In one of the most polarizing elections in their modern history, the people of Brazil elected Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to be the next president of Brazil, defeating the incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. While there were numerous important issues at stake in this election, perhaps the most dramatic was the fate of the Amazon rainforest. That’s right, the future of the 2.587 million square miles of temperate forest that covers 40% of South America came down to whether or not one baby boomer was elected over the other. How did this happen? What would’ve happened if the other guy had won? How do you prevent the extraction of resources and deforestation of the “Mother Earth’s lungs” when the person in charge values quick profits over clean air? 

While we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief over this close call, our concerns can’t be put to rest just yet. Lula is only guaranteed president for the full length of his 4-year term, and so is the fate of the rainforest. If Bolsonaro– or worse, a new presidential candidate seduced by the quick profits that come as a result of extractivism— were to run, they could very easily reverse the progress made in protecting the forest. It doesn’t matter how many trees you grow today; they can always be cut down tomorrow. As such, this dilemma clearly demonstrates a need for some sort of code that rises above whomever is voted into power. Before you doubt me for believing in something that can’t exist, I urge you to read further. The ailment for this problem has already been thought of and tried for the first time in Ecuador. 

In 2008, Ecuador became the first country to give nature its own rights protected by the country’s constitution. On paper this seems like the solution to climate change caused by people; climate disasters and negligence towards them can be challenged in court. As promising as this legal theory is, it is still just that: a legal theory.  

The first lawsuit in Ecuador that used the Rights of Nature Provision as legal precedent was filed by the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) against a construction company that was dumping debris into a river. The river won the case, and the company was tasked with fulfilling a list of reparations including but not limited to presenting studies that show the environmental impact of the project as well as a plan to correct the damage done, implementing corrective measures, and creating a delegation to track the ruling.  

The company never provided any studies or plans. GARN alleges that the only compliance the company exhibited was shown by the placement of signs at the construction site and a “superficial” cleaning of the river. Apart from that, construction continued as usual.  

Cases that make their standing on the Rights of Nature tend to be very hit or miss and even when they do hit, the consequences amount to little more than a slap on the wrist. While I feel this idea is a step in the right direction, it still doesn’t adequately address impacts on the environment on the scale necessary for such an urgent issue. The Rights of Nature doesn’t guarantee that climate injustice will be challenged at every instance. All it guarantees is the opportunity to challenge climate injustice, and even with that a court case still needs to be fought and won for any kind of solution to be enacted. The ideal plan to deal with human induced climate change needs to ensure that all injustices will be confronted and reversed. The theory of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) shines in many places where the Rights of Nature does not. 

Indigenous people manage only about 20% of the world’s land, however this land makes up for 80% of the Earth’s biodiversity, according to a figure provided by conservation.org. With this in mind, FPIC proposes that prior to any activity the consent of Indigenous people must be obtained freely, without threats or bribes,with sufficient time for consideration, and with information that gives a full picture of the proposed activity that is presented in a way that can be understood by the community. FPIC is the kind of broad, sweeping policy we need to properly address climate change caused by humans. If more countries from North America to South America adopted the FPIC policy, then there is no telling how much environmental damage could be reversed. Not only is this policy effective, but it also serves as an important step towards recognizing the humanity of a group that has been disadvantaged for centuries. I’m not saying the FPIC policy will reverse or even “fix” the countless horrors endured by indigenous people, but I see it as the bare minimum.  

These injustices are closer to home than you may think. As recently as June 2021, the Delaware Lenape Tribe is challenged by the contamination of local waterways due to overproduction of agricultural products, according to an article published by the Cape Gazette. The Lenape community was forced to partner with advocacy groups to make up for their lack of political sway. 

If the United States or even the state of Delaware adopted a policy that contained the principles outlined by FPIC then the plight of the Lenape community could be properly addressed or even prevented entirely. The struggle of the Lenape isn’t unique. Up and down the North American and South American continents you will hear the same story. There is clearly a pattern, so what are we going to do about it? 

