My Fall 2020 Semester Reflections

Fall 2020 will be a semester for the books, not just because of Covid-19’s occurrence but because of the great memories that I made. Yes, this sentence that I just said may sound like a joke. However, it is all very very true. Fall 2020 was one of my best semesters at Meredith. Despite everything that has all happened and been cancelled this semester and year, I am still very grateful for the experiences that I have had and the opportunities that have and are to come. Fall 2020 may have “sucked” in some regards, but it is what it is and as humans we have to continuously adapt and make it work for us.

Flashback to Spring 2020. I was anxious, sad, angry, and mourning the loss of my remaining “normal” college semester. When I say “normal,” I mean a semester that is filled with all of the typical things that college students do, such as outings with friends, large scale gatherings, and in-person classes on a regular basis. I thrived off of the social aspect of college as well as the academic aspect – they went hand in hand with my successes at Meredith. I became depressed and spent my days looking at old pictures and wishing for the happy memories that I had had in early 2020 and before to come back again. I wanted to make more memories just the way they were before. In fact, I majorly desired for it to occur.

As we all know, life is meant to change – it is our only consistency. With the changes that come with the coronavirus pandemic come adaptation. And adaptation takes time – it is not an overnight thing. Nothing happens overnight, especially coping with and dealing with change. Summer 2020 was a summer filled with self growth, knowing my self worth, and making the best of all of the harsh changes since March 2020. At the same time, I used my platform here on The Pink Chickadee to connect with others who are also fellow preppy fashion and Lilly Pulitzer lovers. The network that I have made has since grown into such a great blessing in my life. The Pink Chickadee truly helped me break out of my shell and adapt to the continuing changes in our world that have occurred throughout 2020 along with discovering to love my own self.

As I got into my Fall 2020 semester, I was nervous for what was to come. Nothing was going to look the same at the sweet college that I call my second home – Meredith. Meredith College is filled with a ton of large scale events known as Traditions that are unique to it. Each of these Traditions is super special to me and to my classmates. To watch the social aspect of Meredith that I saw before March 2020 disappear before my eyes made me sad and sometimes even cry.

Although I love the Traditions that truly make Meredith College Meredith College, my shift and energy has changed on what Meredith College means to me. With the current Black Lives Matter movement and momentum for inclusion of everyone, the ways that Meredith has run pre-Covid have not been the most inclusive for students of all races, sexualities, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc. While I love Meredith Traditions and the memories that they have brought me, they have hurt so many of my classmates in the past. Knowing this information now helps me to realize that while I loved Traditions, they are not the best thing to have right now and that is okay. Currently, I am working to help my Class as Fundraising Chair, my Math and Computer Science Department as Canaday Math & Computer Science Club (CMCS) President, and Angels for Disability Advocacy (ADA) Vice President by providing all students with inclusive virtual opportunities to be present and involved on campus.

This semester, I have really been able to shine inside and outside of the classroom. The Pink Chickadee has not only flourished, but it has grown in ways like never before this semester. If I had been uber engaged in Meredith College social life, then I would not have had time to progress on my platform as much as I did. At the same time, I have truly been able to succeed inside the classroom. My interests within my Data Science, Statistics, and Website Development courses have ignited and shined now more than ever before. I am also working on my Honors Thesis this year and really enjoying working on my own research project independently while applying my skillset from within the classroom to grow as a future Data Scientist even more. At the same time, I also made the Dean’s List – a symbol of all of my hardwork and passion this semester from the classroom and The Pink Chickadee.

The biggest consistency in my Fall 2020 semester life, before, and after it has been my friends. Each of my friends and I have all gone through the same things this year and, while none of us like it, we are all in this together. My friends are the people that I can count on to be safe and for me to do the same for them. We truly have had each others’ backs since before the coronavirus pandemic hit and during. They have truly been such a blessing in my life, and the bond that I have with each of my friends is something that I will never ever take for granted.

