How Elon Students are Staying Busy in Quarantine

Quarantine can be fun and these Elon students are here to prove just that. From creating new projects to experimenting with a new diet or sport, there is no better time to try something different. 

Having extra free time does not need to be synonymous with staying glued to your phone. Take this time as an opportunity to finally do some of the things you keep putting off but have always wanted to try. 

So if you’re bored in the house, need a break from studying or just feel like trying something new, here is the inspiration you need to stay busy in quarantine. 

Lana Caroleo is a senior who decided to spice up quarantine with a fun DIY activity. She and her friend tie-dyed loungewear and have the pics to prove it. 

“We tied up navy blue sweatpants and a sweatshirt and then used bleach to tie-dye it,” Caroleo said. “So many people have been tie-dying lately, so that’s where I got my inspiration.”

Tie-dying is a trendy activity that requires minimal effort and few supplies. Caroleo credits quarantine as the reason she decided to try the trendy project out for herself. 

“I never do fun activities like that normally,” Caroleo said. “But with all this time on my hands, I’ve needed to come up with new ways to have fun.”

For Caroleo, tie-dying was a success and is something she would do again. 

“It was so much fun and being able to wear it after is a huge reward,” Caroleo said. 

She does recommend being careful when it comes to tie-dying since there is risk involved. 

“When tie-dying, make sure you don’t wear anything you don’t want to get ruined, ”Caroleo said. “I sadly ruined a sweatshirt I love because of the bleach.”

Senior Connor Mathewson channeled his energy into golfing during quarantine and is reaping the benefits so far.

“I started golfing during quarantine because of how much free time I have,” Mathewson said. “I never used to golf much, and now I’m using this as a time to develop my golfing skills before I enter the corporate world.”

Mathewson plays about four times a week at Indian Valley Golf Course in Burlington, where playing nine holes costs $12, and playing 18 costs $20. 

“Typically I just play nine but I’ve gotten good enough that I’m starting to play 18 and enjoying it,” Mathewson said.

He is trying to make up for lost time during quarantine, since he never played golf growing up. 

“I never had the opportunity when I was younger, so I took the initiative to do it myself,” Mathewson said. “I think I’ll keep playing at home now as often as I can.”

Mathewson also played at Country Hills Golf Course in Gibsonville, but likes Indian Valley best since it’s affordable and nearby. 

“Indian Valley is cheap so it’s very busy, but you can get a tee time if you call the day before,” Mathewson said. “I always go as a foursome so it’s a fun way to hang out and get better at golf.”

Maris Kaplan is a senior who committed to the keto diet during quarantine and has been enjoying every bite. 

“I wanted to try something new because I’ve heard a lot of health benefits associated with the diet,” Kaplan said. “Quarantine inspired me to do this because I thought this would be the only time I would ever actually stick to a diet.”

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that helps your body become efficient at burning fat for energy. Sticking to the diet requires eliminating any foods high in carbs and consuming mostly meat, fish, eggs, avocadoes, and low-carb veggies. 

“It’s hard because it restricts your diet so much,” Kaplan said. “I love fruits and I really can’t eat them at all minus a few berries.”

Despite struggling with what she can eat, Kaplan is satisfied that she took this time to experiment with keto. 

“The initial benefits were definitely feeling much more energized than I normally do,” Kaplan said. “I had no bloating in the morning or throughout the day, and I felt less hungry during the day.”

She started the diet without establishing a time frame for when she would stop and is happy with her progress so far. 

“I’m proud of myself for committing to it and it’s definitely given me something to channel my energy into,” Kaplan said.