Negative campaigns have been around for ages. “Mudslinging” is an musing word for negative campaigning, although I’m sure back in the day our leaders would throw a literal mudball at each other now and then.  

In the United States, the first election to be marked with a notable amount of negative campaigning was the presidential election of 1828, a rematch between Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams. Supporters of Adams marked Jackson as an adulterer because his wife, Rachel Jackson (née Donelson) had not finalized her divorce with her first husband, Lewis Robards, a prosperous Kentucky planter. Perhaps she had reservations about her marriage to Jackson. (I know I would.) Anyway, Adams’ supporters continued to ridicule Rachel’s marriage status throughout the campaign. A few weeks before his inauguration, it was reported that the accumulated stress from all the mockery incurred the wrath of her heart problems and she died.  

However, if you think it was bad in 1828, negative campaigning is considerably harsh today. Thanks to the advent of social media, it is now a 24-hour long ordeal. With the amount of likes, shares and overall engagement, these smear ads get, they simply don’t disappear from users’ feeds. There’s a good chance you’ve seen a negative campaign ad for the upcoming Pennsylvania elections before watching a YouTube video or in your Instagram feed. So, why do politicians mudsling their opponents instead of telling voters while they disagree with the other side? The truth is negative messages stick and positive ones don’t. 

This phenomenon has to do with negative bias. Negative bias, or negativity bias has to do with our “propensity to attend to, learn from, and use negative information far more than positive information.” Some researchers say negative bias is an evolutionary tactic our early human ancestors used to survive. I’d say politicians want us all to be grumpy pants. Take a recent attack ad posted on John Fetterman’s YouTube channel comparing Dr. Mehmet Oz to Dr. Nick, a bizarre doctor character from The Simpsons. The ad fails to tell us anything concrete about Fetterman’s or Dr. Oz’s positions on any issues, related to healthcare or the pharmaceutical industry or not. What the ad does succeed at is conveying how Dr. Oz is untrustworthy and not fit for the role as a senator. It creates for voters a negative perception of Dr. Oz as a professional as well as a personality and icon. What a blow! To us it may be incredibly funny, but to Dr. Oz and his campaign it’s as if Fetterman slugged him in the nose. 

The methodology behind the types of negative campaign ads we get on social media had to do with psychographic targeting. Psychographics are typically used by companies in order to make inferences on things they think you would like to buy. No wonder I have a nonstop outpouring of ads trying to sell me discount books, lavender scented Febreze, and My Chemical Romance posters (I swear on the vocals of Gerard Way I searched for My Chemical Romance posters once on Etsy like two years ago…)  

On social media, psychographic targeting sends certain messages to individual users based on their online behavior—your algorithms used to appeal to you. These messages are filtered through characteristics such as personality, values, beliefs, lifestyle, attitudes, demographics of the user, and interests, which have been dominant in ascertaining the political ideology users’ most identify with. For example, most of the time before I watch a YouTube video, nine out of ten times I’ll get an ad by John Fetterman’s campaign either praising him or mercilessly attacking Dr. Oz. This could be due to the fact that most of the videos I like and channels I’m subscribed to hold a liberal leaning bias. Of course, causation doesn’t always equal correlation. Based on a study done in 2013 where researchers analyzed 58,000 Facebook users’ likes, it was possible to determine which side of the political spectrum they landed on.

So, now you may be asking: how do these things affect the upcoming Pennsylvania elections on November 8? Well, the impacts of psychographic targeting, negative bias, and negative campaigning has already impacted the decision for who we vote for. Most of us probably know who we are voting for without researching our candidates’ positions on certain issues. Should we take what they say in these ads for granted? If you have time, I encourage you to read Christian DeBrady’s article in the News section of The Triangle, “Key Dynamics of PA Senate Race”, as the article provides information that isn’t based on pundit commentary. Negative campaigning through social media or on any other form of mass media should never be a reliable source for information. It’s best to watch out for the puddle, but not step in it and make a splash on your way to the voting booths.