Although Fall 2020 looked nothing like I had envisioned it to, I am still oh so grateful and blessed for the memories and bonds that I have made. Without this semester, I would not have been able to genuinely grow my platform on The Pink Chickadee and as a human being in the ways that I have. Here’s to a great but very different semester and one left to come!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My First Month of College During Covid-19

To think that I would ever be going to classes while wearing a face mask or through Zoom is truly above me. At this moment, I feel extremely fortunate that Meredith College has not moved all classes permanently online for the Fall semester like many of the other colleges around me. While I feel really lucky to still be on campus a month in, it is still pretty tough to be taking on Senior year in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Today, I am sharing my one month reflection of being at college during Covid-19.

It is most definitely weird to be back on campus without the social aspect that my professors, classmates, and I really cherish. At Meredith, social events play an extremely vital role in the college experience, just like at pretty much every other college. To say that I miss that part of being at college would be an understatement, as I am a social person by nature – actually very very very social. Pre-pandemic, I was definitely that girl who hosted parties and gatherings of all kinds in her apartment. Not to mention the several activities that I did with others off campus as well. At the same time, I do know that in-person social events are put on hold right now and for good reason. That being said, I have strived to make it work for the time being, with getting together with friends both a virtual and/or social distanced environment. While it most definitely is not the same for me this semester

In terms of classes, I have had a mixture of in-person and online – 3 in-person and four online. Over the first few weeks of classes, I decided to switch two of my in-person classes to all online. Oddly enough, I have really enjoyed the online environment for classes during the pandemic. Although it was forced, I really like having the flexibility and honestly not having to leave my apartment or even bedroom for that matter to accomplish what I need to. At the moment, I have one in-person class and I chose to keep it in-person, as I have a bond with my classmates and professors in it. This class is also a favorite of mine, so it really worked out to keep it in-person.

Since I do have a lot more free time on my hands, I have been using it in many different ways. First, I have truly been able to invest in my platform here on The Pink Chickadee. Having the ability to be able to share what I do with y’all has truly been a blessing during this entire pandemic! At the same time, I have been able to invest in looking towards the future, through making connections at potential graduate schools and with potential employers. I have been conducting a ton of informational interviews with graduate school students at programs that I am interested in as well as people at companies that peak my interest. In my free time, I usually spend it crafting, which has become a new favorite hobby of mine! To be able to invest in myself so much more than before has really been a blessing even while in classes during this pandemic.

Looking back on my first month of classes of my Senior year, there have been many ups and downs, but one thing that remains for sure is the friends that I made, the family that I have, and the degree that I am attaining. Senior year, Coronavirus edition, was definitely not in my plan for my four years of college. However, like many things in life, plans can and will change and we have to be OKAY with that. Even though there is SO MUCH uncertainty at the moment, I do know that things will always work out in ways that we could have never even imagined. Simply hopping along for the ride and knowing that everyone around me, even if it is virtually, is going through similar things is extremely comforting and the way to go!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Adjusting to College Life During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Back in early March, all of our lives were transformed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Myself included, many of us assumed that we would be back to our pre-pandemic lives by the time the next school year starts. However, college life during the Fall 2020 semester and potentially the Spring 2021 semester will look completely different than we ever envisioned. As somebody who is about to start her Senior year of college in the middle of a pandemic, it is HARD to know that my college experience will be extremely different my last year than I ever thought it could. Since I have been back at college for almost two weeks now, I know that the adjustment into college life amid a pandemic will not be an easy one but it is an important one for us all to do.

