My 2020

The Covid-19 Pandemic has impacted the world in obvious ways - social distancing, wearing masks, and hoarding items like toilet paper. When the virus hit the United States, it grounded flights, closed businesses, and forced a lot of us to spend time inside. It was an erratic time that has made everyone evaluate their mental health and quality of life. As someone who was planning to graduate that Spring, I felt very stuck by leaving my friends and college town behind to return home.

At times it feels that 2020 has taken a lot from me, but I like to reflect on the positives that have happened during the quarantine. Here are a few moments I like to remind myself of when I remember those tough and uncertain days.

I graduated on time from the University of Miami.
I spent time with loved ones I probably would not have been able to had I not been relocated back to New York.
I tutored a student going through remote learning and created lesson plans to supplement what she was losing from a classroom setting.

EXPERIENCE

Sept. 2020 - March 2021

Hayfields Market and Cafe

Assistant Business Developer

Found safe and creative ways to increase business by executing socially distanced events.
Implemented a new reservation system that has created a more manageable and efficient work flow during the busiest days.
Designed a member's only experience for regular patrons that streamlined online orders and increased patron turnover.
Redesigned outdoor space and conceptualized promotional events that used resources previously unutilized.

June 2020 - Aug. 2020

Little Leaf Nursery

Counselor and Swim Instructor

Developed a socially distant summer camp which focused on outside exploration and personal growth.
Created swim programs and goals for individuals based on skill level and comfort in the water.
Responsible for 7 children aged 5 - 12 and facilitated group activities so that each child was present and included.

I not only have had opportunities to volunteer my time and experience to my community, but also the ability to try out several different areas of interest before I found work as a Marketing Coordinator at Galison.

I am interested in design and creative fields. Luckily, I had the opportunity to work for a local Interior Designer and assist her with daily tasks, join her for discussions with vendors, and was trusted to pick up home decor and samples for current projects. This role was exciting because there was always something new to do. One week I would be organizing fabric samples, helping to find the perfect match for a client. The next week I would be on sight, meeting with vendors to make sure the client's dreams and budget were being followed. The spontaneity of this role was exciting and something I look for in future careers.

I also had the opportunity to work with kids again. When I had an internship in 2015 I worked with a local elementary school and acted as a teacher's aide. In 2020, I was able to revisit this and work with a child in a 1:1 setting after she had 'virtual school'. The student was experiencing issues with math and reading, something she was being introduced to that year. It took a lot of creative angles to make learning fun, especially for a child who saw quarantine as an extended vacation. Today I am so proud of the progress she has made and love to hear all about the latest series she's reading.

While lockdown was chaotic time, I am thankful for what I was able to achieve despite all of the setbacks I faced. It was a unique experience to enter the job market under these circumstances, but at least it has given me a great talking point! I know that Covid-19 will forever be cemented in history as a world wide event and I feel lucky to have lived through it. I am proud to have emerged more resilient and prepared, for both the future and world dominating viruses.