Every time I keep pushing for voter engagement efforts on campus, I’m often met with the common pushback from staff, faculty and even residents:

“College students could care less about today’s politics.” “College students are just too lazy to go to the polls. Even if we provide them with all of these resources, what’s the point if they won’t ever use them?”“College students just have no idea what they’re voting for. Why encourage them to vote if they don’t know what they’re voting for?”

However, to dismiss college students as “disengaged” and “apathetic” to the current political climate erases the priorities, needs and goals that students have. Current issues on the ballot, such as reproductive rights, climate change and public safety, affect every young person. Whether we choose to engage with the government or not. As Connecticut State Senator Douglas McCrory, stated, “Young people aren’t dumb. If they find someone who [engages] them, who meets their needs, and speaks their language and speaks to their issues, who [makes] themselves available, they will come out and support them.”

To further call college students “lazy” eliminates the deep institutional barriers to voting that many of us face, especially if a student is a first-time voter. Current issues students face include understanding how to change the address to students’ dorms, using tools such as mail-in ballots and absentee ballots, and deciphering what candidates are on the ballot. Voting is a complex obstacle course designed to trip students up if students lack the time, the energy and the resources.

With a clear mission for effective voter turnout, the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) with continued support from administration, faculty, and community organizations championed efforts to close classes after 2PM on Election Day in 2020. In President John Fry’s announcement, “Drexel Closing Early On Election Day, November 3,” on September 24, 2020, President Fry provided clear, university-wide protocol on taking off time to vote. He wrote:

On November 3, 2020 — Election Day — the University will close at 2 p.m. to allow time for the Drexel community to vote. We ask that all faculty teaching courses that day please plan to teach asynchronously, if possible, and provide flexibility and support for students who may be working the polls.

The results of this policy proved to be powerful. 72% of students participated in the 2020 Presidential Election, and 83% of students on campus were registered to vote. Student turnout was so powerful that Drexel earned the university “Gold Seal Certification” from All in Democracy for gaining over 70% voter participation, an honor reserved for just over 200 universities across the country.

Despite the undeniable triumph of higher voter turnout, messaging about the university-wide half day remained more arbitrary in both 2021 and 2022. On October 26, 2021, far into Fall Quarter, President Fry, along with Helen Bowman, Provost Paul Jensen, and Dr. Subir Sahu, released a university-wide message, “Early Closing To Provide Extra Time To Vote On Election Day 2021”:

Thanks to the advocacy of the Undergraduate Student Government Association, the University will close at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2 to encourage voter turnout and in support of the USGA’s expanded efforts to make this a day of service. Although classes will not be canceled, faculty are encouraged to be flexible when possible. 

By creating an unclear policy sent late to faculty, professors and students were not given ample opportunity to prepare for a day off during the academic term. While this year the announcement was sent on October 5th, the messaging is the same. Placing the responsibility on individuals to work around the university’s requirements creates institutional barriers that prevent both Drexel students and faculty from voting.

Drexel is not alone in trying to turn election day into a university-wide holiday. A study done by Rutgers University found that 95% of students are more likely to vote if the University canceled classes on Election Day. Within the area, students report feeling the same sentiment of exclusion. As one student from Temple University writes, “One missed class may put professors and students one day behind. But a missed opportunity to vote could put this country decades behind.” Moreover, over 7,000 people petitioned the University of Pennsylvania to give its 41,000 employees time off on Election Day. Additionally, Penn Faculty Senate passed an October Resolution that recommends “all faculty and instructors to accommodate students engaging in election-related activities, like poll working, on Election Day.” 

Yet, despite clear student and faculty agreement for both policies, Penn administration was unable to accommodate students’ requests.

At Drexel University’s 2010 convocation, the newly instated President John Fry famously announced his commitment for Drexel to become “the most civically engaged university in the United States.” Voting is unequivocally one of the simplest and most effective ways to be civically engaged. By electing local to federal legislators, policymakers, and law enforcement, voting empowers Drexel students to help create long-term change over their undergraduate and graduate careers. Students are not “dumb,” “lazy” or “disengaged.” They just need to be given the time and resources to make it happen.

