, “How was
this week for you?” I come to those sessions every week prepared and take a
deep breath as I recount yet another week of living in quarantine. Sometimes,
my emotions are monotonous, just like my days. Often I’m feeling suffocated,
defeated, scared, lonely, and worried. There’s so much uncertainty in our world
these days that I feel comforted when she tells me that I’m not alone, that
these emotions are felt city-wide, state-wide, and worldwide. She urges me to
keep reaching out to my friends to talk, video chat, and connect. She urges me
to continue to count what I consider lucky while still thinking of others that
are struggling in different ways. She urges me to listen to my instincts and
write things out if I’m having a tough day. She’s also mentioned that if I ever
feel that I need additional help beyond what she’s providing me that I need to
tell her so that she can refer me to that additional expertise.
I urge you to do the same, as there’s not a
more important time to do this than right now.
As we just hit the six-month mark of living in a pandemic, I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how much has changed in this short period. I joke with my coworkers how this whole journey has essentially felt like one long day, almost as if time simply doesn’t exist anymore. The punctuations of our days have been muted, and even my levels of productivity often feel lower than I remember. I live in a studio here in Manhattan, which means that my working space is in the same space as where I sleep, eat, and relax (at least try to). This has affected my outlook on my routines for sure, as the lines of my professional life have blurred with those of my personal life and vice versa. There are advantages to this, and of course, disadvantages.
No one knew that we would still be “in
this” for this long. And once we all realized that this pandemic was not going
to be short-term, I think we’ve all braced ourselves for the realities of our
future and what those look like. A lot of my friends and colleagues have left the
city for the freedom and open spaces of suburbia where their families live.
I’ve chosen to stick around – I love being in the city, no matter how different
or eerie it feels. I’m proud of how resilient us New Yorkers have been, and I’m
even more proud at how we went from being the epicenter of the virus just
months ago to the model of protocol and following safety procedures.
As our days in New York City continue, and as we face a very uncertain fall and winter due to flu season and colder temperatures, we still have plenty to look forward to here in the Big Apple. As long as we continue to practice our physical distancing and wearing a mask and simply just using our heads, we can still enjoy this amazing city to best of our abilities. And if you’re looking for ways to keep your English skills fresh and your practices sharp, there are still a ton of ways to put all of that to use as you enjoy New York City.
1. Stay fit and focused
As New Yorkers, we actually have quite a few options at our fingertips when it comes to staying active and in shape. When my gym closed in March, I had to adapt to new practices with what I had in my apartment – and finding the motivation was part of that new habit, too! On the warmer days, I did my best to do runs outside by the river or through parks just to get a change of scenery. It wasn’t awesome wearing a mask the whole time, but I got used to it. I also downloaded a ton of fitness apps to keep me motivated by activating reminders and establishing routine, which was super helpful. Now that gyms are open in the city but with heavy restrictions, you might be wondering what’s best for you. For me, I opted to continue down my own practices – not only has this helped me save money, but I also ultimately feel that it’s safer no matter what. At the end of the day, it’s up to you, but be sure to think about safety as one of your primary thought processes. If you’re looking for ways to keep you English practice fresh, so many of these apps are interactive, so you’ll be sure to keep your listening and comprehending skills sharp.
2. Outdoor and indoor dining
As our weather
changes in the coming months, we’ll start to see some changes around how we’re
operating both indoors and outdoors for dining. I keep seeing the dates change
here, but more than anything, I recommend approaching the coming months with an
open and flexible mind. So much of what we do next needs to be reactive so that
we know how to move forward as safely as possible. In the meantime, enjoy the
outdoor dining while we still have it, and if the day comes when we can move
indoors, continue to use your best instincts to protect yourself and those
around you. As always, interacting with the menus and the waitstaff is the best
way to keep your English skills practiced and up-to-speed. Be sure to also
support your local businesses by ordering take-out while you’re quarantining –
they need our help, too!
As we’re still facing the realities of
living in a pandemic, our regular routines and daily lives have shifted
significantly. While we’re certainly in a better place compared to March and
April, we continue to hear advisement around staying safe and the continuation
of physical distancing and slow advancements. We’ve learned a lot over the past
couple of months, and we’ll continue to learn more as our scientists and
researchers work on a vaccine and develop learnings so that we can treat this
virus and move forward stronger than ever.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve talked
to you all about the benefits of living in New York City while learning
English. There truly is no better place to be to immerse yourself in hundreds
of other cultures and languages, not to mention – it’s the best city in the
world!