It’s OKAY To Grief

During this pandemic, we have ALL lost something one way or another. There are several engaged couples who have had to cancel or postpone their wedding days, many people of all ages have had to cancel or postpone trips, celebrations, concerts, events of all kinds, and all of the above. Similarly, we college students are losing a lot during Covid-19. We are losing the many moments that we thought we would have this semester – everything from parties, socials, hangouts, retreats, meetings, and simply going to class in-person. Whatever we may be losing, know that it is OKAY to grief and feel the pain. In fact, ALL OF US are feeling it. The biggest piece of advice that my mother gave me is to feel the pain and sadness, as it will help one process it better. The same thing goes for a college semester that does not look anything like the one we had anticipated. If you feel that you need to talk to somebody about your grief about this new and different semester, then reach out to a friend, family member, or even a counselor on or off your college campus. Many people are willing to help, as we’re all in this together!

Use The Slowdown as an Opportunity

It most definitely sucks that the coronavirus has taken over practically every aspect of our lives. However, it should not be something that takes over your life. Although it is normal and okay to grief, it should not necessarily take over your life and the joy out of what is right in front of you. Personally, I had a really hard time adjusting to life during quarantine and the slow down. I am one who is such a social butterfly – I host people ALLL the time if I am not out and about. The slow down is HARD and I get it 100000%. We have all lost something, but it should not deter us from enjoying what is right in front of us. Use this time to do the things that you have always wanted to do. If it were not for the slow down, it would not have been able to recode and relaunch The Pink Chickadee. My platform on The Pink Chickadee has been such a blessing in my life, and I have to thank the Covid-19 pandemic for it. At the same time, I have also decided to focus on my own self growth and self love. I have really taken the initiative to take care of myself before anyone else, which has been a golden thing in my life that I sadly never put in the time to do before the pandemic hit. As for yourselves, use this time to do the same thing: think of something’s that you have always wanted to do yet never did and JUST DO IT. In the long run, you have nothing to lose!!!

Be Creative

Since the Covid-19 pandemic started, I have gotten real creative with ways to meet my social needs yet still maintain my social distance. Zoom has become my best friend, despite the severe Zoom fatigue that I feel regularly. 2020 is most definitely the year for all-things virtual and let’s definitely try to make the best of it. The possibilities are ENDLESS!!! If you need any ideas, check out my blog posts How To Get Involved in College During the Coronavirus Pandemic, 11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings, and Fun Ideas To Spice Up Your Next Picnic for more inspiration!

The Bonds We Create

All of us current college students each have one thing in common: we are college students at college during the coronavirus pandemic. We have all seen our lives transform in the blink of an eye, especially at our social college age. Our lively lives have shifted to anything but the liveliness that we saw before March 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic is going to bring us all many more struggles than we have previously seen since it started. We have all faced several obstacles during this time and have been tested way beyond our limits. But, remember, every college student at the moment is in the same boat as yourself, whether or not you realize it. Make the most of your time with your classmates and bridge those connections with others. Most of us are struggling during this time, so why not struggle together?!

Reach Out to Others

Life during Covid-19 is HARD! It’s hard for all of us. That does not mean that you have to go through all of the challenges of our new coronavirus world alone though. There are SO many people out there to help you during this time. Below, I have listed some of the many resources that are available to you:

The struggle is most definitely real when adjusting to college life during the coronavirus pandemic. Though it may be hard to adjust to this new and different world, the most important thing is that you DO still have access to an education during these trying times. Whether or not you are on your college campus this semester, strive to make the best of any situation that may pop up. Be sure to keep your connections with others going strong during this time and beyond – we all need one another now more than ever. This too shall pass, but we are ALL in this together. While a pandemic was in none of our plans for the Fall 2020 semester, it is now and we will have one another to connect with during these trying times.

XOXO – Katie <3

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15 Items I LOVE Having in my College Dorm/Apartment

With college move-in coming upon us quicker than ever, it definitely is exciting to make your lists and check them twice on what you need for your dorm/apartment. It definitely is daunting to be sure you have absolutely EVERYTHING that you need. Luckily, going away to college is not like packing your bags for a trip to Italy, as most likely there will be a Target nearby your college. As a college Senior, I have been through all of the ups and downs of packing and deciding what to bring to your new dorm/apartment. Throughout my time as a college student, I have figured out what products I LOVE having in my dorm/apartment, which I have listed 15 of them here!