As USGA continues to fight for an election day off, in the meantime I call on all professors to:

1. Cancel class when possible
2. Have a flexible attendance policy (or an online option) for students who cannot attend class
3. Accept extensions for assignments due on Election Day.

And furthermore, I call on all clubs and organizations at Drexel to:

1. Ensure that all of the members who can vote are registered to vote.
2. Point to resources on where to vote at @DrexelVotes
3. Encourage all members to make a plan for how to vote this year.

The time to have election day off was yesterday, but the time to vote for your elected leaders is today.

Vivek Babu

Undergraduate Student Government Association

Drexel University

With the upcoming election, there is no better person to hear from than someone who is right in the middle of the action! Emily Briggs, a Communications Intern for the Shapiro for Pennsylvania Campaign, has been spending the last several weeks behind the scenes of the campaign gaining technical skills and seeing just how much hard work goes into a campaign. It’s been an exciting time for her to have this experience during a crucial Pennsylvania election, and I had the opportunity to ask her some questions!  

Q: Many of our readers are voting for the first time, what do you think is the best way to make sure you’re casting an informed vote? Any resources or tips? 
 A: Read up on both candidates, watch interviews from both, and check out other media to see what they have to say on issues that are important to you. Casting your vote is easy, you can do it in person or by mail, all options of voting are safe and secure. If you want to know more info about voting in PA, this link is specifically for first time voters and what to expect:  https://www.vote.pa.gov/Voting-in-PA/Pages/First-Time-Voters.aspx 

Q: Why is it important for college students to submit their ballots, go out to the polls, and remain civically engaged? 

A: The candidates who are on the ballot for governor, or any election, will represent the entire state. It is important for every Pennsylvanian (or student residing in PA) to submit their ballots and make their voices heard. Young people have a lot of power to make the changes they want to see for their country, and one of the easiest ways to be civically engaged is by voting. 

Q: Aside from voting, how can college students/young adults continue to remain civically engaged after an election is over or between election cycles? 

A: Voting is a great first step in becoming civically engaged, but after an election is over it is just as important to let your elected officials know what your thoughts are on policy and the decisions they are making. Call your elected officials, send them emails, go to rallies, talk to other college students and young adults about the issues that are important to you. There are an endless amount of ways to stay involved! 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about being civically engaged this Fall?  

A: Go out to vote November 8th! As young people it is important that we have a say in who represents us in Harrisburg, and as governor, Josh Shapiro will make sure to represent all Pennsylvanians. Doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, if you’re a Pennsylvanian Josh has your back! 

I couldn’t have said it better myself! Whether it’s your first-time voting or you’re a seasoned pro, I hope you take the time to check out the resource Emily provided, and I can’t wait to see you all rocking your “I Voted” stickers around campus! 

As I look back on my last four years at Drexel, I’m overwhelmed by the memories of engineering design classes, math recitations, physics lectures, endless lab reports, MATLAB programming projects and struggling to re-teach myself the “right-hand rule” every term. The life of a biomedical engineer at our university is filled with hardcore STEM classes, so I didn’t realize how badly I needed a break until I stepped into my Honors Seminar class earlier this term. A class on Philadelphia’s historic rowhomes made me realize the multidisciplinary education I’ve been longing for since freshman year.  

Multidisciplinary education provides students with a mental break from problem solving in a way they have always been used to by changing the perspective and introducing unfamiliar thought processes. As an engineering student, it’s easy for me to approach a problem in the same streamlined way I always have. Breaking away from that way of thinking can be difficult and pose challenges of its own but it forces me to think creatively and critically. The opportunity to collaborate and learn from people who aren’t exactly like you adds more perspectives to the table and widens your field of view. This holistic approach can even help you connect the dots between your area of expertise with subjects that once seemed completely different from yours, thus gaining a more well-rounded understanding of the matter.  

There are numerous ways to supplement your education to shape it into a multidisciplinary experience. Filling your general electives with introductory level classes in a subject area you’ve never touched on or find interesting may help you in your regular course load in many ways. Attending talks or lectures with professors whose research you find interesting, even if you don’t completely understand it, is a great way to spend a set amount of time exploring topics you normally don’t have the opportunity to learn about. Unfortunately, not all majors allow for multiple non-major related courses, so extracurriculars and outside organizations are another good way to explore different fields. For example, try writing for the university’s newspaper as an engineering major!  