Lately, I’ve shifted my tone to cater more
to the immediate needs of living in New York City during this COVID-19
pandemic. While I still think New York City is the greatest place in the world,
I understand that our tried-and-true methods that we’ve discussed over the
years may not be as applicable. My love for the Big Apple has probably even
grown after watching this great city overcome what once was the epicenter of
this horrible situation into a place that is now safe and compliant to the
orders of our administration.
According to the experts, we have a long
way to go until we can go back to what we consider “normal.” And even then, our
“normal” may be radically different than what we were used to just in January
of this year. In any event, we must continue to be safe and practice our
physical distancing so that we can continue on this positive trajectory.
For those of you that came to New York City to practice your English and are now currently experiencing this new life in the middle of a pandemic, we can still look to the fall and predict the best ways you can utilize your English practice in real life – without sacrificing your safety or the safety of those around you.
1. Take advantage of outdoor dining
While outdoor dining will start to slow down as the months get cooler, take advantage of this option as much as you can in the beginning of the fall. This is one of the best things to happen to New York City since the start of the pandemic, as businesses can open their doors again, the employees can start making their money again, and your friends and neighbors can enjoy the outdoor space and see the faces of their loved ones – with safety of course! This is a great time to utilize your English reading skills from the menu, practice your conversations with the waitstaff, and engage with your friends while enjoying a meal out. I always say that the best practice comes from real-world experience, so take advantage of this luxury while you can!
2. Did I mention the parks?
The parks in New York City are one of the greatest commodities that this island has to offer. Not only do you get the amazing greenery and scenery, but parks also give you the easy capability of physical distancing that you need to stay safe. Bring a large blanket, a few snacks, and be conscious of your surroundings. Everyone else around you should be practicing physical distancing as well, so you likely won’t have to ask anyone to move away. Enjoy the last remaining comfortable months outdoors, and bring a board game or a deck of cards and see how you can incorporate some English skills into it. Not only will you have fun in the fresh air, but you’ll be putting your skills to use in real time with a few laughs.
3. Simply take a walk
This is a
practice that even I need to do more of – so many of us are used to being
indoors so much now that even just getting outside for a walk can seem like a
treat! When you’re out walking, see how well you comprehend the street signs
and business names. When you pass restaurants, check out the menus they paste
on the windows. Not only will you get out of your indoor space that’s probably
driving you wild, but you’ll get some fresh air and get your English reading
skills some action.
When the coronavirus hit the US in early 2020, no one could have anticipated the world in which we all now live. We have spent the past couple of months trying to adapt to a new way of life that includes physical separation, wearing masks at all times, and forgoing activities that were once a part of our daily lives. I never thought I’d admit this, but I actually miss the act of daily commuting – it brought structure and routine to my day, and it provided a sense of purpose to each day. I recognize that I’m lucky enough to be able to work at full capacity from home and not everyone has that luxury, but adapting to no longer commuting was harder than I thought it would be.
I also feel like I’ve missed out on so much
of the city that I love. Because I’m spending so much time in my apartment,
I’ve missed out on the social gatherings, the park visits, and even
neighborhood bopping on the weekends with my friends. The sense of adventure
that the city always provided me is now missing. Luckily, New York City has seen
tremendous success after the physical distancing efforts and the sheltering in
place that we all did – which has led to us being allowed to interact with
others again – but, of course, with limitations. For me, I’m happy with that –
I’ll take anything I can get.
So that brings me to the next thought. What
do we do now? How do we move forward? What does our future look like?
I, of course, can’t answer all of these
questions. There are so many variables, and we don’t even know what next month
will look like, much less next week. This has left me feeling uneasy at times,
as I’m wondering when I’ll be able to see my family again. When will I be able
to return to the office? When will we see “normal” again?
This is a conversation topic that I see
happening all over the place. In our news articles, in social conversations,
and even in social gatherings – when we’re all sitting together, wearing our
masks, we can’t NOT talk about it. What does our new normal look like?
Here’s what I can offer:
1. Find connections – in any way that you can
If we’ve learned
anything since the start of this pandemic, it’s that we can’t sacrifice
caution. I don’t mean to find connection by mingling with a bunch of strangers
– but take advantage of the tools you already have to connect with others. For
the first time of our lives, connectively, this pandemic is the one thing that
we ALL have in common. This means that we’re all struggling with this in one
way or another, some more than others. Check in with each other, ask how your
friends are doing, and see if there’s anything you can do to help.