1 – Bath & Body Works Wallflower

No one that I know likes a room that smells weird! Unfortunately, college dorms and even apartments can most definitely have strange odors from time to time. Luckily, Bath & Body Works’ Wallflowers are great to add a fresh scented aura to any small space. Upon moving into my Freshmen dorm, I purchased one of their plug-in Wallflowers, which can easily be refilled once every 4-8 weeks with a new scent. If you’re like me and you LOVE Bath & Body Works, then you know that they carry several super amazing scents from lotions to perfumes to soaps which of course are available for their Wallflower plug-in refills. Bath & Body Works’ Wallflowers have definitely been my favorite over the years, and I will definitely still be using them after college too!

2 – Throw Blanket

Nothing says I need to wind down better than cozying up with a throw blanket after a long day of classes. Over the years, I have LOVED having a throw blanket in my dorm/apartment. Not only does it make me feel really homey in my home away from home, but it also keeps me warm when the dorms/apartments are ridiculously cold (which they can be!).

3 – Cards Against Humanity

Cards Against Humanity has definitely been a classic card game amongst many adults of all ages, but especially college students. The majority of college-aged students that I know are big fans of Cards Against Humanity, which makes it an excellent social gathering. In fact, many college students host parties in their dorms/apartments just to play this awesome card game. That being said, it is definitely worth looking into purchasing a pack before you make the move to college.

4 – Fan

College dorms and even apartments are extremely weird with their heating and air systems at times. One day you may be living in a sauna and the next you may be living in what feels like an igloo. Keeping this fact in mind, I would definitely purchase a fan no matter the size before you go off to college, as you will have days where you need it. I sometimes even carry around mini battery-powered fans that I found for under $2 at Walmart during the Summer.

5 – Mugs

I feel that a persons’ mug collection tells a bunch about themselves and who they are. Mugs are such a fun way to have something that is uniquely yours while telling a bit about yourself. I know that I LOVE to collect mugs from my travels, as I have a few in my collection from when I studied abroad in Europe. Additionally, I also have a ton of mugs that are bright and bubbly with flamingoes and Lilly Pulitzer prints. Having a mug (or five) in your college dorm/apartment is a great way to tell a bit about yourself while also having something right in your own space that you can use to whip up your favorite morning drink.

6 – Air Purifier

Like any bedroom back at home, college dorms/apartments can get VERY dusty. Before I went to college, my mom invested in an air purifier for my dorm, and I am OH SO GRATEFUL that she did. Air purifiers are a lifesaver, as they simply purify the air in your dorm/apartment throughout the day – something that not all the dusting and mopping in the world can fully do.

7 – Fun Magnets

Like mugs, I LOVE to collect magnets from my travels! Magnets are just such a fun way to decorate your fridge or mini fridge with all your adventures from the years. Besides how fun they are, magnets are also extremely easy to transport and super duper affordable. That being said, one or even 20 magnets definitely will not hurt the budget and leave you with some super fun digs for your new fridge no matter its size.

8 – Vacuum

A vacuum has definitely been my saving grace during my college years! Having a vacuum has allowed me to keep my place clean and neat. Personally, I feel that this item is worth the investment for anybody moving into a college dorm/apartment without explaining too much!

9 – Decorative Banner

Bar carts, over the bed, and desk side, OH MY! The possibilities for where to hang a banner are ENDLESS. Decorative banners have always been a favorite of mine, as they are easy to transport as well as either make or order online. I have found that banners make for a fun nice touch in any place, especially one that you’re making into your second home.

10 – Anti-Wrinkle Spray

My step-mom bought me anti-wrinkle spray when I moved into my Freshmen year dorm, and it has definitely been one of the best things that she introduced me to! Anti-wrinkle spray is a simple and practical way to get rid of wrinkles in your clothes without having a use an iron. All you have to do is spray it on the garment where the wrinkles are, straighten out the wrinkles on the garment, and poof they are gone!