Whether your plan of study between now and graduation is clearly mapped out or you are still figuring out what classes to take next term, try to spend a bit of time finding ways to incorporate a new class into the mix! While it may be daunting to step out of your comfort zone and take a course in a subject you may know little to nothing about, the benefits of a multidisciplinary education are totally worth it! 

Since my senior year at Drexel University is fast approaching, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my experiences on campus and the advice I’ve gotten over the years. Here’s a collection of my favorite tips and tricks to help you survive Drexel! 

1. As tempting as it is to send those DrexelNow emails straight to trash or the spam folder, always take the time to scroll down to the “Upcoming Events” section. There are tons of free and low- cost on-campus events including Bob Ross paint classes, movie nights and various sporting games hosted by organizations on campus. It’s a great way to hang out with friends outside of classes, as well as meet new people with common interests.  

2. Use this time before classes start to understand the layout of campus. With a couple years of online classes due to COVID, the transition from being away on co-op for 6 months, or just being new to campus, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with where your classes are located. Especially Main Building/Randell Hall/Curtis Hall, it’s truly a maze trying to find your way around there! 

3. Need a backdrop for an updated headshot, Instagram story, or just want a cute picture with friends? Look no further than the Bio Wall located in the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building (PISB). The lighting is fantastic, and as an added bonus you’ll be breathing in the cleanest air in Philly! A personal tip from me: I think the pictures turn out best when it’s a bit darker outside.  

4. If you’re missing your pup at home or want to instantly brighten your day, Lancaster Walk is the place to be! It’s filled with all the cute dogs that are sure to instantly melt your stress away. Grab some Saxby’s, sit out on the grass and enjoy the nice weather while it lasts! On the same note, keep an eye out for Drexel’s therapy dogs on campus and give them a follow on Instagram so you always know what they’re up to! 

5. Step out of your comfort zone and skip chain restaurants. There’s plenty of food trucks all over campus to try, each one unique in its own way. “Food Truck Alley,”, a side street right by Main Building, is filled with many cuisines to choose from and is conveniently located where most of our academic buildings are. There are also many trucks stationed on Market Street, perfect for when you’re walking back to the dorms from class and don’t feel like cooking that night. 

Whether you’re starting your freshman year, or have been here for a while, I hope these tips help you get your bearings and call Drexel your home!  

If you’re sticking around Philly this summer and looking for the perfect activity to unwind from a long day of classes or co-op, look no further! I’ve done all the research for you and compiled (what I’d like to think is) the best list of activities and events going on this July and August. 

Starting off with my museum lovers, over 30 of Philadelphia’s museums are offering free day passes as well as “pay as you wish” events. Admission tickets tend to be pricey on a normal day, so definitely take advantage of these summer perks and visit the many cultural institutions and museums the city has to offer. A special shoutout goes to the Franklin Institute and the recently opened Harry Potter: The Exhibition. It’s a completely interactive experience that immerses you in the books and movies where you have the opportunity to play a round of Quidditch, win points for your house and take a potions class! While there aren’t any discounts or free days for this exhibit, it’s not one to miss for the longtime Harry Potter fans. 

If you’re in need of a good laugh, Shakespeare in Clark Park is returning to West Philly at the end of July with an adaptation of a Shakespearean play, this time with a twist! It’s been prefaced to be more in tune with our current times, so I’m sure it’s an event to please many. Sticking with the theme of entertainment, Blackstar Film Festival will be holding events across the city for a week in August showcasing short films, documentaries, and features. There will also be over 70 outdoor movie screenings this summer held all over Philly. Grab a blanket, some snacks, your best friends and check out Cira Green, the Schuylkill Banks, Dilworth Park, the Mann Center and more for dates, times and screening information.   