I celebrated my birthday during the pandemic, and I swear, this was the year that I felt the most loved – and I realized it’s because people knew that I was spending the day differently than anticipated. With our delivery tools and technology, showing someone you care is easier than ever. Who knew that my best birthday yet would be the one in which our world is upside down?
2. Be open-minded
Note that I said “open-minded” and not “optimistic.” I’m not saying there’s nothing to look forward to, but we simply just don’t know what our immediate future is going to look like. In March, when New York City was essentially shut down, I don’t think anyone anticipated that we’d still be feeling its effects into this late in the year. We have to wait and see. Be prepared for the worst, but celebrate the good. Is there a way to make lemonade from a lemon? We might see a day of low cases, but we might find the next day with a spike. We must continue to do what we’re doing with good spirit.
3. Be safe
I know that
we’re all fatigued with our situation. I know there are some days I’m feeling
mentally and emotionally defeated, wishing that this is all just a bad dream.
But it’s our reality, so I encourage you to continue practicing your physical
distancing, always use your mask, and don’t forget to send your virtual love to
friends near and far. It’s as important as ever.
No matter how long you’ve been in the city while learning and practicing your English, you know that the Big Apple is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Because of how many people live and work here as well as its production value and epicenter for business, it’s constantly watched and monitored. From crime and education to technology and media, New York City is a hub for attraction and observation. When this location became the epicenter of the middle of the pandemic, all eyes were on us to see how we handle it and react. Our response would, in a way, set the tone for other cities to follow. Practically overnight, we had to be the example for the rest of the world.
While other cities and geographic regions
loosened their guidelines, we kept them in place. While other locations started
to reopen, we stalled. It felt painful and frustrating to watch other parts of
the country try to resume to some state of normalcy, but there was also a sense
of pride when it came to knowing that our city was taking the pandemic
seriously and would do everything in our power to flatten the curve and keep us
safe.
These practices proved to be successful, as
we’re now seeing that New York City has some of the lowest numbers in the
country, especially when taken into account how quickly we went from the
“worst” to one of the “safest.” We still have plenty of work to do when it
comes to operating at a “normal’ state, but in moments like these, I’m proud to
be a New Yorker.
How to take the next steps
Just as much the rest of the country was
watching us in the middle of the pandemic to learn how we would respond, now
we’re watching the rest of the country to inform us what NOT to do. We’re
learning that opening up in full swing is not safe, and we’re learning that
ongoing physical distancing practices must be maintained in order to keep
everyone safe.
What’s really rewarding for me to see is
watching us all hold each other accountable. We’re not afraid to tell our
community if we need to be wearing more masks, and we’re willing to provide
strangers with hand sanitizer at any moment. While in line at grocery stores,
we’re now in the habit of leveraging generous space between one another. Public
transportation and ride shares now have physical barriers between the drivers
to keep all passengers safe. When we meet up with friends, we skip the hugs and
just resort to elbow bumps.
We saw the effect that the pandemic had on
our world when it first became a reality, and New Yorkers are responding to
ongoing safety procedures with respect, which is why we’re now one of the
safest places to be in the world, which says a lot considering we used to be
one of the worst.
What you can do
Whether you’re a New York City veteran or a
newbie, you can continue this string of progress in your everyday activities.
Even though the city is opening back up inch by inch, we still must respect the
process and do what we can to keep our safety as our biggest concern.
Phone, wallet, keys, mask
Hey, I hate
wearing the mask, too. But now it’s a part of me, just like the rest of my
essentials. And I remind myself that everyone else hates wearing them too, and
we all feel a little silly, but if it helps, I’ll wear it. It’s my part to keep
myself safe as well as those around me.
Keep your distance
You’ve surely
seen all the visuals that tell us just how far the virus can travel and the
good that our masks will do in the prevention of the spread. In addition to the
mask, I’m still conscientious of how close I am to people while waiting in
line, taking out my trash, or just running an errand. Just as much as the
people around me don’t know my status, I also don’t know who around me may have
come into contact with the virus. In today’s time, better safe than sorry is a
practice that we should all inherit.
Sanitize
I know this
seems like an obvious one, but it’s so important. Before the pandemic, I wasn’t
really aware of how many things I touched in the span of leaving my apartment
in the morning and coming back home at the end of the day. Between handrails,
subway poles, doorknobs, buttons, etc….I was touching a lot! Granted, I’m not
going into the office these days, but anytime I leave my home, I’m much more
aware of what I’m touching.