11 – Plates & Utensils

This one mostly goes for those living in a dorm, since having plates and utensils in an apartment is pretty much a necessity. When in a dorm, the dining hall food most definitely gets old, even after the first week. In my dorm, I most definitely made a ton of microwaveable dishes that required a plate and my own utensils. They were most definitely a lifesaver for me in my own dorm!

12 – Throw Pillows

Like a decorative banner, throw pillows definitely add a personal and fun spice to your dorm/apartment. I have found having throw pillows to make my dorm room extra homey while away from home too!

13 – Bar Cart

Whether for snacks or drinks, bar carts are definitely the way to go! I LOVE having a bar cart in my apartment, as I can successfully store all of the snacks and drinks that I enjoy throughout the days. The best part about a bar cart is that you can easily add a banner or frame and really make it your own. The possibilities are limitless with a bar cart!

14 – Coffee/Tea

Whether you love coffee or tea, I would definitely get a few of your favorite morning drink staples before heading off to college. Although I am an avid tea lover, I do know many people who LOVE coffee and have really benefitted from having their own Keurig. At the same time, the dining hall may only offer so much when it comes to coffee and tea and Starbucks/Dunkin’ adds up real fast. Whatever floats your boat in the morning when it comes to drinks is what you need to stay afloat throughout the crazy college days!

15 – Wall Art

Like a throw pillow, mug, throw blanket, or magnet, wall art is a telltale way to make a space specifically yours. While you may be moving into a space temporarily that many have lived before you and will live after you, having your own wall art sets your place apart from everyone else’s. Most importantly, wall art makes your space uniquely yours.

Even though college dorm/apartment can be hectic from time to time, it is also really exciting! While my list varies on categories of items that I cannot live without while away at college, each of these items has truly made me feel much more at home in my brand-new and temporary space. Hopefully, the items that I shared will provide you with some inspiration on what to get for your own college dorm/apartment as you make a new space your own too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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11 Social Distancing-Approved Gatherings

With most businesses having reopened their doors amid the coronavirus pandemic and Covid-19 cases rising in some states, social distancing measures still remain intact. With that being said, life looks extremely different, as social distancing measures and mandatory face coverings in public settings will be enforced in schools and businesses alike across the world. Because social distancing is our new and temporary normal, it does not mean that the social aspect that comes with life can’t still be in person and FUN – things just have top be done a bit differently! While our social lives may look a little different right now, it does not mean that we cannot still gather and enjoy special times with the people that we care about. That being said, I have listed a 11 ways to social distance, while STILL having a social gathering!

1 – Get Outdoors!! Let’s Take a Hike!

Ever heard the phrase “let’s take a hike”?! Well, it may be time to do just that! Hiking is an excellent way to get a group of any size together while still keeping some sort of distance. It is also a fun way to explore a new place, especially one that may be in your local area that you may have never explored before. Think it may be hard to convince some of your friend circle to go for a hike?! Well, most places have several local parks that offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from those that are handicapped-friendly and on a smooth trail only to those that involve walking and climbing on rocks. There is definitely a hiking trail for everybody! Personally, I have always wanted to explore many hiking trails and parks in my area, but never had due to academics and other social commitments. I suggest when going with a group of 5+ to either split into smaller groups, especially when passing other groups on trails in order to maintain a social distanced. Splitting up while hiking can also allow those in your circle who are more avid hikers to take a trail that and at a pace that they would enjoy more than those in the group who are not as familiar with the art of hiking.

2 – Pick a Pumpkin, ANY Pumpkin! Go Pumpkin/Apple/Berry Picking!