To wrap up this quick summer guide, here are my top two “not to miss events” happening this summer! The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Park is unbeatable and a truly magical experience. It takes me right to the floating lantern scene in the Disney movie “Tangled.” There’s even a walk-through portion where you’re surrounded by lights depicting various animals and mythological creatures. Spruce Street Harbor Park is my personal favorite, and the best way to unwind after a long week! There are tons of hammocks, delicious treats and fun lawn games spaced throughout the waterfront boardwalk.  

Aside from all the activities and events I mentioned, Philly is filled with so much fun on literally every street. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re ready to spend the day in the sun or want an indoor escape! Hopefully this list gives you an insider look into just a few of the things Philly has to offer this summer.

Like every other Swiftie out there, I’m patiently awaiting the release of her next re-recorded album. So, to tide me over, I’ve compiled my top 13 Taylor Swift lyrics into a list I’m sure other fans can relate to!

“It feels like one of those nights we won’t be sleeping” (22, Red)

There are the good sleepless nights, like de-briefing with friends after a night out. But there are also the bad ones, like when you realize that the paper you’ve put off forever is due tomorrow.

“I’ve never heard silence quite this loud” (Story of Us, Fearless)

When the entire class has just given up on completing the weekly readings and the professor decides to cold-call students to answer the discussion questions.

“It’s a cruel summer” (Cruel Summer, Lover)

My heart goes out to all you fall/winter co-op students; it is most definitely a cruel summer trying to romanticize the endless amount of schoolwork you have to do.

“We’re all so tired of everything” (New Romantics, 1989)

Pretty self-explanatory—just a side-effect of the 10-week quarter system. Sometimes we even get tired of being tired. 

“You need to calm down, you’re being too loud” (You Need to Calm Down, Lover)

What goes through your brain when someone starts tapping their foot, munches on chips or sneezes just a little too loudly in the silent areas of the library.

“I was enchanted to meet you” (Enchanted, Speak Now)

To those roommates that were basically like extra siblings, the friends that were like family and the ridiculously smart lab partners that carried you the whole term…

“Are you ready for it” (Ready for It, Reputation)

Whether it’s the dreaded walk in the rain to class, the moment before the exam opens or standing at the front of the room to give your presentation, no, we are never ready for it. 

“Right where you left me” (Right Where You Left Me, Evermore)

A shout-out to your roommate, who left for class in the morning and came back hours later only to find that you haven’t moved from that comfy spot on your bed. 

“This dorm was once a madhouse” (Champagne Problems, Evermore)

It’s kind of scary to think about how many freshmen manage to pack themselves into a shoebox-sized dorm room on a Thursday night.

“I don’t know what I want, so don’t ask me” (A Place in This World, Taylor Swift)

The dreaded co-op interview question: “So, what are you hoping to gain from your next co-op experience?” Or even better: “Where do you see yourself after graduation?” 

“The more that you say, the less I know” (Willow, Evermore)

When you finally decide to speak up and ask a question in class, but the professor’s 10-minute long speech of an answer leaves you feeling more confused than before. 

“And I’m just like ‘damn, it’s 7 a.m.’” (You Need to Calm Down, Lover)

For those early morning automated Blackboard emails we get reminding us about assignments we definitely don’t want to start our day thinking about. 

“I had the time of my life fighting (as) dragons with you” (Long Live, Speak Now)

At the end of the day, despite all the complaining we may do, we’re absolutely lucky to be taking on the world as Drexel Dragons. 

Ever since the weather started to warm up, all I can think about is traveling and finally leaving this little bubble of suburban Pennsylvania I’ve been stuck in since March 2020. Many of us are now vaccinated against COVID-19, communities are developing immunity and certain regions are seeing a decrease in cases. However, we must still do our part to keep ourselves and others safe. I’ve compiled a quick list of tips and tricks to ensure that you are able to satisfy your wanderlust while following COVID-19 guidelines.

The CDC continues to push for diligent mask-wearing and staying six feet apart in social settings which is always important to keep in mind, whether you’re traveling or just meeting up with friends outside of your home. Double masking is also advised, specifically when you know you are going to enter a crowded area or take public transportation. Many people found it most comfortable to wear a surgical mask under a cloth mask for extra protection. As always washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap is vital, and avoid touching railings, buttons, and other surfaces if possible. By now most of these guidelines have become second nature to us after living life during a pandemic for over year, but a reminder never hurts!

