Being isolated at home away from friends means many things: possibly staying in bed all day, watching Netflix or finally learning that language you always wanted to speak fluently. For many students, though, the stay-at-home order has provided an opportunity to use creativity as an avenue to stay close with loved ones.

Bella Young, sophomore, has been making friendship bracelets since Lab went on early spring break March 13. She learned how to make bracelets at camp and now works on them with her older sister, Willow.

“We were bored so we figured it was a way to pass time,” Bella said. 

Though Bella started making bracelets to fill time at home, she said now she makes them to feel closer to the friends she can’t be with now. 

“I’m thinking about them when I’m making their bracelets,” Bella explained. “It also gives me something to look forward to because I can give them to them when I can see them again.” 

Jasmine Tan, junior, uses her extra free time now to paint. She recently started a painting series that featured her take on the five stages of grief. 

“I thought it was an interesting way to show expression,” Jasmine said. 

Additionally, Jasmine does 3D modeling and digital design, which helps her cope with stress a lot. All her work that she doesn’t paint is available to buy on her website. 

“I sell my designs, but my paintings are a hobby,” Jasmine said. “I made some COVID-19 designs to raise money for the Comer Children’s Hospital.” 

Ava Wilson, senior, learned to bake after watching her mom cook. She now spends her free time at home baking cakes, but decorating the cakes is where Ava truly thrives.

“My mom’s boyfriend is a professional chef, and sometimes he helps me plan out decorations and explains stuff to me,” Ava said. 

A couple summers ago, Ava took a week long cake-decorating class, which is when she started getting really into baking. During this time of uncertainty, Ava uses her skills in the kitchen to remember all the things she loves about being home. 

Ava said, “My mom is really into cooking and she is good at it so that kind of inspired me.”