With the ever-changing seasons in Virginia and North Carolina, I surely do love the fruits and vegetables that come with them. Berries, peaches, and flowers of all kinds in the Spring/Summer and pumpkins and apples in the Fall always means that there are several different fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from. Usually, most of the farms that offer picking of their fresh goods are small, local businesses that especially need our support during this new, temporary season of social distancing. With berries, pumpkins, and apples galore, there also comes a great photo opportunity for you and your crew! I mean who doesn’t love to see a pumpkin shot (or a few) on their Instagram feed?! Not only will you get some great goods, photos, and memories, but you will also be supporting locals within your community.

3 – Let’s Make a Picnic!

Ever picture a dreamy picnic basket filled with a baguette, cheese and meat platter, and maybe even some grapes?! Well, it may be just the time to invest in a picnic basket and blanket! Picnic’s are such a great way to get together with friends and share a meal together. You can also easily share a meal together, as long as no one shares plates or serving utensils (plastic or paper is probably the way to go in this case) and you’re potentially sitting on different blankets/towels depending on who lives together. It may also be fun to do it potluck style where each person person brings a different dish to share! Wanting to share a meal on a gloomy or cold day?! You can always gather in a common area that allows for eating as long as you’re spaced out far enough from one another. Moreover, no picnic has to be as fancy as to offer a baguette, cheese, and meat platter unless you choose to!

4 – Craft Party Anyone?!

Wine and design anyone?! I know I surely do love getting together with friends AND leaving with something handmade to commemorate that gathering. Crafts are definitely a great way to go when it comes to social distancing while still socializing. You and your friends can easily get together and spread out in either a common area like a big long table such as in a dining hall or sitting in a big circle, while talking and doing something fun together. When deciding on a craft, I would suggest that one person in the group at least be familiar with it to some extent before doing it as a group. Additionally, each participant should chip in for the cost of the crafting supplies, as they can definitely add up REAL fast. One great Covid-related craft would be to either handmake, embroider, or even bedazzle masks, which can make for a super fun photo opportunity as well! Whether you choose to have a wine and design, a mask decorating party, or even both, you will definitely be sure to make a precious craft that has even more amazing memories attached to it. 

5 – Who Doesn’t Love a Game Night?!

What college student doesn’t love Cards Against Humanity?! Cards Against Humanity is definitely an extremely popular card game amongst many college students, but it is not the only one! There are a multitude of card and board games out there for you to play – Apples to Apples, What Do You Meme, and the likes. The best part is that these games make for excellent social distancing in-person activities, as they can be practically played anywhere, whether outside or in a common area. This great asset of playing games, allows not only for a fun time but also for tons of flexibility and convenience on where to meet and get the crew together!

6 – Cafe Date for the Win!

As a college student, I have always found cafes to be such an easy and convenient way to meet up with friends. Not only are they a perfect spot to hunker down and study at while enjoying some tea or a latte, but they’re also great for simply catching up with others while still social distancing. Although Starbucks may be your favorite coffee joint to hang at, I also recommend scheduling some of your hangouts at more local cafes within your area. Most local cafes that I have been to have such a unique feel to them that I would not be able to find at any Starbucks location. Additionally, local businesses need our help and support more than ever before, as they have most likely lost a lot of business due to the coronavirus pandemic. You will not only be helping out some locals in your area, but you’ll also discover a new and cool hangout spot for you and your buds. 

7 – Go Explore a Park!

Outdoor sports/games, hikes, picnics, walks, and dogs galore! A park pretty much has just all kinds of people doing all different things. That being said, parks are such a great way to social distance and get your group of friends together. Luckily, most cities and towns have plenty of parks to choose from, meaning that you can probably explore a brand-new park nearby or frequent a local favorite. One of the best things about parks is the fact that there is a ton of things that you can do while there, such as outdoor games, a picnic, a photoshoot, and even just a simple stroll. Keeping all of this in mind, you can easily plan the gathering of your group’s liking at a park!

8 – Missing Chips & Queso?! Plan a Restaurant Outing!

