By Kiana Dulan | Staff Writer
Weʻre almost a week into the quarantine with not much to do except for keeping up with our classes or surfing. What else is possible? Well with less time outside, now is the perfect opportunity to focus on more important matters.
@hawaiiupdates808 provides an infographic about COVID-19 on Hawai‘i island used for Councilman Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder.
1. Realize that we might have a yearly coronavirus season and stay informed.
With the new stay-at-home order in the city and county of Honolulu, we’re starting to gradually flatten the curve. However, this is no excuse for neglecting to stay informed. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaiʻi Department of Health are credible sources to stay updated on the latest news, but if you want to keep posted through your Instagram feed, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green (@ltgovjoshgreen) posts daily videos and @hawaiiupdates808 is an anonymous account that provides digestible infographics from multiple credible sources.
2. Brush up on your survival skills.
It’s time to learn how to survive without reliance on shipped products from the mainland. Maybe pick up hunting or spearfishing. Start a garden, or if you’re feeling up to the job, a hydroponics system. Having your own food source is not only convenient, but it can help you save money and avoid the cramped grocery stores.
3. Use that unemployment check to support local.
Our local economy (without any reliance on tourism) is what we need to support more than ever. Go to your local farmers market. The closest one to KCC is the Kakaʻako Farmers Market at Ward, which is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Options to have local produce delivered to you are also available through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes, which is a subscription for local food products.
A doodle portraying the revolutionary act of gardening. (Photo courtesy by @disorganizedjoy)
4. Check in on the local politics.
Posting about the latest controversial issues on your Instagram story may seem productive, but there are ways to actively act against these issues. Submit testimony on the Honolulu City Council website. Follow the news and accounts such as the Hawai‘i Youth Climate Coalition (ig: @thehycc) or the local Sunrise Movement chapter (ig: @sunrisemvmthnl) for the latest on climate action. The primary election already passed, and the general election is coming up on Nov. 3. If you need any help, Hoʻohuli.org is a youth-led voter guide for concise research on the upcoming mayoral and prosecuting attorney candidates.
5. Unlearn your internal biases.
Simply submitting testimony is not enough. We all have internalized biases that our culture and society have taught us since we were children. When you’re “triggered” by something, ask yourself why and flow down the rabbit hole from there. Unlearning habits can seem like a chore to take care of, but as long as you’re aware and heal from any trauma, then that can make even more of a difference than posting a black square on your Instagram page.
6. Invest in some self-care time.
Doing all of the aforementioned can be stressful. Worrying about an uncertain future is not a great use of time, so instead, turn your cell phone off, take a walk, enjoy the sunset, and appreciate life. It can be hard to divide work or school from home when work and school is at home, so take necessary breaks every now and then to give your mind a rest from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
7. Don’t just keep up with your classes, actively participate in them.
Zoom meetings and Padlet discussions are now the new norm. It might take some getting used to, but our teachers are putting so much effort to adapt to this new teaching style, so we must follow suit. There are so many ways to have an enjoyable semester, even if it’s not with the usual college life.
8. Make new friends.
I know it can be lonely sometimes and making new friends can be difficult, but it’s certainly possible. Scrolling through all the posts on your discussion forums can certainly seem overwhelming, so maybe just look at a few that pique your interest. Strike a conversation. See if you can get their number.
9. Check up on your existing friends.
Making new friends may seem daunting, so say hello to the ones you already have. Just remember to wear masks and be mindful of social distancing. There are many ways to keep in contact without going outside as well. Maybe Facetime more and show your friends that hydroponics system you just installed.
10. Learn how to adult.
Learning how to budget and invest your money can be time-consuming, but gaining financial wellness is needed in the long run. Apps like Mint.com are helpful with tracking expenses and Robinhood can assist with financial investments. Tip: Learn how to cook and spend less money on takeout. When the quarantine is done, you could invite some friends over and show off your newfound cooking skills.
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