The past few weeks have been eye-opening, frustrating, confusing, and heartbreaking. Initially, I felt so stuck that I didn’t want to pick up a camera or a paintbrush and create anything.

I was so caught up in the moment of everything stopping that It was hard for me to think of how I could move forward. I had convinced myself to pick up my phone and take a few pictures that reflected and evoked my feelings at each moment.

I understand that we are living in a historical moment and I wanted to take part in documenting that. It hasn’t been easy to find motivation as an artist for me during this time, but having stepped away from these images and bringing them back again I see the story they each tell and for me that is the essence of this. Capturing the moments of happiness, anger, and confusion. These images reflect the various emotions I’ve felt throughout the last few weeks and allow me to reflect on my own emotional growth in this process.

In approaching this project, I was tempted to post photos from my four years at Bowdoin or from all of the places I have traveled throughout my life as these are opportunities I am grateful for and have missed since the shelter in place order began. However, looking back at the last 3 weeks I realized I have had countless moments of joy and beauty to appreciate amidst these circumstances. I decided to focus on these moments that have brought a smile to my face and realize the ways that the people *and dogs :)* around me have been contributing to my experience. These are the pictures that have mattered to me the most since being back at home!

The photo that most comprehensively captures my feeling of gratitude toward the people that have contributed to my life over the last few weeks is the 6^th. As I was walking along the beach, I saw this amazing rock compilation that someone had built. When I went to take a picture, either the original artist or one of the contributors told me I was not allowed to take a picture until I added an item. I think finding ways to collaborate and engage with others, even when we have to remain physically separated, is so important. This piece of art was not only enjoyed by many but also created by many.

Hey Everyone! I stayed on campus for the start of spring break so luckily, I was able to pack up all my stuff and head home to Seattle after Bowdoin kicked us out. I’m now staying with my family in Eastern Washington and have been going for a lot of walks to get exercise, clear my head, and reflect on this unique situation we’re all in. I thought I would share some of the photos I took on these walks of things that made me stop and think when I came across them. Admiring the little things I see on these walks has helped me find perspective and comfort in these times. I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe!

Life has changed drastically as a result of COVID-19. It’s crazy to think about what life was just a month ago. Now, we have to contemplate before leaving the house or touching elbows instead of embracing each other just to ensure that we’re not potentially exposing ourselves to anything.

Most of the images I posted encompass a lot of the things, people, and surroundings that my family and I have been praying for. My family is very religious, so we have been coming together a lot to pray for families who have lost people, medical providers, and the end of COVID-19. Some of these images are of my family gathered to pray.

Lastly, one of these photos is of my great-grandmother, who died a few years ago. She died at the age of 110! I have been thinking about her a lot. I wonder if she ever saw a pandemic like the one we’re experiencing and what how her encounter would have differed as a result of living in a period when technology was not as advanced while living in Nigeria.

These are just some of my thoughts and feelings I have been experiencing during this time and the people and surroundings in my life that bring some type of relief to our current state.

Hello everyone, it has been a chaotic couple of weeks. When Spring break began, I was in New York visiting someone when I got the news that Bowdoin would be kicking students out. My friend was also kicked out of his dorm and so I spent those days packing up his things and then my own. Everything has felt incredibly fast and slow at the same time.

I thought I would capture a couple of moments that represent daily life for me. I decided to isolate myself from my family just in case I came in contact with someone with COVID-19 while in New York. That was difficult for me especially in a time in which we all need someone, but I knew it was the right choice. Since then my days have consisted of online work and walks.

I am now back in East Boston, where I grew up and these walks have reminded me of how eerily silent it is. Occasionally you see another walker but either you or they cross the street to avoid any contact. I wanted to document leaving New York and coming back to Boston using my phone camera to document the feelings of isolation and how life has been changed in a short period of time. It is easy to feel alone without a routine but my family has helped with creating structure by having us all participate in making dinner which is something I wish I had taken a picture of. I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe!

Today marks two weeks since I have been home. I found myself under stress as my original spring break plans had taken a turn and I realized I had to return to Brunswick and collect my belongings. The reality seemed surreal, I was waiting for the spring air in Maine, the highlighting moments of our Bowdoin careers with my friends and so much more.

However, during this uncertain time I am thankful that I am able to be at home with my family. I have described the scene back home in the city as an extended winter. As we transition into spring, the days are still gloomy, temperatures are chilly and the only regular scene as I look out my window are dogs and their owners out for a stroll – because of worries of the virus. Only essential personnel are allowed to carryout their normal workdays. I worry because two of my family members, my dad and one of my sisters, are both essential workers.

I have tried to capture some of the moments with family and the stillness in the city I continue to notice since the governor and mayor announced the shelter in place order two weeks ago.

I have an opportunity to reflect when I am out in the neighborhood walking Clinton. There are signs spring is on the way. I hear the birds chirping, the squirrels wrestling, the trees bulbing and earthworms wiggling. All these remind me to keep a positive attitude and with time, as the flowers will bloom, we will also get through this pandemic.

While my life has changed dramatically due to the presence of COVID-19, my surroundings have changed little, because the stay home order was only issued today for South Carolina. It will be interesting to see how this impacts my surroundings more in the next few days and weeks. The only noticeable difference has been restaurants converting to take-out and very little interaction with people other than my family.

This makes it somewhat interesting when approaching the change with photography. For my project, I wanted to capture my surroundings and what I’ve been doing to get outside and remain active. I still have the privilege of being able to go for walks and bike rides and I wanted to take photographs of most of the trails I have been going on. The trails are always quiet and I rarely see people which makes them a great way to get out of the house and stay socially distant.