One of the biggest tips I can pass to all of you would be to travel on slower days! Try to plan your travel for weekdays to limit the crowd you would otherwise encounter on weekend trips. Obviously, this is not always possible, but while classes are still remote, this may be the best time to plan a trip for a random Tuesday in the middle of the term.

I’ve always done this, but I have found it helpful to pack my own food and drinks when I’m away to save time and money. Now, it’s become even more helpful so I don’t have to worry about waiting in line with dozens of other people or entering a busy restaurant or store. Remember to always carry hand sanitizer and wipes to clean off tray tables, seats, hand rests and other surfaces you know have been used by people before you. While these areas are usually cleaned and maintained by staff, it’s okay to be extra cautious in these scenarios.

As the world slowly opens up with the positive data reported from vaccines, it’s our job to continue following the guidelines outlined for us and take the extra precautions. Hopefully you keep these suggestions and tips in mind when planning your upcoming trip!

I’d like to think that after a full year of quarantine, I’ve become an expert when it comes to virtual hangouts and connecting with friends from the comfort my own home. I hope that we never have to experience the quarantine lifestyle again, but these fun virtual activities will definitely stick around for a long time! I’ve decided to compile a few of my favorites to share, and hopefully you’ll be able to include these ideas during your next Zoom meet-up!

Recently, I’ve gotten most of my best ideas from Tiktok, and “Presentation Night” is a popular event that many friend groups have been hosting as a fun way to laugh the night away. Each friend shares a presentation on whatever they’re passionate about or call out members of the friend group. Presentations range from analyzing which friend best fits their zodiac sign description, ranking which early 2000s Disney Channel star you’d most likely party with, or comparing each phase of your life to a Taylor Swift song.

You’d be surprised how much fun it is to make and give a presentation, especially when you can talk about something you actually find entertaining! Kahoot has also become increasingly popular over the last year, and trivia about the most obscure topics can become super competitive, too. My friends and I have taken turns creating questions on random facts about ourselves and playing the pre-made games on our favorite movies and pop culture. It feels silly when planning something like this, but we always have a good time.

Sticking with the competition theme, Zoom makes it super easy to host and judge cooking and baking nights! I’m a huge fan of the Food Network, and I’ve spent so much time trying new recipes during quarantine. I’ve seen variations of cake and cookie decorating competitions, where everyone in the group is assigned a theme and a winner is picked based on whose final product best matches the concept.

I’ve also heard about virtual cooking classes; however, they usually require participants to sign up in advance and pay. An easy way to still take part in the fun is to take turns with your friends teaching everyone your favorite recipe. You can send out the ingredients in advance and pick a night where everyone “takes the class” at the same time. Plus, it’s a good way to make a homemade meal and enjoy dinner with your friends, even when you’re apart!

Movie nights are an obvious activity that most of us have taken advantage of, but it’s definitely worth mentioning! With Disney+, Netflix, Hulu and so many more streaming services, the options are endless. It may be a while until we can go back to the movie theaters, but I’ve gotten so used to watching tons of TV and movies on my laptop, with an endless pile of snacks and snuggled under a mountain of blankets.

Game nights are also a crowd favorite, and after being in quarantine for so long, many companies have become pros at creating platforms for virtual games. The PlayingCards website allows you to create a “room” for you and your friends to play any card game you want using the standard 52-card deck. Board games have also made their way to the virtual platform through the Pogo gaming site, where you can choose from tons of classic games, including Life, Monopoly and Clue. You can always resort to the nostalgic and timeless summer camp games of Truth or Dare or 20 Questions when all else fails!

While we may be leaving behind the most serious effects of the pandemic in the coming months, we may still need to continue with virtual hangouts and Zoom sessions until it’s safe to gather in person. Until then, I hope these ideas spice up the next time you catch up with your friends while stuck inside!