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

Page 31 text:

Early March 2020 it became clear that nothing will be the same, but who knew for how long, it began with a two-week quarantine that continued for months. For students, maintaining a social life remained a challenge. With that, nightlife in college has changed tremendously. From wearing masks to a smaller capacity, longer lines, and the fear of catching COVID-19. going was seemingly not ideal. However, amidst the chaos, students still found ways to enjoy the nightlife in Gainesville. In a college community, nightlife is one of the main elements that bring students together. Despite COVID-19, bars and restaurants began reopening once Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, granted approval for full functioning bar capacity in September of 2020. ‘I only started engaging in nightlife after getting out of quarantine since I had immunity. I think the bar's reopening has been fun. I like having a nighttime social life, Jake Pugh, first year undergraduate student, said. 'I think having a thriving nightlife scene makes our school a far more relaxed and fun environment. It helps distract people from the issues plaguing our nation and local communities, he said. With social distancing restrictions implemented into campus lifestyles, for some, leaving their dorms to party seemed like the easiest way to meet new people and have a good time. 'Going out allows students to make new friends and meet people they may never have encountered on a Zoom. Although some see it as a risk, there are a variety of benefits that come with a lively nightlife to the economy, city, and overall student body. Rachael Carr first year undergraduate student, said. While many students overcame COVID-19, that did not mean they were entirely safe from the virus. Students who went home or visited family could not take as much of a chance as those who were staying on campus for the entire fall 2020 semester. 1 would love to go out with everyone, but I am trying to have my own and my family's best interests at heart. I don't think any bars should open in this current climate, but it's not surprising that bars in Florida are open. Brendan Kilgerman. first year undergraduate student, said. Nightlife was important for some of the 2020-2021 academic year students who yearned for social interaction during the pandemic. Face-to-face events had been limited for quite a while and. for many, were a part of gaining the typical full college experience. Even though there were risks of getting COVID-19, students still sought to return to a somewhat normal lifestyle, and going to bars was their break from reality. night life during a pandemic Writing and Photography by Natalie Tajoddino 21 Adult Photographed

Page 33 text:

elections and equity The 2020 general election between Democratic candidate. Joseph Biden. and Republican candidate Donald Trump took place on November 3 and caused an uproar throughout the nation. There was a major turnout of new. eligible voters with a mindset similar to that of Mary Ketcherside third-year undergraduate student: 'There were a lot of big decisions to be made, and I knew that I needed to be a part of it.' Ketcherside said. Newly educated voters made the choice to exercise their right as American citizens to cast their votes toward the candidate whom they believed would best lead the country during the uncertain times of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus pandemic altered how voting was done this year, with the (majority of eligible voters requesting mail-in-ballots rather than going to their precinct to vote. There was early voting at the Reitz Union, which was physically distanced and available to those who registered to vote in Alachua County. The many avenues available for voters to cast their ballots resulted in a major influx of votes which was remarkably greater than in previous years. The new rising generation of America. Generation Z. was eligible to vote during the election and held a major influence in the final results of the election. The election was a new experience for many young adults, who finally had a say in their future leaders, and were equally represented in the polls. When asked about how it felt to vote. Taylor McKinney, first-year undergraduate student said, 'It felt surreal, it was strange that during the midst of this year we had to stop and all come together to decide the next four years for our nation. I think it's amazing that we have the freedom to do this, we are lucky.' After the ballots from all fifty states were collected and counted, it was declared that Joseph Biden would be the next President of the United States. This was seen as a major win for America, and for women as his running mate Kamala Harris is the first woman Vice President of the United States. This is a major step toward equal representation in politics for women, and provides hope to the future children of America that no matter who you are you can achieve greatness. 'It's sad that it took until 2020 for this to happen, but I feel like it's setting the precedent for it to happen again. In the future. I hope to see politics not be predominantly run by men. with an equal voice being held by women.' Arielle Saddick third-year undergraduate student said. Writing by Emma Jroyor Photography Compliments Irom Tho Alligator