Although scattered around the world, there is a common thread tying Marist Students together during this period of uncertainty. All with significantly more free time, Marist students are taking on creative pursuits, watching binge-worthy TV shows like “Tiger King,” and using this opportunity to be with family. Students share how they are adjusting to their new lives and how COVID-19 is impacting their homes.

Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

In a little beach town in New Zealand, Shinae Carrrington ‘23 is soaking up the sun. The seasons are reversed down there, so Carrington wants to enjoy the warmth before winter hits. She’s also exercising frequently, bringing her family along. “I have rallied my family to workout with me everyday, which they claim to hate, but I think they secretly like it. Why else do they keep coming?” Another source of daily activity is friendly games of badminton between Carrington and her brother, and their parents. As for New Zealand, they are working hard like most countries to battle the pandemic. The country is on a 28-day lockdown and Carrington believes most individuals are taking orders seriously and staying home.

Ines Soares has been spending her time at home in Madrid baking new recipes. Source: Soares

Madrid, Spain

Ines Soares ‘21 has not left her home in weeks. “I’ve been in Madrid since March 14 and I haven’t left since the day I landed. It’s really bad here, with a max emergency level. Police are outside and no one can leave the house,” she said. As a result of this time inside, Soares has felt inspired to watercolor, which she hasn’t done in years. She’s also working out, cooking and binge watching the new season of “Money Heist” with her family.

London, England

Across the pond in England, Kian Yazdi ‘22 is adjusting to a new routine. As a Marist College tennis player, he’s used to practicing and playing regularly. Due to lockdowns in London, he is unable to continue his rigorous training schedule. Yazdi is still exercising through cycling and running, but only for an hour each day. “I’ve probably gotten the most sleep I’ve ever gotten in my life,” he said. With more time, Yazdi is also learning a new instrument. “I bought a guitar off of Amazon, so hopefully I could be the next Ed Sheeran.” Yazdi, like many students, is searching for signs of change and answers. “I always have the news on TV. I always hope I wake up and there’s good news. I guess we’re all still waiting for that day.”

In early April, the streets in London are eerie and barren. Source: Kian Yazdi

Maui, Hawai’i

As the most isolated islands on Earth, Morena Kordei ‘22 feels it is incredibly important for adults and students to be made aware of what Hawaii and similar tourist destinations are going through. “People think that since they have a timeshare here, they can move their families to Hawaii and wait the quarantine out here. This takes away resources from so many local families that actually need it. This isn’t a time for vacation,” Kordei said. Similar to the rest of the US, Hawai’i is taking action to flatten the curve of COVID-19 by implementing stay-at-home mandates. Flights are also restricted to the islands and the state requires a mandatory 14-day quarantine after arriving. Kordei said, “I’m proud that our state government has taken early precautions because unlike other states, we have way less cases.”

San Francisco, California

In California, some grocery stores aren’t experiencing toilet paper shortages but instead don’t have enough flour and baking supplies. Along with many Instagram bread-bakers, Caytie Judy ‘21 caught the baker’s thumb. Together with her mom, Judy fills the day baking bread and trying new recipes. In addition to making dough, Judy is spending time with her mom watching “The Handmaid's Tale.” They find it has been crucial to pace themselves because they don’t want to finish too quickly. “As difficult and crazy as this time is, I’m thankful to be able to spend time with my family that I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten!”

Chicago, Illinois

“I’ve been really interested in the lives of big cats,” Erin Connolly ‘21 said. Like most Netflix users, Connolly joined the “Tiger King” craze. The series is a well-needed distraction in a time of social distancing and stay-at-home mandates. Aside from watching big cats, Connolly is also staying busy by participating in virtual yoga classes through livestreams on Instagram. As for Chicago, Connolly said the situation is not as critical as New York, however cases are expected to significantly increase in the upcoming weeks. A seamstress in a nearby town from Connolly is sewing facemasks for free. “I thought this was amazing, so I went and got some for my family,” Connolly said. “I’m just trying to keep a daily routine and do my part in keeping my family and the people around me safe.”

Rutherford, New Jersey

John Sasso ‘20 was teaching on O’ahu, Hawai’i in the education attachment program, when the state closed all public schools because of COVID-19. However, he is continuing to teach regardless of this obstacle. “Before spring break, I was teaching a seventh grade math class and after I was supposed to teach a ninth grade algebra class. However, I’ve been in constant contact with the mentor-teacher I was going to be with. I’m helping him make online assignments for the students,” Sasso said. “I actually made two assignments on analyzing data and creating graphs related to the spread of the coronavirus in New York compared to the spread in Hawai’i.”

Long Island, New York

Between yoga, biking, and cooking, Amanda Lauro ‘21 is allowing herself time to finally relax and binge watch “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Tiger King” guilt-free. “I’ve been trying to take this really unusual circumstance as an opportunity to be somewhat productive. I’m always wishing I had more time on my hands and now I have tons of it.” Lauro has embarked on a 30-day yoga challenge through the YouTube channel, Yoga with Adrienne. By practicing yoga, Lauro is able to ease anxious energy and keep her body moving. She is also finding satisfaction in preparing the recipes she never had time to cook. So far, her best dish has been a chickpea pasta from Bon Appetit, which her family loved.

Nyack, New York

An hour south from Marist College in Nyack, Devon Marinello ‘21 is approaching life with a positive outlook. “Life is definitely different compared to the old days but a good thing I can see is that people are coming together as one to get through pandemic.” Marinello is taking it one day at a time and keeping it simple by watching television classics like “The Office” and playing with his dogs. On sunny days, Marinello gets out of his house for a bike ride or run. “When it’s a nice day out, I always see smiles and happy faces from people riding their bikes or walking. It’s always good to see that these days.”

Confinement Chronicles: Students Share Stories from their Homes Around the World