The realities of living in the middle of a pandemic have proven to be a learning experience for everyone around the world. As the threat of health safety continues to be an ongoing presence, you’ve likely encountered a few ways in which your life has shifted to adapt to these changes. In New York City, since our communities are so densely populated, we have experienced arguably the largest sting of changes, as physical distancing and the shelter-in-place regulations have forced us to change the way we operate on a daily basis.
For the New York English Academy, we have
adapted to these changes to best serve our students, teachers, and communities
without sacrificing quality education or the safety of our communities. Since
we live in a time when our technology and devices have allowed us to connect in
ways that weren’t necessarily possible 10 years ago, we’re able to utilize
those features into our day-to-day operations. While our lesson plans have
surely shifted to cater to a digital classroom experience, our core values and
mission have remained the same.
Our students are our priority, and ensuring
that everyone stays safe and protected from the dangers of COVID-19 is
paramount for us. We quickly shifted to digital platforms that allow our
instructors to continue interactions with their students, and monitoring
participation and engagement have allowed us to better understand what works
and what needs additional attention.
As an educational institution, we
understand that part of the experience of learning with other people is the
interaction with one another. This interaction could certainly be
education-related, but it could also be forming bonds with one another based
off shared experiences. Learning and living in New York City is such a special
and unique experience, and bonding with others that are familiar with that
journey can be extremely beneficial to personal growth and long-term
friendships.
Sheltering-in-placing and experiencing
academic journeys at home can be challenging and also a bit isolating. It’s
normal right now to feel an increased sense of longing for company from others
and an increased desire to connect with other people. Communication platforms
like Zoom have shown increased activity during the time of COVID-19, as people
have shifted from in-person social gatherings to digital group hangs on these
platforms to “see” their loved ones and share updates with one another. What
started as a business tool for companies to hold virtual meetings with one
another across multiple office locations has turned into a widely used consumer
product for people to stay in touch with friends and family.
At New York English Academy, that sense of
isolation and increased desire to see one another started to become very
apparent for several individuals within our organization. To lift spirits and
bring people “together” at a time when interaction was decreasing, engaging
Zoom interactions started to sprout up. From study sessions with students and
teachers to social “happy hours” and “game nights,” the New York English
Academy community started to leverage Zoom’s capabilities outside of the
classroom.
Zoom has helped students interact with one
another to form study group sessions or just recap a lesson if additional help
or guidance is needed. What we’ve noticed is that people are starting to get
even more creative around how they use Zoom to stay connected with one another
and entertained in this new and unusual environment. Here are a few ways to
stay entertained during this odd time while staying connected with your New
York English Academy community.
Zoom Celebrations
In New York City, most of us are now over 3
months into living in quarantine. This means that a lot of us have missed
monumental moments in our lives, from weddings and vacations to birthdays and
even meeting new family members after birth. This is how Zoom has helped bring
people together. I’ve attended quite a few Zoom birthday “parties” now, and a
friend of mine even got legally married over Zoom. Our circumstances may have
forced us to change the way in which we celebrate with one another, but we’re
lucky to live in a time when our technology and devices can give us the next
best thing to in-person gatherings. It’s hard to think about it now, but
certainly, one day, we’ll all look back at this odd time in our lives with
appreciation and gratitude that we had the tools that we do now to keep us
connected.
Zoom game nights and creativity
When COVID-19 became a regular force in our
day-to-day lives, my friends and I would “get together” once a week over Zoom
to talk about our weeks, reminisce about a time before COVID-19, and to just
“see” each others’ faces. When these sessions first started, it felt odd to me
that this was our new reality, but we all quickly adapted, and soon enough, I
was looking forward to those weekly catch-ups to see my friends. In an odd way,
those weekly calls brought us together even closer, as we were all experiencing
the same struggles in real time – together.
After a few weeks of these social sessions,
however, it almost seemed as though we were running dry. We were sick of
talking about COVID-19 – one of my friends lost her job, and another group of
friends were on the brink of losing theirs. As much as we knew that we all had
each others’ backs no matter the circumstances, we were also craving for some
distraction from the realities that COVID-19 placed on us. So we started to
play games!
There are a ton of games available that are
not only entertaining but will help you get to know your friends and fellow
students even better! Browse the app store to see what kind of games are
available where all participants can log in at once and play together. Another
way to keep the entertainment going is to nominate someone each week to host a
trivia session. These are easy to create, as there are tons of resources
available online that will help you concoct these sessions and make them
entertaining. There are ton of themes available, and you could even make them
English-related if you wanted to make the trivia sessions informative as well.
