Loading

Making the best of a year in solitude

In a year that forced many businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues to close, millions of Americans turned to new hobbies to stay occupied while social distancing. While safeguarding the community, members of the Curry community picked up new hobbies to combat a year full of challenges.

Katie Weitbrecht '22

Hobby: Knitting
During the beginning of the pandemic, I dug up some knitting needles and yarn out of my closet and taught myself how to knit with YouTube videos. These new hobbies gave me something to do during the day and the satisfaction of knowing I accomplished something during a difficult time.

Bryan Foley '24

Hobby: Fishing
During the pandemic, I couldn’t meet up with friends to play baseball, and I used to fish a little bit so I figured I’d go out and social distance with a friend. Since then, I’ve gone to ponds all over my home town and it’s helped me get through the pandemic because I feel at peace when I fish, like I have no responsibility or worries.

Dr. Linda Tenofsky, Nursing

Hobbies: Baking and sewing
During the isolation of Covid I was able to combine my three hobbies of baking, sewing and knitting. Baking lots of bread, bagels, cookies, cakes was a treat for my neighborhood. I made many masks for Children's Hospital as well as scrub caps for many of our graduate nurses who I stay in touch with. Knitting I did for fun, but a local shop asked me to make baby hats for a Christmas sale.

Lexi Croteau '23

Hobby: Surfing
I’ve always loved the beach and thought surfing was so cool, so I figured since I had so much free time because of Covid, it would be a perfect time to learn. Surfing definitely kept me busy, and kept me in shape during this difficult time.

John Eagan, Marketing and Communications

Hobby: Puzzles
In the craziness of 2020, I found a lot of peace doing 1000+ piece puzzles with my son and daughter. It was always a welcome break from work, home-schooling and the never ending news cycle...and screens in general.

Jonathan Frank '23

Hobby: Listening to music
Listening to some of my favorite bands has helped me get through the pandemic by helping switch my mood. I have gone from feeling extremely depressed to feeling quite energetic and hopeful for the future.

Ashley Scolastico '20

Hobby: Playing guitar
Towards the beginning of the pandemic I lost my nana due to Covid. Playing guitar has helped me cope and heal during these difficult times. When words fail, music speaks.

Chris McKeon, Athletics

Hobby: Working out
Towards the end of 2020, my priority was to get my health back on track. In the new year, I’ve gotten a gym membership and have been eating healthier. I believe the combination of these two components will be vital to my health as we continue to navigate this pandemic.

Danny Grant '24

Hobby: Making music
I make all kinds of music such as electronic and rock. It has helped me through these tough times because music helps me express myself and my emotions.

John Taylor '23

Hobby: Gaming
Gaming has helped to keep me occupied through the pandemic. It also has given me the opportunity to connect with friends since we cannot meet face to face as we normally do.

Katie Helger '24

Hobby: Cooking
I’ve always wanted to spend time cooking meals for friends and family but never found the actual time! Quarantine definitely allowed me to take the time, watch videos, get a cookbook and learn how to make delicious meals!

Joanne Connolly, Center for Career Development

Hobby: Mini golf
My husband and I are very travel-y people, so being cooped up at home was very different for us because we’re so used to taking trips every few months. Aside from walks around town and the occasional outdoor-only day trip, we also played a LOT of mini golf.