Ever since I was a little girl, going out to eat at restaurants has always been a treat for me. With Covid-19 keeping many of us at home, restaurant outings feel even more special than ever before. While restaurants can be a nerve-wracking place to host a social-distanced gathering, as long as you and your crew wipe down your seats and wear masks upon entry into the restaurant, then you all will be in good shape for a great time. I mean, who hasn’t missed chips and queso during this new era of social distancing?!

9 – Taking a Stroll is Good for the Soul!

With social distancing not going away anytime soon, even something as simple as taking a stroll around campus can be a great way to catch up with friends. The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely affected many of us when it comes to our mental health, and simply getting outside and going for a walk is such an excellent way to help mitigate our potential mental health struggles. If one of your friends on campus has a dog, simply inviting yourself to come along for a walk (or two) is an excellent way to hang out with them and their fury fellow. You can also reach out to a few friends to schedule routine walks and become each other’s walking buddies. If you are new to regular walks or exercise of any kind, I have found it to be a struggle to get myself to do anything active without having someone there to hold me accountable so a walking buddy may be beneficial for you. Besides the great mental health benefits that walking has, you can also give yourself some time to simply stop and smell the roses and to enjoy the flora and fauna in your area. 

10 – A Fun Beach/Lake Day Under the Sun!

Lilly Pulitzer once said: “be the sunshine.” Why not channel your inner Lilly Pulitzer and spend a say soaking up some Vitamin C in the sun with a day on the water?! Beaches and lakes are excellent ways to spread out and social distance with a group of people, while still having a good time! I’ve been to the beach a few times this summer, and I have not felt nervous each time I went, as every group distances themselves from every other group. One suggestion I have when going to any beach is to wear a mask on your way from your car to the beach and back, as you will potentially be around more people as you do so. In fact, some boardwalks in certain states, such as Delaware where my beach house is, require masks on the boardwalk. However, you are free to take your mask off when you arrive at your spot in the sand to sunbathe and enjoy the water. Whether going by yourself or with a group, I 10/10 highly recommend a beach or lake day with your gal pals!

11 – Grab Your Smiles for an Outdoor Photoshoot!

Who doesn’t love a photoshoot?! I know I don’t! Social distancing has made us think and get creative when it comes to ways to hang out in general with others, however, you cannot discount the photoshoot favorite. Luckily, pretty much every college city/town has a variety of places outdoors where you and your crew can go and get some cute pictures. Is there a mural that you’ve always wanted to check out or a park?! Why not start there! As for a photographer, there is never anything wrong with getting your crew to use their phones to take the photos or even a friend with a camera. Another great option would be to get a classmate of yours who has a photography business and help support them, but only if your group is willing and able to pay for their services. As for masks, it may be fun to show off some of your cute masks in your wardrobe or go without them for a photo or two. Whether or not you and your group decide to model your outfits in your masks or take them off only for photos (either way I highly suggest if you do choose to take your mask off to ONLY do it for the photo opp), you can sure make for a fun day!

BONUS – Cheers to a Vineyard/Beer Garden!

You heard me right: vineyards and beer gardens make for excellent social distancing grounds! I’ve been to a few vineyards and beer gardens this summer and found that people are pretty good at social distancing there. That being said, each is a great place to have a social distanced cocktail hour (that is if you’re 21+). Outdoor venues, especially for vineyards, can be super fun and they usually offer plenty of gorgeous views for photos as well. Both beer gardens and vineyards typically have an upbeat atmosphere, making them a great place to let loose a bit as well. I say cheers to that!

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically shifted our world especially when it comes to the social aspect, there are still many ways that we can still see our friends and family in-person. Personally, I see the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to get creative about ways that we can still have a good time yet maintain social distance. Hopefully, I have helped give you some suggestions of ways that you can still get together with your crew soon. While social distancing may still be suggested, socializing and gathering with others is never cancelled.

XOXO Katie <3

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