University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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The COV1D-19 pandemic changed the college experience. Socializing, staying involved and destressing was often difficult. However, for these gators, it was crucial to find an escape from months of fearing a pandemic, on election and school grades. Muntaha Islam, first-year undergraduate student, thought that taking time away from school was necessary for her personal development. 'I think we need to recognize that we are more than just a student and explore those other parts of ourselves that have nothing to do with UR' Islam said, 'it brings a sort of fulfillment When Islam wished to forget about school responsibilities, she said she spent time in a hammock in her garden. For her, the fall semester was especially difficult because of the stress of school and experiencing loss. 'COVID-19 has constructed a wall of anxiety around me as I have had relations pass away from the virus,' Islam said. Despite the hardships. Islam said she still found ways to keep herself happy. She dedicated time to painting, learning about her religion, reading and spending time with her siblings. She said COVID-19 even allowed her more time to do things she enjoys. 'Going for long bike rides has definitely been a quarantine highlight.' Islam said. 'I was not able to do that before COVID-19.1 have been polishing my interests, and I like how I have the time to really understand what I like and why I like them.' Mikaela De Gracia, second-year undergraduate student, made sure to prioritize taking time away from school. 'Detaching from typical college life once in a while allows me to relieve stress.' De Gracia said. Before COVID-19. De Gracia said her favorite place to go in Gainesville was Paynes Prairie.'tt's a great escape from campus and I love looking at how beautiful the stars are,' De Gracia said. Due to COVID-19, De Gracia remained in her hometown for the fall semester. She escaped from school by creating art on her iPad and seeing friends through Zoom. Kasey Park, first-year undergraduate student, said the fall semester felt monotonous 'It was important to break away from routine once in a while. Detaching from that and taking some time to do something in a different environment can maybe help you relax a little and destress,' Park said. Park's escape from school stress was exploring Gainesville. 'I really like going to Lake Alice or to go biking around downtown and exploring the different restaurants and things there.' Park said. 'They are great places to forget about schoolwork and the other stresses.' Another struggle for Kasey Park involved meeting new people, especially as an out-of-state student. She said she was able to meet people within her residence hall, but with many student organizations canceling in-person meetings she said she felt somewhat isolated. 'I've realized how much I took for granted I think.' Park said. 'Being social wasn't something I enjoyed necessarily but I honestly really miss it.' Wilting by Lucy Lonnigan Photography Submitted gators guide o . o . , , to escaping coma-It)

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The year threw the world many curveballs including event cancellations, campus shutdowns, election results and more. One curvebaii that affected people worldwide was the sudden passing of important figures such as Kobe Bryant. Naya Rivera Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Chadwick Boseman. Jordan Kahn, third-year undergraduate student, felt the impact of these beloved celebrities passing away '2020 has been hard overall.' Kahn said, 'so the death of these iconic celebrities definitely made it worse.' As these icons passed away mere months apart, fans all over the world personally mourned the losses while appreciating what these icons did for society. While Ruth Bader Ginsburg was opening doors and breaking ceilings for women, Kobe Bryant was breaking records and stunning crowds all over the nation. Naya Rivera gave LGBTQ+ representation on television screens and Chadwick Boseman had the strength to carry on filming intense movies while hiding his struggles with colon cancer from fans. Whether these losses were shocking or anticipated, the internet spread the news like wildfire. Big franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Marsel Cinematic Universe were quick to honor those lost. 'RBG was a very upsetting loss to me. especially with the political climate right now,' Ansley Diaz, first-year undergraduate student, said. 'We can't afford to lose someone so pivotal to human rights, but it was nice seeing so many different people honor her.' While the subject of loss is always a somber one. it was important for many to consider what these losses taught them and how they can grow from those lessons. Martin Vivas, fourth-year undergraduate student, said. 'Kobe Bryant's death taught me to enjoy life as best you can.' Writing by Kassandra Rodriguez Photography Compliments trom Jose Otero via Shutterstock