New York English
Academy recently hosted their own version of a trivia night, complete with a
Hollywood theme. Not only did this allow the students to flex their English
muscles, but because it was pop culture themed, everyone had a blast without
feeling like they were in a formal educational setting. This allowed students
and instructors alike to relax a bit and just engage with one another on a person-to-person
level.
Key Takeaways
COVID-19 has forced
all of us to think about how we live our lives in different ways. By now, after
a few months of adapting to this new way of life, we’re all learning about
ourselves and also how we operate as students, instructors, administrators, and
even just people. It certainly hasn’t been easy, especially considering that
peoples’ lives are on the line and our future as a society is so uncertain.
Living in New York
City, a hotspot in so many ways, has probably also affected the way you all are
living your daily lives. Losing the value of human in-person interaction has
likely forced you to explore other options of connection and collaboration.
It’s not always easy to be forced to think outside the box, but if anything,
this pandemic has helped prepare us for the future. We now know that life can
continue – it just has to be shifted a bit. For me, as a lover of this great
city, it’s hurt my heart that I can’t explore it like I used to. I hate to see
stores shut down and public transportation empty. What once was a lively city
seemed to turn into a remote and desolate place to be.
If I can leave you
with any hope, however, is that we will rebuild and recover. New Yorkers are
tough, and we are resilient. We will come out of this stronger than ever, and
your relationships with friends, your fellow students, and your New York
English Academy community will be stronger than ever because you all endured
this unique moment in history together.
Be thankful for your
health, and be thankful that we live in a time when our technology can allow us
to keep going. Cherish your human connections, as when this is all over, you’ll
be so grateful to have them. Stay connected with your New York English Academy
community, because one day, you’ll want to reflect on this time together with
gratitude and hubris. Take advantage of the tools you have – you’ll appreciate
the human connection, and be sure to lean on those relationships as we continue
to navigate this new way of life – whenever and for how long we continue with
it.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve talked
to you all about how wonderful it is living in the greatest city in the world.
I’ve gone on and on about how lucky we are that we get to actually live
here. Being in a tourist hotspot and in such a densely populated area, however,
also comes with its disadvantages. Crime will always be slightly higher than
other areas, the threat of international attacks can be ever-present, and as
we’ve seen now, pandemics like the one we’re in can hurt our area more than
others. As scary as all of this is, at the end of the day, I’m still proud to
be a New Yorker, and I’ll never leave.
I have a lot of thoughts and worries and
concerns that run through my brain amidst this pandemic. I try my best to not
let them overcome me or control my way of life, and when I get particularly
down or when my anxiety rises, I try this method of reminding myself of the
silver linings – no matter how small they may be. Some of these may be
individual, but some are on the macro level, but either way, try to find your
own silver linings out of this!
I’m saving money
Before quarantine was ordered, I’d probably go out to eat at least once a week with friends. It might have been brunch or a happy hour or a dinner, but I’d drop precious money for this experience to bond with my friends or celebrate a milestone. One at time, those expenses didn’t make a great dent, but adding it up certainly made me alarmed. Since we’re not going out to these establishments, I’m saving precious money! And now that we all “get together” on Zoom, I still get to see them and laugh with them – without spending a dime!
My student loans are in a better place
I don’t know
about you, but my student loans have been a huge burden to me over the years.
Between drastic monthly payments, steep interest rates, and the thought about
how long it’ll take me to pay them off, they have always been a source of agony
for me. Now that student loan payment are deferred and interest is waived, all
on my payments are going straight to the principle amount, meaning that I’m
going to be able to pay them off faster. For me personally, this is a HUGE
silver lining.
I’ve grown closer to my family
In an odd way,
this pandemic has brought me closer with my family. We’re all spread out across
the country, so seeing everyone in a normal world was hard enough – between
coordinating busy schedules and managing different time zones, it was always an
obstacle staying in touch. Now that life has forced everyone to slow down, I’ve
found that we’re all talking to each other more, scheduling more FaceTime
conversations and Zoom calls, and making promises to be better about visits
when this is all over. In an odd way, this pandemic has reminded us all of how
precious our connections are.
