By: Delphian Staff
We asked Adelphi students, Delphian staff members and faculty if they’ve used their social distancing time to start a new hobby or take action to help others. Below are the responses we received.
Jaclyn Tracy
Class of 2020
Major: Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
During quarantine I have been cleaning out all of my clothes and organizing what I want to keep and what I want to throw away. I found a bunch of old T-shirts that I really have no use for, so I figured I would hop onto the trend of acid washing clothing to make it up to date. I looked up online how to acid wash. All you need is an empty spray bottle, filled half with bleach and half with water, gloves and the clothes you want to acid wash. You can either tie the shirt with rubber bands or lay it out as it is and spray the spots you want to bleach. Instead of spraying, I took the pump off the bottle and just dropped little droplets of the bleach all over the shirt so that the spots wouldn't be so big. I actually really enjoyed it and
Photo by: Jaclyn Tracy ended up loving the end product. Up next in my quarantine:
tie dying.
Oluwapelumi Akinsanya
Class of 2023
Major: Undeclared
COVID-19 has revealed the grave economic disparity buried at the heart of America. Due to the massive spike in unemployment, millions of Americans are now facing economic hardship. Even with resources such as the aid provided by the Cares Act, Americans are still struggling to keep pace with their financial responsibilities. As middle-class citizens, my family is one of many that were financially affected. I’ve always been able to endure my own hardship and empathize with others, but until I can actively play a role in the amelioration of people’s lives what have I really done but nothing?
In an effort to raise awareness about the drastic effects that economic hardship has on the working class I posted a video
discussing my financial situation. Photo from Oluwapelumi Akinsanya
Shortly after, I started a campaign on Go Fund Me to provide relief to students, families or just anyone in need. Within a week I raised $20,000, which was more than enough to aid my family and distribute to dozens more. It never hurts to ask for help, especially in a time like this. We must understand poverty as a social condition rather the ill fate of poor work ethic.
The fund is still available and I encourage anyone experiencing financial hardship to contact me: relie4orfamilies@gmail.com. I send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones during this pandemic. I wish you all the best and only ask that you remain strong during this difficult time.
Maria Giovanna Jumper
Class of 2021
Major: Economics and Interdisciplinary Studies double major
Photo by Maria Giovanna Jumper
During quarantine I have created a list of books that I either want to read or reread while stuck at home. My favorite place to read is the front deck of my house, where there is shade and a nice breeze. My list includes “The Catcher in the Rye,” “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Of Mice and Men.” I plan to continue to read throughout the summer and hope to finish off my list. While I may be stuck at home, I can at least spend some time catching up on some reading I have wanted to do and enjoying being outside.
Maxmillian Robinson
Class of 2022
Major: Communications
I’ve decided to be different, and start a YouTube series documenting: fascinating stories, motivational tips/secrets and weekly blogs about my life. I have many different things/perspectives to offer and now I’m ready to tell the world my story. Please check out my new YouTube series: King Things, featuring myself on my YouTube page (@kingmaxmillian). Episode One has already been released and there will be many more to come, so stay tuned. You can also follow me on Instagram for more details as well (username is also Kingmaxmillian)!
Photo by Maxmillian Robinson
Victoria Grinthal
Class of 2020
Major: Computer and Management Information Systems
My mom taught herself how to play the guitar during high school. Now that we've been stuck at home, she's been teaching me to play with the blue guitar I got for Christmas a few years ago. It takes time, but I haven't played an instrument since high school and I miss it.
Photo from Victoria Grinthal
Mylo Fisherman
Class of 2023
Major: Math
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, I have been forced to find creative ways to make a temporary long-distance relationship work as the quarantine keeps us physically apart. Daily FaceTimes and Nightly Zoom calls have become a daily routine in an attempt to make the most out
of our new normal. Virtual game nights with Photos by Mylo Fisherman
GamePigeon, Cards Against Humanity and Pictionary have become a part of the fun. We also made some playlists together in order to get into each other’s music tastes as well as associate each other to music that will always be there when we aren’t physically able to be. Additionally, online movie nights have become one of our personal favorite ways to pass the time. We also made each other care packages in which I handmade us matching bracelets made with a bunch of knots that represents the strong bond that we have for each other and that no matter how much physical distance is in between us our love will never falter.
Ryan Troy
Class of 2021
Major: Information Systems
Quarantine has given me a lot more time to focus on building a computer, which has been a goal of mine for a while. I spent a week doing research on the best parts and important functionality. Then I spent about three weeks watching for sales on each part until I ordered everything. The last of the packages are finally starting to roll in and I’m super close now to building my computer.
Photo from Ryan Troy
Amanda Greeff & Jenna Ventura
Class of 2021
Major: Graphic Design
As these current circumstances have limited our contact with each other, preventing us from our usual hangouts and mini adventures; together my friends and I have made time for a group movie night every week. Starting every Friday since April 3 we’ve come together on Netflix Party and watched various movies and TV shows every week. Along with struggling to get everyone on Discord and FaceTiming Screenshot from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off via
every now and then, we may be apart, but Netflix Party
we’re still as close as ever.
Susan Dinan, Dean of the Honors College
What is most striking about the new working arrangement is that we are always working and the laptop is always nearby desiring our attention. I am sure a lot of us have struggled with finding any degree of work-life balance. I feel very fortunate because I am sheltering in place with my family in New Jersey, and I would usually only see them on the weekends as I rented an apartment near campus for weeknights. I have greatly enjoyed making dinner with
Photo by Susan Dinan my family every night and dining together.
I have tried to carve out time to exercise
(kudos to the Center for Recreation and Sports for its wonderful online yoga classes) and reading. (I highly recommend Hilary Mantel's “The Mirror and the Light” and I found Ta-Nehisi Coates' “The Water Dancer” very engaging, but the end fell flat for me.) My daughter and I also built the Taj Mahal from Legos, which was great fun, but what does one do with a model of the Taj Mahal?