I’m more productive
On one hand,
I’ve certainly been spending more time with Netflix, puzzles, and comfort food
(hello, pasta and frozen pizzas), but on the other hand, I’ve found myself to
be more productive. Before quarantine, I always heard myself saying, “If I just
had more time, I’d be able to do that.” Well – we certainly have the time now,
don’t we? I’ve organized my apartment, moved furniture around to make it more
functional, and I’ve finally gotten around to putting things on my walls. I’ve
catered to hobbies that have taken a backseat (reading, long-term planning,
reconnecting with friends), and I’ve appreciated how I’m sleeping better, too.
Your own personal situation will determine
what your own silver linings are, but I’ve found this practice to be super
humbling and helpful whenever I get overwhelmed about our current environment.
I’ve also seen people talk about how this is all so helpful for the earth –
less people out and about polluting, less car traffic, and definitely less
noise pollution. That’s one that I often think about, too – it’s the rest that
Mother Earth has needed for so long!
When people are succumbing to this disease,
it can be hard to find the positivity out of all of this, and it might even
feel uncomfortable to look for the silver linings when others are suffering. If
you need help getting through the day-to-day, it can be powerful to think about
those silver linings – just a pleasant reminder of the reality that we’re still
alive.
We are in a very sensitive time right now.
All over the globe, people are being quarantined, laid off, and tested for the
coronavirus. It can be incredibly easy to let the fear take over you as you
operate your day-to-day schedules. The unknown is a terrifying thought, and
taking the proper and necessary measures to stay informed, safe, and calm will
help alleviate that uneasy feeling.
If you’re like me and spending each day in
isolation in New York City, you might feel a sense of stir crazy as well as frustration.
Luckily, my job allows me to fulfill my responsibilities remotely, so I’m one
of the lucky ones that hasn’t had to worry about income. I recognize how
fortunate I am in this scenario, and if your job has been affected by this
crisis, I hope you’re doing everything you can to stay calm.
I live by myself in a studio. I’ve come to
love my personal space that I call “home.” Over the past two weeks, however,
I’ve felt suffocated. I only leave my apartment to get groceries or make
necessary errands. Often I’ll leave to take a walk just to get some fresh air
and a change of scenery. Sometimes I’ll jog just to get my blood flowing. Not
commuting every day has certainly made me realize just how much walking I was
doing each day.
As I complete my second week in isolation,
I wanted to share some tips that I’ve uncovered to help me stay safe but to
also make sure that I’m mentally balanced amidst this uncertain time.
Take advantage of our technology
I have been
FaceTiming with my family members all over the country to check in with them,
connect with them, and make sure that they’re staying safe. Since my friends
and I can no longer go to dinner to bond, we’ll have virtual happy hours
together to talk about our days, how we’re coping, and how much we miss one
another.
I also see a
therapist once a week. Traditionally, these sessions are in person, but as of
last week, we’re now holding our sessions virtually. Again, I recognize that
I’m lucky enough to have the technology that can support this capability, and
if you’re in need of a mental health session, there have been all kinds of
alternative methods of therapy popping up amidst this crisis. She’s helped me
work through my building anxiety over the unknown, and ultimately, it’s nice to
see her face and hear her voice for the familiarity factor.
Of course,
isolation means this is the perfect time to catch up on your binge-watching or
finally getting around to watching that movie you keep hearing about. I know
I’ve often fantasized about a staycation, so I’ve always been looking at this
situation in that lens myself. Might as well take advantage!
Appreciate the solitude
As an introvert,
I’ve always felt very comfortable with my own presence. I find I keep the best
company! Even if you aren’t an introvert like me, there are many ways you can
take advantage of this forced alone time. I’ve found this is a great time to
get caught up on some reading I’ve let fall behind. I’ve picked up on my
meditation – I’m still awful at it, but this is the perfect time to keep
trying. Dust off your old hobbies, like crafts, working on a puzzle, or even
painting.
When isolation
first kicked off, I did a lot of laying around and being unproductive. This
quickly set off some internal guilt – I felt like I should be doing more
productive things and taking advantage of this time alone. So I told myself to
commit to one project a day – since I’m working from home during the week, my
Monday through Friday projects are a bit smaller, but no matter what, I’ve
found this to be tremendously helpful. I’ll organize a drawer, go through
storage and purge, or even clean.
Be safe
Your health is
the utmost priority right now, which is why no matter what, you have to be as
careful as you can. Take walks, but be mindful of the people you may pass. Go
for a run, but if the park is crowded, come back a few hours later. WASH YOUR
HANDS. Clean your commonly touched pieces often – light switches, handles,
doorknobs, and even your phone. In a time like this, there’s no such thing as
being too safe.
